How to Wear Pleated Jeans? 15 Outfit Ideas with Styling Tips

Written by

Caz Jones

Fashion & Textiles Writer

Reviewed by

Olivia Davis

Senior Fashion Editor

Updated Apr 8, 2026

Pleated jeans are making a major comeback from their ’80s heyday, and they’re more versatile than you might think. These structured denim pieces can create surprisingly flattering silhouettes when styled correctly, offering a fresh alternative to standard straight-leg jeans.

The key to mastering pleated jeans lies in understanding how to balance proportions and embrace their unique texture. Whether you’re drawn to high-waisted paperbag styles or prefer subtle pleating details, these jeans can work for various occasions from casual weekends to elevated evening looks.

Styling Tips

Let’s get real for a second. Adding the odd pleat to jeans, which are already a difficult clothing item to size perfectly, can make things a tad more complicated. How do you rock them without adding unnecessary width or bulk to your frame? How do you wear them in a way that feels modern and trendy? Well, check out these five tips on wearing pleated jeans that should help you out.

If you have never worn pleated jeans before, but you are game to try them, start with a lowkey pair that doesn’t feel too showy. You’ll want to feel comfortable and like yourself while wearing them.

High-waist pleated jeans seem like the best option for most body shapes as the close fit around the waist ensures you get some semblance of a shapely figure. Paperbag style is also recommended as they will really cinch the waist and draw the focus up and in… even as those well-placed pleats add some extra roundness to your hip region.

Do’ & Donts

Do this

Choose high-waisted styles to define your waistline and create an hourglass silhouette

Tuck in fitted tops to balance the volume of pleats and maintain proportions

Add structured blazers to create visual balance between your upper and lower body

Wear heels or pointed shoes to elongate your legs and streamline the overall look

Avoid this

Pairing with oversized tops creates a boxy shape that overwhelms your frame

Choosing low-rise styles cuts your torso awkwardly and shortens your legs

Adding bulky accessories competes with the pleated texture and looks cluttered

Wearing chunky sneakers makes the look bottom-heavy and unbalanced

Pleated Jeans Outfit Ideas

#15. Alessandra Ambrosio’s Neutral Look

Right out the gate, we get a great idea of how celebrities are rocking their pleated jeans. Here Alessandra Ambrosio paired a super light-waist pair of pleated jeans with a thin, crewneck sweater, a pale brown belt (that perfectly matches her small crossbody purse), and some ankle booties. This low-key look is great for running errands or grabbing lunch with your girlfriends.

#14. With Flared Sleeves & Converse

This ensemble really gives an ’80s vibe with its wide stripes, cloudy jean wash, and Converse. But it has a decidedly modern feel from those flared sleeves to the neutral combo of gray and white (no garish colors to be seen). This is a great look that feels and looks good, perfect for weekend shenanigans, working from home, or having a casual day out with your significant other.

For more ways to style outfits with a pair of Converse, check ways to wear converse shoes.

#13. College Girl Style

Whether you are in college or a post-graduate (or you just like the college girl look), this ensemble is the perfect casual, comfy outfit you can wear no matter the day of the week. Start with your favorite white tee (can feature a logo or a phrase if you like it to) and tuck into a pair of high-waist, medium-wash jeans. This particular set of jeans have a very “mom jean” vibe going for them and we are here for it! Add an oversized, slouchy cardigan and your favorite pair of low-tops and you’ll have the look down easy-peasy.

#12. Runway-Ready

If you had any doubts about just how “in” these jeans are, check out how the runway is rocking them. While head-to-toe denim might not be your thing, this ensemble certainly gives us an idea of how to do it in a very modern way. A splash of color, some cool bishop sleeves, and some diamante sandals will keep the look fresh and fun.

#11. Wear them like Jennifer Lopez

Following trends becomes a lot easier when all the major fashion icons of the day are keeping us up to date. As is the case with Jennifer Lopez, who sported these paper bag style pleated jeans with a blouse-y button-down, Aviators, and white sneakers. She added some signature hoop earrings, a cool bracelet, and a chain-strap purse.

