How to Be Preppy?
11 Mar 2024
Everyone has his or her memories of school: some people talk about the "wonderful years", while others still have nightmares about physical education lessons or pop quizzes in class. But when it comes to school uniforms, almost everyone has the same opinion. Usually, it is uncomfortable and strange - the sleeves of square jackets are prickle, white shirts are always dirty ... And teachers attack you for every attempt at fashion rebellion, even the smallest portion. Fortunately, we have grown up, and no one can scold us for going to school in jeans or mini skirts. So it's time to look back at the school uniform not with the usual distrust, but with interest.
The preppy style is one of the most fashionable and popular styles in clothes right now. If you understand its origin, you can learn that the name preppy came from the English preparatory, which translates as preparatory. That is, it is a style of dressing that is very similar to the uniforms of students in "college preparatory schools". Thus, school skirts are shorter, jackets feel relaxed, shirts, cardigans, and sweatshirts are more unpretentious. Today's preppy look is more inspired by Gossip Girl heroes, and heroines or Influencers, other than by fantasies of the canonical private prep school uniform.
Over the years, the classic preppy style has never ceased to inspire designers. Here's how to wear one of this season's key trends if school time is far behind you.
The preppy style is one of the most fashionable and popular styles in clothes right now. If you understand its origin, you can learn that the name preppy came from the English preparatory, which translates as preparatory. That is, it is a style of dressing that is very similar to the uniforms of students in "college preparatory schools". Thus, school skirts are shorter, jackets feel relaxed, shirts, cardigans, and sweatshirts are more unpretentious. Today's preppy look is more inspired by Gossip Girl heroes, and heroines or Influencers, other than by fantasies of the canonical private prep school uniform.
Over the years, the classic preppy style has never ceased to inspire designers. Here's how to wear one of this season's key trends if school time is far behind you.
What Does “Preppy Style” Mean? Old (Ivy League) Money!
The name preppy comes from the word preparatory. In the United States, the term "preppy" began to be used to describe those preparing to enter universities such as the Ivy League, or cool with the same prestige as Oxford or Cambridge. Of course, reaching such places requires difficulty and expense. It is a privilege. Young people from families of higher social status attend prep schools and their style of dress is also different, mostly consisting of uniforms with the marks of the institution.
Student from the best families, who dressed in preppy attire, promoted a special way of thinking and lifestyle: focus on success, excellent manners, brilliant knowledge in the professional sphere, and sports (horse polo, golf, squash). The preppy style was restrained, emphasizing neatness, tidiness, and discreet elegance.
The preppy style used to be the hallmark of the "golden youth", but over time it became a fashion trend. This style became especially popular after the release of the American TV series "Gossip Girl" about the life of young adults from the high society of New York City.
Student from the best families, who dressed in preppy attire, promoted a special way of thinking and lifestyle: focus on success, excellent manners, brilliant knowledge in the professional sphere, and sports (horse polo, golf, squash). The preppy style was restrained, emphasizing neatness, tidiness, and discreet elegance.
The preppy style used to be the hallmark of the "golden youth", but over time it became a fashion trend. This style became especially popular after the release of the American TV series "Gossip Girl" about the life of young adults from the high society of New York City.
How to Achieve Preppy Style?
This style has long gone beyond school and can perfectly fits into the daily life of not only young people but also people of any age and social status. In short, preppy is about intelligence, status, seriousness, and good taste. In addition, among the key trends of these years, you can rarely find a certain style in its "pure form" - its signature elements are usually used in combinations with other styles.
This year, the preppy style has moved away from sraight-A students and closer to the images of rebellious teenagers. Teenagers are rapidly shortening their sweaters and skirts, as well as breaking the dress code by choosing sneakers over regular shoes. This kind of rebelliousness is what we need in 2024.
In the fall collections, we see a lot of blazers and pleated skirts made of eco-leather. Blazers have started to turn into cropped shirt jackets, and skirts have moved closer to micro skirts or shorts.
As part of the preppy style trend of shortening everything, cropped versions of shirts and sweaters with knitted braids appeared. It is also impossible not to mention the trend of fit models. For example, narrow detachable ties, have become the accessory of the style. We can wear them with T-shirts and vintage jeans while complementing the preppy image with a stylish cap.
