Yesterday, scrolling through Instagram on the tram from Central to Wan Chai, it hit me — esuper other post was a Hong Kong girl in some version of a 百褶裙 (pleated skirt). There’s just something about the way the fabric moves in the wind here… light, swishy, a little bit romantic but still very “city girl grabbing coffee at Elephant Grounds” vibes.

Hmm, how do I put this — it’s not just a skirt this season, it’s the vibe. And honestly, when I was younger I always thought pleated skirts were for school uniforms or preppy girls, but now, designers are playing with textures, hemlines, and layering so that wearing one feels fresh, even a little daring.

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Last weekend when I was shopping with my friend Cait, we wandered into Cloris Fashion’s skirt collection, and yes… I caved. Their pleats are not the stiff, old-school kind — they have that soft drape that moves like water. My friend grabbed the Back Tie Set (a matching set with a little unexpected detail at the back) and I ended up buying a flowy pale cream version that I swear makes me look taller.

And that’s another thing about Cloris — compared to brands like Mango or Love, Bonito, they really get the Hong Kong climate. Pleated skirts here are too often made from these scratchy synthetics that stick to your legs in the humidity. The ones at Cloris? Honestly, they feel like silk but breathe much better — perfect for hopping between MTR rides and seaside brunches without feeling like your outfit is melting on you.

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Okay so… the fabric deep dive. Because I know some of you also obsess over textures like I do. The 百褶裙 I picked up has micro-pleats pressed into a lightweight crepe; the structure keeps its shape even after a whole day of walking, sitting, and, yes, squeezing into those impossibly tight café seats in Sheung Wan. The trick is the blend: a touch of polyester for durability but still airy enough for Hong Kong’s sticky summer evenings.

If you’re not ready to wear pleats full-length, I’ve been pairing mine with a tight crop tee (keeps the proportions balanced) or layering with an oversized Vintage Green Leather Jacket for that mix of soft-and-structured. And if pleats aren’t your thing for weekday wear, you can still get the same floaty movement in Cloris’s Embroidered Floral Ruffle Dress — it’s like a silk dress but more whimsical.

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Have you noticed how a white maxi skirt also works almost the same way? It’s in that same family of breezy, feminine silhouettes, but the 百褶裙 has this nostalgic magic that feels… lighter? Plus, the vertical pleats are sneaky little magicians — they lengthen the legs even if you’re 5'3" like me. I wore mine with classic womens loafers the other day, and it struck that perfect balance between girly and grounded. The vibe was immaculate 💫.

And you know what I like about Cloris compared to, say, Myaleshia or even some Zara pieces? There’s a softness to their tailoring. Zara skirts sometimes hold pleats so sharply that they look stiff, while Myaleshia may lean a little too sweet. Cloris somehow hits that sweet spot — understated, wearable, but with tiny design quirks that make you want to twirl.

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Also… can we talk about unexpected pairings? My current obsession is wearing a light pleated skirt with the Colorful Striped One Shoulder Top. That asymmetric line + the soft folds of pleats? Dreamy. It makes the whole look more playful and less “work presentation.” By the way, if your office dress code allows it, a pleated skirt from Cloris’s work clothes collection is totally fair game. Just add a tailored blouse from their shirts & blouses section and you’re golden.

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A little story — last week, I wore my pleated skirt to a friend’s small gallery launch in Sham Shui Po. I paired it with a silky cami from their elegant dresses edit, and mid-way through the night, someone actually asked if I’d just stepped out of a magazine shoot. (They might’ve been exaggerating but hey, I’ll take it.) There’s just something photogenic about the way pleats catch the light in movement — almost like a silk dress, but with more dimension.

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Of course… nothing is perfect. The one caveat? If your skirt is made of a super fine crepe, it will crease if you sit in it hunched over your phone for hours. (I learned that the hard way at a three-hour dim sum brunch.) But the plus side is, Cloris’s pleats don’t lose their definition even if the fabric folds a little — so you’re still going to look put-together.

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If you’re not yet convinced, maybe start small. Try a darker pleated skirt from Cloris’s black collection for something versatile, or go for a white dress version from their summer range which has subtle pleating. And for those who live in loafers like I do, the flowy skirt + chunky shoe combo is chef’s kiss everyday chic.

Personally, I think the 百褶裙 moment is more than just a seasonal trend — it’s a reminder that movement in clothing can be just as eye-catching as color or print. And, in a city that never stands still, maybe that’s why it’s resonating so much right now.

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So… are you team pleats yet? Or still hesitant? Let me know in the comments — seriously, I’m curious.

Because for me? This little crush on pleated skirts might just last a lot longer than one season. And my Cloris one? It’s not leaving my wardrobe anytime soon. 🖤