A traditional women's outfit from turn-of-the-century Japan. It typically consists of a kimono (often with simple decorative patterns), a hakama skirt worn over it at the waist, and high laced boots, sometimes with a hair bow.
In the later years of the Meiji Era, the Japanese government began to encourage the establishment of women's junior high schools. Typical Japanese women's clothing at the time, however, was more showy and elaborate than modest or functional. As a result, this style quickly rose in popularity as a more practical alternative for women attending school. Even in the present day, it is traditional attire for women at some college graduation ceremonies, as seen here.
Despite the name, it is not exclusively worn by schoolgirls, and it is not restricted to the Meiji era (especially since the style remained popular into the Taisho era).
Although this outfit looks quite similar to some types of traditional Japanese waitress attire, such as the uniforms used by the Bashamichi restaurant chain, the two should not be confused with one another. As a rule of thumb, if the girl is wearing tasuki, has rolled-up or pushed-up sleeves, or is in a restaurant, then these may be indicators of a waitress uniform.
