I’ve worn a few variations of this outfit in the past couple of weeks. A pleated maxi with sneakers is a failsafe outfit combination.
A pleated maxi (or midi) skirt is probably my favourite skirt style, not least because it lends itself to just about any style of flat or mid-height heel shoe. And in the winter, boots are their best friends.
This navy pleated maxi skirt* (or is it a “midaxi”?! I’m not kidding, I’ve seen some brands using that expression lately) has been my throw-it-on item since getting it last month. I won’t deny that an elasticated waistband is a godsend. No shame in that – even some maxis on Asos are elasticated (see picks below!) – they’re not just for old ladies. I say be comfortable and be done with it, I need to nurture my food babies with room to expand and grow!
Disclosure: This blog uses affiliate links (at no cost to you) and any items listed as* were gifted within the last 12 months. Full disclosure
SHOP THE LOOK:
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So yeah… you can’t go wrong with a pleated maxi and sneaks. Sneakers, trainers, tennis shoes, gutties – whatever you call them, they just look cool with a pleated maxi. Maybe it’s that contrast between feminine pleats and boyish sportswear? I’ve worn this skirt switched out with tops/t-shirts (this time it was a snakeskin print shirt*), different sneakers, with and without hats. I also wore it with my navy platform sandals as worn in this post.
And as for these sneaks…
The FatFace white sneakers* were sent to me to try a couple of months back – I accepted them because they’re sold as “sustainable sneaks” – made with 100% organic cotton uppers and FSC certified rubber soles, and I liked the off-white colour (makes a change from the starkness of my Stan Smiths) and the classic tennis shoe styling. However, after wearing them for a little while they did start to rub the back of both heels. FatFace needs to make the back softer and not come up into the heel at an angle so much to avoid that rubbing.
A little padding on the back of the heels would go a long way!
But top marks to them for making a sustainable shoe that doesn’t impact on the environment as much as other shoes/sneakers/trainers do. It’s also nice to feel your feet “breathing” as the uppers are cotton.
Do you do the maxi/midi/sneakers combo? And do you also throw caution to the Fashion Police’s wind and wear your elasticated waistbands with pride? Comment below…!
P.S. Do add your outfits to this week’s link up – and if you’ve added a link to here or my button to your post you may be featured in my bi-monthly Women Who Wear What They Like post!
Shirt: JD Williams (gifted)
Skirt: JD Williams (gifted)
Trainers: FatFace (gifted, more sizes available here)
Bag: Old (I like this one)
Hat: Debenhams
Earrings: Accessorize (love these)
OTHER PLEATED MIDI AND MAXI SKIRTS YOU MIGHT LIKE:
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Some days it just has to be an elasticated waistband for me! I love the snakeprint shirt knotted at the waist, it looks fab with the pleated skirt and white sneakers.
Emma xxx
Author
Elasticated waistbands FTW!!! 😉 Thanks Emma my lovely x
I love elasticized waists. There’s such freedom there. And this skirt looks wonderful, such an awesome colour. I think there was a stigma with elastic waists from old designs that were not particularly stylish. Not any more! Thanks for the linkup, Catherine.
Author
I think you’re right, Melanie… they’ve definitely improved over the years, haven’t they…?
What a cool look! You pull it off so well!
Author
aww thanks Mireille!
Totes agree C!
If I’m honest, I wasn’t a fan of sneakers until recently but we won’t go there 😉
Author
Haha I won’t ask, MT 😉
I love a skirt and sneakers combo…and an elastic waistband! You look fabulous!
Debbie
Author
Thanks so much Debbie xx
This is my favourite length. I haven’t ventured into the sneakers/trainers style yet, but, you have inspired me to take the plunge as I love, love this look. Oh, plus I’m a fan of an elasticated waist or some kind or lycra.
Alison xx
Author
My fave length too, Alison – let me know if you love the sneakers/skirt combo…! Thank you hon x
Super cute sneakers, Catherine! And that snakeskin blouse is on point. I have been wearing sneakers with maxi skirts and dresses quite often this summer myself. In fact, I just wore that combination yesterday. I love the feminine feeling with the twirly maxi skirt combined with the comfort of sneakers! Such a great look.
