Ask anyone I grew up with, and they'll probably tell you that it's no surprise I ended up working in fashion. A plaid green kilt was my uniform for nearly a decade, followed by a slightly more relaxed dress code full of khaki pants and blazers when I switched to a coed high school. Whenever I could, I rebelled.
Whether skirting the rules by wearing opaque tights with too-short skirts, or triggering updates to the dress code after I tied the ends of my hair hot pink à la Avril Lavigne, uniform dressing was decidedly not for me.
So color me shocked when the supremely stylish Lucy Boynton stepped out at the London photo call for A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story in head-to-toe Celine looking straight out of my yearbook (albeit, much more glam than your average '00s teen). Just swap Boynton's vest for a navy blue blazer and that's more or less the ensemble still buried in my hometown closet, Mary Janes and all.
On Lucy Boynton: Celine shirt, vest, skirt, and shoes
Don't get me wrong—I refuse to dig up my polyester plaid kilts, but Boynton's ensemble has me reevaluating my stance on pleated skirts. I'm still not 100% convinced to submit to the knee-length requirement (I'm short, so it's tough!), but I managed to find several skirts that fit the assignment.
Keep scrolling to shop several knee-length pleated skirts to embrace that prep school spirit, and leave the backpack behind in favor of a cute new (Celine?) bag. We're pretty sure you'll ace this assignment.
Shop Pleated Skirts
Imagine if your high-school uniform was entirely Ref!
TBH, I wore tons of J.Crew in high school—and still do!
Don't miss the sweet bows on the back.
This wild pattern is worth the uniform violation.
Skirt the knee-length rules by wearing tights with this pretty pleated number.
Interesting closures add a bit of personality to this polished skirt.
The low-rise waist and slit makes this pleated A-line skirt more playful than preppy.
Burberry nails the classic skirt trend—in silk, no less!
Looking for preppy-inspired from a modern, designer POV? Thom Browne's your best bet.
-
Plaid Comes Back Every Fall, But These 5 Outfits Make It Look Thoroughly FreshMad for plaid.
-
If You Want Your Sneakers to Look Elevated (Not Basic), Wear Them With These Pants Instead of JeansThis easy swap will work wonders to make your outfits look more sophisticated.
-
Every Chic Woman Is Wearing This "Boring" But Elegant Skirt—Sorry, Minis and MaxisIt's a seasonless staple.
-
If You Want to Look Chic and Rich This Winter, Make Sure You Own This Non-Denim Pant TrendSee what we’re talking about inside.
-
Spotted in Tribeca and Beverly Hills: The Very 2025 Ways Gen Z It Girls Are Wearing Ballet FlatsFrom 2005 to 2025.
-
Suddenly, Everyone With Great Taste Is Styling These 7 "Dated" Fall Dress TrendsA 2017 throwback and a Victorian vibe shift.
-
If You Have Good Taste, These 8 Chic Editor-Approved Fall Trends Will Be No SurpriseSee what made the list.
-
Not Skinny Jeans, Not Leggings—Everyone With Good Taste Is Wearing Boots With This Fall Staple InsteadThe chicest outfit formula of the season.
