If you grew up during Britney Spears's " . . . Baby One More Time" stage [1], it's possible you had a thing for schoolgirl style. Pleated pieces filled your wardrobe, and you welcomed them as part of your rotation — until, of course, you phased out of it, much like you did with frosted lip gloss and butterfly clips.
But this season, pleats are back, receiving the adult makeover they so desperately needed. From metallic skirts that'll spruce up basic tops to breezy dresses you can shimmy into on Summer's hottest days, shop the updated aughts staple ahead. Then, check out another revamped childhood style you might want to revisit: ruffles [2].
Altuzarra Rosewood Pleated Top [3] ($795)
Eileen Fisher Pleat Wide Leg Crop Pants [4] ($178)
Sacai Cutout Striped Cotton-Poplin Dress [5] ($525)
Free People Women's Porter Dress [6] ($250)
Forever 21 Contemporary High-Neck Romper [7] ($25)
H&M Pleated Skirt [8] ($60)
Boohoo Avah Crepe Box Pleat Skater Skirt [9] ($14)
Tibi Strappy Pleat Top [10] ($275)
Edun Accordion Pleated Dress [11] ($1,250)
Ann Taylor Belted Pleated Skirt [12] ($129)
Factory Fold You So Pleated Dress [13] ($58)
MSGM Lace Asymmetric-Pleated Pencil Skirt [14] ($405)
ONE by PH5 Yasu Denim Dress [15] ($260)
ASOS Pleated Midi Dress in Crepe [16] ($65)
MM6 Maison Margiela Short-Sleeve Side-Pleat Top [17] ($345)
Super Drop-Waist Pleated Skirt in 120s Wool [18] ($168)
Michael Kors Pleated Top [19] ($70)
English Factory Combo Dress [20] ($75)
Topshop Stripe Hem Pleat Skirt [21] ($105)
Oh My Love Bette Davis Applique Flower Romper [22] ($89)
Vanessa Seward Pleated Shell [23] ($325)
A.L.C. Women's Gates Pleated Skirt-Gold [24] ($595)
Exclusive For Intermix Perris Cold Shoulder Pleated Blouse [25] ($225)
Halston Embellished Pleated Georgette Jumpsuit [26] ($595)
Lacoste Technical Contrast Waistband Pleated Skirt [27] ($95)
Y.A.S Aya Pleated Dress [28] ($94)
Oasis Colour Block Pleat Dress [29] ($105)
Clu Pleated Panel Sweatshirt [30] ($297)
Self-Portrait Pleated Cold Shoulder Gown [31] ($675)
Le Kilt For ASOS Zip Pleat Dress With Collar [32] ($128)
J.o.a. Pleated Skort [33] ($65)