To achieve a preppy look, you better restrain highly saturated colors, and mostly select natural: shades of white, beige, khaki, dark blue, chocolate, bottle green, burgundy, wine, and black;
Also, it is better to choose natural fabrics: cotton, wool, cashmere, silk, leather;
shoes are always without heels, there is no place for stilettos, take oxfords, derbies, or loafers;
prints are few, only plaid, rhombuses, stripes, and college emblems;
the cut also plays a big role, it should be loose, not tight, but not too voluminous.
These are the key elements we will be using. The preppy style is very similar to casual and easy to combine with it, which means it can easily fit any closet. Try to incorporate preppy into your closet - there is no doubt that it will easily fit into your everyday life.
This year, the preppy style has moved away from sraight-A students and closer to the images of rebellious teenagers. Teenagers are rapidly shortening their sweaters and skirts, as well as breaking the dress code by choosing sneakers over regular shoes. This kind of rebelliousness is what we need in 2024.
In the fall collections, we see a lot of blazers and pleated skirts made of eco-leather. Blazers have started to turn into cropped shirt jackets, and skirts have moved closer to micro skirts or shorts.
As part of the preppy style trend of shortening everything, cropped versions of shirts and sweaters with knitted braids appeared. It is also impossible not to mention the trend of fit models. For example, narrow detachable ties, have become the accessory of the style. We can wear them with T-shirts and vintage jeans while complementing the preppy image with a stylish cap.
To achieve a preppy look, you better restrain highly saturated colors, and mostly select natural: shades of white, beige, khaki, dark blue, chocolate, bottle green, burgundy, wine, and black;
Also, it is better to choose natural fabrics: cotton, wool, cashmere, silk, leather;
shoes are always without heels, there is no place for stilettos, take oxfords, derbies, or loafers;
prints are few, only plaid, rhombuses, stripes, and college emblems;
the cut also plays a big role, it should be loose, not tight, but not too voluminous.
These are the key elements we will be using. The preppy style is very similar to casual and easy to combine with it, which means it can easily fit any closet. Try to incorporate preppy into your closet - there is no doubt that it will easily fit into your everyday life.
Women’s Preppy Style Pieces You Must Add to Your Wardrobe
Classic shirt
The classic shirt is another important element of preppy style that you can easily incorporate into your closet. This piece can be made in white, blue, or with stripes. You can wear it in combination with the same vest or sweatshirt - a perfect match for your daily preppy looks!
Plaid skirt
A short skirt is a must-have for 2023/2024, so it's an essential piece in your closet. If you haven't had a chance to choose one yet, look out for preppy models in tartan or argyle plaid.
Straight leg pants
Another "bottom'' essential for a preppy look is straight pants. They can be monochromatic or with a plaid, just like the skirt - it's up to you. In any case, this is an absolutely basic thing that will come in handy even if preppy suddenly goes out of fashion (which is very, very doubtful!).
Knitted vest
In 2023, the knitted vest made a fashionable cable check, and it owes much to the preppy style. Many stylists advise choosing oversized knitted vest in one color and wearing them in combination with shirts, sweaters, or as an independent fashion piece. This item can be styled with both skirts pants, and jeans. The color of the knitted vest can be any - from classic white or black, to ultra-fashionable chocolate. The vest may have a patch as a decorative element, but it can be easily replaced by a laconic brooch.
Patch, emblems, and monograms
Of course, you have to get the iconic college emblems for the preppy style look. They are most often found on sweaters, and bombers jackets. Previously, it was considered bad taste to wear the emblems of the college, in which you did not study at. But now it is not so important: brands come up with emblems similar to those used in colleges, which means that anyone can wear them.
The classic shirt is another important element of preppy style that you can easily incorporate into your closet. This piece can be made in white, blue, or with stripes. You can wear it in combination with the same vest or sweatshirt - a perfect match for your daily preppy looks!
Plaid skirt
A short skirt is a must-have for 2023/2024, so it's an essential piece in your closet. If you haven't had a chance to choose one yet, look out for preppy models in tartan or argyle plaid.
