The Skirt You Probably Wore In 2008 Is A New Season Hero Item

At this point, we’re not surprised by any Y2K trend that makes a resurgence. We’ve seen Kylie Jenner in baggy jeans, Bella Hadid wearing butterfly tops and hair clips, Mia Regan in cargo pants and Hailey Bieber making a case for the halter-neck dress. While these may be new to Gen Z, if you’re old enough to remember these from the first time round, Instagram and TikTok will be making you feel all kinds of nostalgic.

And we’ve spotted yet another throwback trend being worn by show-goers during fashion month: the box-pleat skirt. Often associated with school uniforms, we’re here to refresh your memory as to how they’ve been worn circa 2008 by the likes of Paris Hilton and Rihanna.

In 2008, Paris Hilton wore the pleated micro mini in red leather with knee-high boots, a vest top, a tartan belt and a tight-fitting biker jacket. We can confirm the short skirt is back, thanks to Miu Miu, but it’ll most likely be worn for 2023 with ballet pumps or socks and loafers.

2005: Rihanna ©Getty

Rihanna basically wore the outfit most of us would wear on a night out in 2005: a mini skirt, a nice top, peep-toe heels and a statement necklace.

The pleated mini skirt was the style du jour back then, and it’s well and truly back for 2023. Not keen on the mini? Fear not, as style insiders – including Alexa Chung – have backed slightly more modest iterations.

Alexa Chung at the JW Anderson autumn/winter 23 show in London ©Getty

Spotted during London Fashion Week at the JW Anderson show, Alexa wore a box-pleat navy knee-length skirt (Bella Hadid has also backed this formally ‘frumpy’ style). Worn with a logo T-shirt, strappy sandals and the label’s frog bag, the model made the look feel fresh this season. Granted, we may not all style it with said kitsch bag, but it’s proof you don’t have to keep the look tailored or the skirt uniformed for it to work.

Coi Leray at the JW Anderson autumn/winter 23 show in London ©Getty

Singer Coi Leray also attended the JW Anderson show, fully supporting the micro mini in a grey style worn with sporty socks, trainers and the brand’s dolphin vest. Trust us, you’ll see this top (and the dolphin bag) a lot for spring/summer 2023.

Tina Kunakey at the Miu Miu autumn/winter 2023 show in Paris ©Getty

Model Tina Kunakey was also spotted at fashion month, attending the Miu Miu autumn/winter 2023 showcase in Paris. What did she wear? A Miu Miu shirt and pleated skirt co-ord topped off with Mary Jane heels from sister brand, Prada. What a look!

Fashion month guest wearing pleated skirt over leather trousers ©Getty

Going for a triple trend hit, this street-styler wore her pleated skirt over trousers (another Y2K styling trick we’ve told you is making a comeback) with a bomber jacket. Which just so happens to be one of the key spring jacket styles, FYI.

Sold on the return of the box-pleat skirt? Us too. Luckily for us all, you’re guaranteed to find one to suit your budget from designers Gucci and Prada and high street brands including Zara, Mango and Weekday.

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CREDIT: weekday

Chocolate brown is having quite the moment. Get in on the colour trend with this mini skirt worn with a white vest top, socks and loafers.

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CREDIT: Weekday

If you want to bypass the micro mini trend, look to Weekday’s midi with side split. It’s very Alexa Chung.

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CREDIT: net a porter

This tennis style mini with cut-out detail looks amazing with the matching top, but it’ll look equally as good with a plain white tee and trainers.

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CREDIT: zara

Can’t decide between a mini and a midi? Zara has made your mind up for you with this hybrid style we spotted during fashion month.

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CREDIT: Cos

High street hero COS has jumped on the box-pleat skirt trend. Minimalists will no doubt be wearing this beige iteration with elevated basics.

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CREDIT: gucci

This knitted midi by Gucci just works so well with loafers and a vest or with a clashing knit for cooler days.

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CREDIT: Prada

Prada, along with Miu Miu, has put box pleats back on the map. This buckle style with iconic triangle logo is a beauty.

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CREDIT: Selfridges

It’s giving Avril Lavigne sk8er boi vibes, and considering the singer is also making a comeback for 2023, we’re not surprised we’re already seeing checked minis.

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CREDIT: Finery

For now, style with knee-high boots and a fine knit sweater and come spring, just wear with a tank top and chunky sandals.

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CREDIT: Maje

Paris Hilton went for red leather in 2008, and French brand Maje has bought back the style in black for 2023.