Keep it MBAchic: styling the pleated skirt trend for the office

Any time we don’t know how to rock a new silhouette or trend, a neutral look is a solid bet. We can always count on Anh of 9to5chic to style a gorgeous neutral look, and this is no exception. Anh styled a Ralph Lauren skirt with a Sezane jacket and a Banana Republic sweater (her post with link is here). Love the hi-low mix as well!

Update: try this skirt from Nordstrom, or for a metallic pleated option, try this one by Weekend Max Mara or this one by Bella Dahl, and pair with this cashmere sweater by Mango, this Nordstom sweater or this one by Caslon.

This is a gorgeous look we found on Pinterest, but we are having an incredibly hard time finding the original source (please contact us if you track it down, or if this is your photo!).

Attribution issues aside, this look is stunning but 100% achievable. A simple boatneck sweater with a pleated skirt and leather belt are chic and polished and I can’t wait to try this one myself.

Update: try this similar skirt found at Nordstrom and pair with a sleek sweater like this Italic option at Nordstrom or this cashmere boatneck sweater by Quince.

I need this entire outfit. From the palette to the textures, this look is stylish while looking super comfortable to take you through a long day of work, meetings and after hours events. Victoria Latu of Talking Shop nailed. this. look.

Also, as mentioned on IG, blazers and jackets are a great way to mask some of the extra fabric that bunches at the hip on some of us when rocking a full skirt like this. Such a win-win, here!

Update: try this skirt from Nordstrom, or for a metallic pleated option, try this one or this one (excellent with a black sweater or turtleneck as we get closer to the holidays).

This rust color is popping up everywhere and I really love it for fall. I also love the structure the simple black blazer offers without being a mis-match. Really love this look by REISS; I would likely swap out the shoe for a classic pump for my office, but otherwise, really into this.

Update: this very similar option by Ann Taylor is a great transition piece as we shift to the new season, or try this Mango option on Zappos.

Again, we love a monochromatic look for work and this ensemble styled by Assa of @mycurvesandcurls is beautiful. From the rich plum tones (which we are clearly digging for fall), to the bell sleeve, this look is so good. Depending on your office vibe you can play around with your accessories (when I worked at my company’s London office, I’d totally rock the bootie, but when back in New York, I’d slip on a classic pump). Also I’m not sure my bag would *ever* be that tiny and chic but it’s definitely worth a shot.

Update: pleated midi skirts in this shade are showing up in different textures lately… try this faux leather option at Wolf & Badger or this faux leather version by Ann Taylor.

Loving these pleated skirts in different tones. This rich blue number seems like it might be an old White House Black Market find on Jamie Chung, but it’s still just as stylish today.

What I really love about this look (can totally see this in a more creative office) is the structured top worn over the skirt. Not every look is going to require you to tuck your shirt in, and the clean lines of this shirt allow you to wear it like this (and nicely masks some of that fabric that bunches at the hip on some of us). Love this look.

Update: this beautiful knit midi is by Emilia Wickstead, this dupe for the pictured midi is from Ann Taylor, this one is by Polo Ralph Lauren and you can try this one with a slight asymmetric hem detail for a more accessible version. Also these are more green but this faux leather midi is gorgeous and this Maison Margiela one is a steal at less than $150 – I have a very similar one else I’d have grabbed it already (the day is still young).

If you secure only one pleated skirt all season, this look by Elie Tahari is 100% achievable (update: try this similar skirt found at Nordstrom, or this Farfetch find). You’ve surely got the pieces in your closet, whatever color they are, and this slim, long blazer really brings this look up a few notches. Elegant but comfortable, and even if you needed to throw on a pair of hose for the colder weather, I’m sure you’d be able to wear this well into the fall season.

Here’s another great neutral look, this time by @JeanWang of Extra Petite. I love the details here, and could definitely wear this under a neutral blazer at work. Again, I’d probably swap out the footwear for a pump at the office, but tote those shoes for after work drinks or dinner. Such a classic look!

Update: for a metallic pleated option, try this one or this one