While there are many things I remember fondly about my school days, the uniform is not one of them. Largely consisting of polo tops and starched shirts paired with either tailored trousers or, on rare sunny days, a skirt, finally ditching my school uniform at 18 years of age felt like being set free. It’s surprising, then, that many of the pieces I once viewed as uninspiring in the classroom, have now made their way proudly into my adult wardrobe.
Take the gingham trend, which evokes memories of summers spent in the playground, yet now brings a playful touch to the best spring summer wardrobes. Similarly, cardigans that once felt twee and uninspiring now have the cool girls' seal of approval in cropped lengths and sheer iterations as well as more classic styles. And, it seems our love for school-yard inspired pieces doesn’t stop there, as this season, there’s another staple returning to our wardrobes. The pleated skirt is shaking off its sartorial stuffiness and fast becoming the chicest skirt style to wear right now.
