What happens when the polished head girl meets the rule-breaking rebel? For Autumn/Winter 2026, the traditional school uniform gets a fashion-forward update, blending preppy polish with a more playful, unexpected attitude. Pleated skirts, varsity jackets, cricket sweaters, rugby stripes and checked pieces return, but this season they are styled with a little more freedom.
The School Club trend is all about taking familiar academic staples and mixing them in unexpected ways. At Dries Van Noten, varsity-inspired pieces and checked separates brought a collegiate feel to the collection, while Conner Ives played with nostalgic American references, relaxed proportions and sporty details. Elsewhere, designers explored pleated skirts, slouchy knitwear, polo shirts and tailored pieces, creating a look that feels more eclectic than traditional preppy dressing.
The key to making the trend feel modern is not taking the school uniform too literally. Mix a pleated skirt with an oversized sweater, style a varsity jacket with tailored trousers, or pair a checked piece with chunky boots instead of classic loafers. The contrast between polished and relaxed, feminine and sporty, is what gives the trend its contemporary feel. Even street style has embraced the look, with pleats, argyle, rugby shirts, loafers and knee socks appearing throughout London Fashion Week.
The message for AW26 is clear: go back to school, but make it your own. Play with proportions, mix classic collegiate pieces with unexpected layers and don’t be afraid to break a few rules along the way. This season, the best school uniform is the one that doesn’t really look like a uniform at all.
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Images: Launchmetrics.com/spotlight | Conner Ives, Dries Van Noten.