Asymmetrical Tartan Pleated Midi Skirt

Tartan in deep violet, creamy oat and a golden honey, cut as a straight A-line — except down one side, where an accordion-pleated panel takes over. The asymmetry is the reason to own it rather than any of the other plaid skirts on any other rail.

Standing still it reads as a good heritage skirt and nothing more. Walking, the pleated panel opens and closes on its own and the whole thing becomes something else. That is a lot of effect for a skirt that is, on paper, a plaid midi.

The fabric

Polyester and rayon. The polyester is what holds a pleat this sharp through a season of wearing and sitting; the rayon is what stops the hand feeling plasticky. The plaid is woven rather than printed, so the colours have depth to them close up and the pattern runs true at the seams.

How it fits

Two sizes on the waist, M (27–28″) and L (29–30″). The waistband is fitted and sits at the natural waist rather than on the hip, so a top tucks in cleanly and stays tucked. Length 27.5 inches, which puts the hem below the knee on most people and at mid-calf if you are petite. There is no stretch in the waistband, so take the larger size if you are between the two.

Looking after it

Dry clean, or a cold delicate wash inside a mesh bag if you are confident, and hang it to dry by the waistband so the pleats fall straight. Never fold it across the pleats. A cool iron on the reverse if a pleat has lost its edge.

It is the Korean fashion skirt that solves the cute fall fashion problem of wanting pattern without wanting to think about it, and one of the few korean fashion for women pieces here that reads as smart enough for petite clothes for work and interesting enough for a Saturday.