What the editor’s wearing: Pleated skirts

Spell Magazine Editor Jemima Cousins discovers her summer uniform and provides her style advice for nailing the pleated look.

Full disclosure: my summer wardrobe has always been a bit haphazard. The unpredictable British weather, my attitude of ‘why buy now, wait for the end of season sales’, plus not being much of a dress or skirt person, have all played a part to my lack of sunny days’ attire. However, all that has changed with the resurgence of fashion’s staple pleated skirts.

Summer style: Pleated skirts

Veering away from school uniform vibes (thank goodness), the style of the moment leans heavily towards chiffon midi skirts. My find from Monki ticks all the boxes for being light and floaty as well as weighty – which means you’re not losing out on the quality.

Summer style: Pleated skirts
Jemima Cousins - box braids
Summer style: embellished bag and bangles

For a casual flex I wore a basic crop top from & Other Stories paired with some of my favourite accessories. For variation, try wearing with a slogan tee and pointed heels. Or on cooler days, style with a biker jacket or knitted top, worn loose or tucked in.

3 pleated skirt looks

Try the look for yourself with our three pleated skirt outfits for every style personality. This versatile piece works for the office, holidays and dates – mix up your look with your choice of top, shoes and accessories to suit the occasion.

Give the green light

Green is such a fresh colour, and it works especially well for summer. Pair your green skirt with clean white pieces to emphasise that crispness, as well as fun accessories for a little bit of variety.

Oliver Bonas Crushed Pleated Skirt, £59.50
Oliver Bonas Crushed Pleated Skirt, £59.50
Jack Wills V Neck T-shirt, £20.95
Jack Wills V Neck T-shirt, £20.95
Kurt Geiger London Lane Love Trainers at Shoeaholics, £99
Kurt Geiger London Lane Love Trainers at Shoeaholics, £99
Roxanne Assoulin U-Tube Earrings at Net-A-Porter, £69
Roxanne Assoulin U-Tube Earrings at Net-A-Porter, £69

Good as gold

What colour better represents summer than gold? 10 years ago, this metallic shade might’ve come off as a little retro. However, 2020 trends dictate that gold is super up-to-date in any format: jewellery, make-up and, of course, fashion.

Next Pleated Skirt, £46
Next Pleated Skirt, £46
Primark Coral Cami, £4
Primark Coral Cami, £4
Miss Selfridge Red Stitch Block Heels, £32
Miss Selfridge Red Stitch Block Heels, £32
Cult Gaia Ark Micro Crossbody at Revolve, £192
Cult Gaia Ark Micro Crossbody at Revolve, £192

Black magic

Forever the classic colour, black can be worn to any occasion. In summer, stick to lightweight and/or sheer fabrics to combat heat absorption – although sweat doesn’t show up on black clothes, you’ll feel much better if your clothes aren’t soaking up the sun’s rays.

Dorothy Perkins Black Multi Spot Print Pleated Midi Skirt, £32
Dorothy Perkins Black Multi Spot Print Pleated Midi Skirt, £32
Topshop Merci T-shirt in Black, £14.99
Topshop Merci T-shirt in Black, £14.99
Seol + Gold Rainbow CZ Bracelet, £24.95
Seol + Gold Rainbow CZ Bracelet, £24.95
New Look Black Faux Croc Strappy Square Toe Sandals, £19.99
New Look Black Faux Croc Strappy Square Toe Sandals, £19.99

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