Shelbee
Author
Seems it’s a very popular look, Shelbee! Thanks hon x 🙂
Ooh I love that skirt you featured from ‘Never Fully Dressed’ Thanks Catherine. As always you look FABULOUS.
Author
Thank you Hilda – it was from JD Williams however, not NFD…! x
A pleated midi skirt and sneakers is one of my favorite combinations—absolutely love this outfit!
Cheryl Shops
Author
Thanks Cheryl – it just always works, doesn’t it?! x
I shared a pleated skirt today, too! Lol! I have to admit, that though I’ve styled them several ways, I haven’t yet worn sneakers with mine. Thanks for the motivation!
xx Darlene
Author
Pleasure, Darlene – funnily enough I haven’t really worn them with sneaks before this year, and now I’m seeing pleated skirts styled with sneakers by brands ALL the time!
Question: I bought two pleated skirts but have not worn them because I don’t know how to wash them. They are polyester, presumably like the ones pictured. Do I just throw them in the washer and then hang dry them? So the pleats stay in? Ir is there a specific way to wash these?
Author
No special way to wash them at all – Liz – the pleats will stay in 100%, don’t worry! I’ve got about 5 pleated skirts and I just always throw them in the washing machine on a cool wash, then hang to dry. Zero ironing required. I absolutely DETEST ironing, probably why I’m such a fan of pleated skirts!! x
Hello Catherine, the skirt is so pretty. I like the color of it. Your hat is my personal favorit!
XO Martina
Author
Thank you Martina – the hat is from the menswear section would you believe (I just bought a size Small)!
I love, love, love your outfit: the pleated skirt and the snake skin shirt, everything… and you look stunning.
Iris
Author
Oh Iris bless you, thank you! x
This is such a great look! I saw it a lot in Italy last month, too. You’re right about the contrast between the femininity of the pleats and the sporty sneaks. Maxis are challenge for me at 5’2″, but I’ve finally got ONE – moving forward!
Author
Oh that’s interesting about Italian women favouring this look, Mary Katherine! And as for maxis – if you shop for midis I guess they’ll probably be a maxi on you…? And thank you! x
You have definitely inspired me to wear sneakers with all of my pleated maxi skirts now. Such a wonderful look!
Author
Thanks so much Grace x
I love the look of pleated skirts and trainers. I need to find shorter pleated skirts to try this though. Can you imagine on me? that skirt would be hitting the floor! Height envy!
Author
Hehe only a little bit of scrapage on the floor, Laurie!! 😉
I guess knee-length skirts would be the right length for a midi for you…?
You forgot the Somerset ‘daps’ Catherine!
It’s a great outfit – and what a gorgeous rich navy blue colour. (If a skirt doesn’t have an elasticated waistband I won’t buy it!!)
Helen x
Author
Oh I did too, Helen! I’m sure there must be LOTS more words for sneaks out there!!
Thank you, and yay for elasticated waistbands 🙂
I join you with white sneakers! Are pleated skirt ever get out of fashion again? They are amazing! I ,,need,, some Golden and Brown ones this coming season!
Author
They’ve been around for a while now, Nancy haven’t they – about as long as I’ve been blogging I reckon, and they don’t seem to be going anywhere?!
I’m all over the pleated skirts .. live forever! I wore my gold jersey one yesterday, and have also spotted one in the F & F sale that I might have to buy (providing it’s still in-store!) Have a super week Hun. Jacqui Mummabstylish
Author
OOh I have a gold one too, Jacqui! Goes with everything! x
You’ve definitely influenced me Catherine with the #Iwillwearwhatilike . I actually tried a romper when before I would have never considered it!!
OXOX
Jodie
Author
Oooh that’s great to hear, Jodie! x
OMG dear Catherine, I have worn exactly the same look but with an aubergine skirt…
Love this look!
xoxo Yvonne
Author
Hehe great minds, Yvonne! Thank you hon x