#10. With a Blazer and Boots

If you are looking to create a casual work look or a chic weekend ensemble, pairing pleated jeans with a blazer will do the job nicely. This outfit is great for cooler weather, with a button-down layered over a thin, frilled turtleneck. Add some sleek booties with a chunky heel and a large, neutral-colored purse. Finish off the look with some sunglasses and a pair of drop earrings.

#9. With a Crop Top and Sandals

You can’t really go wrong with a crop top these days. For that perfect grunge-style, ultra-casual look, pair it up with some faded pleated jeans, double-strap sandals, and a cute crossbody purse. Add some sunglasses to tie the look together.

1. Crop White Tee $24.99

2. Black Crossbody Purse $89.98

3. Pleated Trouser Jeans $69.97

4. Double Strap Sandals $13.88

#8. Matching Denim Outfit

With spring upon us, you might like trying a matching set or pairing a corset-style crop with some pleated, high-waist jeans as shown here by Olivia Culpo. If you like to be a little more covered up, add a light jacket or swap the top for something with a little more coverage. White jeels and pulled-back hair are all you need to tie this celebrity-style look together.

#7. Laidback Street-Style Leather Blazer

If you love a laidback, street-style look that can work as much for creative work meetings, coffee dates, and travel, this is the outfit you have been waiting for. From pleated boyfriend jeans to a loose leather blazer, this outfit is chic without trying too hard, comfy without looking sloppy, and just edgy enough to make you feel like a true icon while wearing it. It has all the elements we love and then some!

1. Black Leather Blazer $25.99

2. Black Tee Shirt $9.99

3. Free People Pleated Jeans $128

4. Sandal Heels $42.99

(similar)

#6. With a Wrap Top and Heels

With pleated jeans, you aren’t stuck with just blue denim. You have options! And these white pleated jeans (said to be a dead-ringer for Australian designer label Aje’s $295 palazzo pants) are one of the best. This elegant-chic look is great for date night, dinner parties, and other semi-dressy affairs. You can dress it up or play it down: either way, these pleated jeans are the bomb dot com.

Do check on the Most Comfortable Heels .

#5. With a Tucked-In Tank Top

These jeans are so cute, you won’t mind wearing them in summer (or you won’t mind as much!). We love the addition of a wide belt to really draw the eye in. Pair with a tucked-in tank or bodysuit and have fun coordinating pops of color into your look. Finish off the whole ensemble with some metallic gold heels, hoop earrings, and a mini crossbody purse.

#4. Ultra-Glam Style

Wondering if it’s possible to style an ultra-glamorous outfit with pleated jeans? The answer is a big fat YES. We are half in love with this whole look, from the cropped hair to the bell-shaped sleeves and the incredible gold heels. It’s all about the little details with this look: so a teeny, tiny braided belt for the waist, gold hoop earrings, and matching heels are must-haves. Go full glam with your makeup (if you like makeup, that is) and let your trendy jeans do all the talking.

Check out stunning ideas to style accessories with Short Hair!

#3. With a Cardigan & Mules

If you love a laidback London-girl vibe, this is the look for you. Perfect for feeling cute, even when you are staying at home or having a night in, this ensemble will have you feeling comfy, too. Ditch the tight-fitting tees for a soft v-neck cardigan and pair them up with some slouchy pleated jeans. Shoes are optional. If you aren’t feeling heels, try little white sneakers or some flat-heeled mules.

1. Soft Touch Cardigan $39.90

2. Mango Slouchy Jeans $59.99

3. Pointy Toe Mules $74.98

(similar)

#2. Gray Jeans with Pleated Hem

A less common type of pleated jean has the pleated hem as well… and you can see here how cute they look! This is a more close-fitting pair that doesn’t add too much bulk to the hip and thigh arena, which is perfect for petite gals. Pair up with a sleeveless mock-turtleneck top, loafers, and a big tote bag. You can throw together this outfit in less than five minutes, which gets big points in our book.