Straight leg pants
Another "bottom'' essential for a preppy look is straight pants. They can be monochromatic or with a plaid, just like the skirt - it's up to you. In any case, this is an absolutely basic thing that will come in handy even if preppy suddenly goes out of fashion (which is very, very doubtful!).
Knitted vest
In 2023, the knitted vest made a fashionable cable check, and it owes much to the preppy style. Many stylists advise choosing oversized knitted vest in one color and wearing them in combination with shirts, sweaters, or as an independent fashion piece. This item can be styled with both skirts pants, and jeans. The color of the knitted vest can be any - from classic white or black, to ultra-fashionable chocolate. The vest may have a patch as a decorative element, but it can be easily replaced by a laconic brooch.
Patch, emblems, and monograms
Of course, you have to get the iconic college emblems for the preppy style look. They are most often found on sweaters, and bombers jackets. Previously, it was considered bad taste to wear the emblems of the college, in which you did not study at. But now it is not so important: brands come up with emblems similar to those used in colleges, which means that anyone can wear them.
Preppy Outfits That Are Even Cooler Outside the Classroom
An improved version of preppy style is especially popular among intelligent young people, striving for success. And this means that this style in clothes for girls will remain relevant for many more seasons. In the modern variation, this style has long gone beyond just the "school" and "student" themes. Closet elements perfectly fit into the dress code of many office corporations, and look perfect on the streets of the city, on walks, and in meetings with friends.
The most popular girl in class looks
The polo shirt is another essential piece of preppy style. Once worn by student-athletes, it's now gracing our everyday closets. To maintain the polo's sporty aesthetic, you can pair it with long shorts. A suit vest over a T-shirt will add a classic feel to the look. And then you can run riot and complete the outfit with a bag and Mary Jane platform shoes in a glamorous fuchsia color. Platform shoes, by the way, are on trend for fall. The final touch is a headband, which Gossip Girl's preppy queen Blair Waldorf loved to wear.
The straight-As student look
A traditional school skirt, slightly shortened and flared down, in tandem with a polo shirt is a great option for study and work. And to make the image of an excellent preppy style girl not look boring, you can play with prints at this time.
Let's take a polo shirt in stripes and a plaid skirt or skirt with a"dog fang" print (a larger version of the "houndstooth" print ). They will be linked by geometry and an achromatic set of colors, the rest of the elements will choose them in tone. The pink handkerchief can be used as a romantic accessory, tied on the arm or bag, it will slightly dilute the strict mood of the set. Laconic earrings made of two shades of metal with geometric lines in the design will cope with this task. For this outfit, you can add the best shoes in preppy style - loafers. A simple best student look that deserves an A+.
Look with the almighty pleated skirt
Short, medium, or long pleated skirts are a tribute to preppy style. They can be monochrome, plaid print, leather, flared, or asymmetrical. To create an outfit of an "American student", it is worth combining a pleated skirt with a classic shirt, polo, vest, or jacket. For office weekdays, the skirt should not be extremely short. The length of midi or slightly above the knee is preferred for an office-preppy look. A bold mini skirt can be balanced with a long oversized jacket or jacket.
The "school" uniform
A suit consisting of a shortened jacket and a skirt refers to the school uniform. And the mood of preppy can be enhanced by adding high sports socks or socks. Classic sneakers and a long-sleeved cotton T-shirt will remove unnecessary playfulness and make the image more comfortable and wearable. Also, a strict bag and laconic jewelry will help with your preppy style look.
Of course, a demanding employer in a serious office will not appreciate such a look, but for a student, freelancer, or just a girl who went for a walk with friends on a day off, it will be a very fashionable and appropriate option.
Preppy style with jerseys and polo shirts
Classic polo sports look we will replace with a modern stylized polo, or rather - any sweater with a polo collar. The length of the sleeves and the density of the material can be any, as well as the presence of buttons. Polo will be perfectly combined with skirts, as well as with pants, and shorts, as well as add relevance to your preppy image and make it more modern.
Style with a jacket and vest
The club jacket is another iconic element of preppy style, it can have patches, special contrasting elbow patches, but can be without them. Combine it with another item of business and school closet - a vest - and get a modern reading, provided that the vest will be used as a top and worn on the bare body.
