As preppy style makes a global comeback, the trend takes on a different look in China. Chinese women have been sporting school uniforms from other countries, dressing up in them for fun.

At a repurposed school about 60 km (37 miles) southeast of Tokyo, participants pay about 35,000 yen ($245) to dress in classic Japanese school uniforms and attend calligraphy and other lessons.

As students return to school, one patterned textile now synonymous with uniforms will make its seasonal reappearance on pleated skirts, jumpers and ties: plaid. The design has long been a mainstay ...