I Used to Dislike This Skirt Trend, But Lucy Boynton's Adorable Outfit Changed My Mind.

      If you ask anyone I grew up with, they'll likely say it's not surprising that I ended up in the fashion industry. For almost ten years, I wore a plaid green kilt as my uniform, and when I transitioned to a co-ed high school, I adopted a more casual dress code featuring khaki pants and blazers. I often rebelled against this uniformity. Whether it was bending the rules with opaque tights under too-short skirts or changing my hairstyle to hot pink like Avril Lavigne, I clearly wasn't a fan of uniform dressing.

      So, imagine my surprise when the incredibly stylish Lucy Boynton appeared at the London photo call for A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story, dressed head to toe in Celine, reminiscent of my yearbook days—but far more glamorous than the typical '00s teen. If you switch her vest for a navy blue blazer, it closely resembles the outfit still tucked away in my hometown closet, complete with Mary Janes.

      On Lucy Boynton: Celine shirt, vest, skirt, and shoes.

      Don’t get me wrong; I’m not about to dig out my old polyester plaid kilts, but Boynton’s outfit has me reconsidering my opinion on pleated skirts. I’m not completely sold on the knee-length requirement (being short makes it challenging!), yet I've found several options that fit the bill.

      Continue scrolling to shop for various knee-length pleated skirts to embrace that prep school vibe, leaving the backpack behind for a stylish new (Celine?) bag. We're confident you'll excel in this look.

      Shop Pleated Skirts:

      Reformation

      Alyssa Low Waist Skirt

      Imagine if your high school uniform was completely Reformation!

      J.Crew

      Pleated Wool-Blend Skirt

      Honestly, I wore a lot of J.Crew in high school—and still do!

      Sandy Liang

      Lilo Pleated A-Line Skirt

      Don't overlook the adorable bows on the back.

      J.Crew

      Pleated Knee-Length Skirt in Leopard-Print Viscose Chiffon

      This bold pattern is worth breaking the uniform rules for.

      Les Tien

      Paulina Box Pleat Tennis Skirt

      You can bend the knee-length rules by pairing this lovely pleated piece with tights.

      Mistress Rocks

      Pleated Wrap Front Midi Skirt

      Unique closures add some flair to this sophisticated skirt.

      EDIKTED

      Ethel Low Rise Pleated A-Line Skirt

      The low-rise waist and slit give this pleated A-line skirt a fun twist, moving away from preppy.

      Burberry

      Pleated Silk Skirt

      Burberry perfectly captures the classic skirt trend—in luxurious silk!

      Thom Browne

      Drop Back Pleated Skirt

      Seeking modern, designer-inspired prep? Thom Browne is your go-to.

      Explore More:

      Celine

      Plaid