As a bottom, we'll take jeans to relax a bit from the strict jacket, but even jeans observe the formality of the message - they are straight, classic silhouette and without ripped elements. The colors of the set - brown, milk, and blue - also belong to the preppy style. Large jewelry will not fit here, but elegant pousettes in the recognizable shape of a clover will be a beautiful finishing touch.
Styling simple things
The way you wear these preppy style items makes a difference, too. A carelessly thrown sweater over your shoulders adds lightness but doesn't take away the seriousness, and when it gets cooler, you can put it back on top. The best part is that just by playing with an old item in a new way, you can give it a second life and thus breathe newness into your image.
The most popular girl in class looks
The polo shirt is another essential piece of preppy style. Once worn by student-athletes, it's now gracing our everyday closets. To maintain the polo's sporty aesthetic, you can pair it with long shorts. A suit vest over a T-shirt will add a classic feel to the look. And then you can run riot and complete the outfit with a bag and Mary Jane platform shoes in a glamorous fuchsia color. Platform shoes, by the way, are on trend for fall. The final touch is a headband, which Gossip Girl's preppy queen Blair Waldorf loved to wear.
The straight-As student look
A traditional school skirt, slightly shortened and flared down, in tandem with a polo shirt is a great option for study and work. And to make the image of an excellent preppy style girl not look boring, you can play with prints at this time.
Let's take a polo shirt in stripes and a plaid skirt or skirt with a"dog fang" print (a larger version of the "houndstooth" print ). They will be linked by geometry and an achromatic set of colors, the rest of the elements will choose them in tone. The pink handkerchief can be used as a romantic accessory, tied on the arm or bag, it will slightly dilute the strict mood of the set. Laconic earrings made of two shades of metal with geometric lines in the design will cope with this task. For this outfit, you can add the best shoes in preppy style - loafers. A simple best student look that deserves an A+.
Look with the almighty pleated skirt
Short, medium, or long pleated skirts are a tribute to preppy style. They can be monochrome, plaid print, leather, flared, or asymmetrical. To create an outfit of an "American student", it is worth combining a pleated skirt with a classic shirt, polo, vest, or jacket. For office weekdays, the skirt should not be extremely short. The length of midi or slightly above the knee is preferred for an office-preppy look. A bold mini skirt can be balanced with a long oversized jacket or jacket.
The "school" uniform
A suit consisting of a shortened jacket and a skirt refers to the school uniform. And the mood of preppy can be enhanced by adding high sports socks or socks. Classic sneakers and a long-sleeved cotton T-shirt will remove unnecessary playfulness and make the image more comfortable and wearable. Also, a strict bag and laconic jewelry will help with your preppy style look.
Of course, a demanding employer in a serious office will not appreciate such a look, but for a student, freelancer, or just a girl who went for a walk with friends on a day off, it will be a very fashionable and appropriate option.
Preppy style with jerseys and polo shirts
Classic polo sports look we will replace with a modern stylized polo, or rather - any sweater with a polo collar. The length of the sleeves and the density of the material can be any, as well as the presence of buttons. Polo will be perfectly combined with skirts, as well as with pants, and shorts, as well as add relevance to your preppy image and make it more modern.
Style with a jacket and vest
The club jacket is another iconic element of preppy style, it can have patches, special contrasting elbow patches, but can be without them. Combine it with another item of business and school closet - a vest - and get a modern reading, provided that the vest will be used as a top and worn on the bare body.
As a bottom, we'll take jeans to relax a bit from the strict jacket, but even jeans observe the formality of the message - they are straight, classic silhouette and without ripped elements. The colors of the set - brown, milk, and blue - also belong to the preppy style. Large jewelry will not fit here, but elegant pousettes in the recognizable shape of a clover will be a beautiful finishing touch.
Styling simple things
The way you wear these preppy style items makes a difference, too. A carelessly thrown sweater over your shoulders adds lightness but doesn't take away the seriousness, and when it gets cooler, you can put it back on top. The best part is that just by playing with an old item in a new way, you can give it a second life and thus breathe newness into your image.
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