Oprah Is Persuading Us to Pick Up Pleated Pants and Skirts — and They’re Much Comfier Than Rigid Denim

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Getty (1)

Getty (1)

We’ve been pleading to the universe for some newfall pants that aren’t jeans— and we just got it.

For an event last week, Oprah slipped into what appears to be wide-leg pleated pants that, depending on the angle, could pass as a pleated skirt, which is a bit fancier than hereveryday cargo pants. They reached down to the floor and had a silver metallic sheen that matched the coordinating blazer she wore atop a$238 turtleneck bodysuit from Helsa.

Oprah is often seen in non-denim pants with an elegant flair, includingsatin wide-leg pairsandsatin cargo pants, which both look comfier than rigid jeans or thick trousers. As far as pleated styles go though,Kelly Clarksonwore ultra-wide leg pants earlier this year, while Oprahsported a dress with the stylish detailjust this past summer.

Paul Morigi/Getty

And since Oprah’s recent style also kind of looks like a skirt, note that she’s not alone:Kate MiddletonandSelena Gomezwore similar skirts in 2023. So, all in all? Celebs have flocked to styles with pleats two years in a row, so we’re taking this as our sign to do the same.

Amazon

$27$25 at Amazon

These wide-leg pants have many thin pleats, giving them a more fluid look than dress trousers with chunky pleats that are few and far between. What’s more, they’re “perfectly permanent,” according to reviews, so they shouldn’t flatten out over time. Another pro? They come with a built-in belt, so it won’t need to be snaked through the loops with each wear.

Chartou Pleated Metallic Maxi Skirt

$29 at Amazon

As for metallics,Martha Stewartalso seems to think they’re in style, and as a bonus, they get more popular around the holidays.One shopper describedthe hue on this maxi skirt as “both a light silver and dark silver at the same time” and noted that “it picks up and mimics whatever color you put with it.” It’s made with a cotton-blended fabric and is also “comfy enough to wear for several hours,”according to a second shopper.

Beralst Pleated Knit Sweater Midi Skirt

$30 at Amazon

Sweater dressesandsweater pantsare big right now, so a sweater skirt is a timely choice. This high-waisted style comes in 10 colors, including gray-brown, and this holiday-gearedwine red. It’s obviously a skirt though, so if you were hoping for an optical illusion effect, this one won’t exactly deliver those desired results. It has a shorter length, which comes in handy in those fall days that are warmer in the afternoon and cooler in the evenings.

Ebossy Pleated Chiffon Maxi Skirt

Soly Hux Pleated Wide-Leg Palazzo Pants

$36 at Amazon

Grace Karin Pleated Chiffon Midi Skirt

$52$35 at Amazon

Kate Kasin Pleated A-Line Skirt

Lyaner Wide-Leg Pleated Pant

$36$33 at Amazon

Allegra K Pleated Metallic Midi Skirt

$34 at Amazon

V28 Pleated Chiffon Maxi Skirt

Chouyatou Pleated Chiffon Cropped Wide Leg Pants

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See More from PEOPLE Shopping

Martha Stewart’s Modern Farmhouse Furniture and Decor Is on Sale from $22 Just in Time for a Spring RefreshThis $27 Nylon Tote Bag ‘Holds So Much’ — Even a Change of Clothes and ShoesWayfair’s Coastal-Inspired Furniture Storefront Has Pieces to Revamp Your Patio for Spring — Up to 60% Off

Martha Stewart’s Modern Farmhouse Furniture and Decor Is on Sale from $22 Just in Time for a Spring Refresh

This $27 Nylon Tote Bag ‘Holds So Much’ — Even a Change of Clothes and Shoes

Wayfair’s Coastal-Inspired Furniture Storefront Has Pieces to Revamp Your Patio for Spring — Up to 60% Off

source: people.com