Ready to add some timeless elegance into your wardrobe with preppy aesthetic outfits? I got you! This is a comprehensive guide to help you perfect the preppy style & 10 outfit ideas you can easily recreate.
In a world where fashion trends change rapidly, the preppy style has stood the test of time. It’s a style rooted in tradition but adapts to modern trends which is why we see it evolving over years. This evolving nature allows us to express our personality while staying true to the essence of the style. From versatile pieces to Ivy League student outfits, mastering the preppy look is a journey through history and self-expression.
What is Preppy Aesthetic?
Preppy style is often associated with upscale preparatory schools and college traditions. The word preppy actually comes from the expression preparatory school. Think of it like the cool kid on campus who effortlessly blends upscale vibes with a laid-back attitude. This style focuses on polo shirts, button-downs, cable-knit sweaters, and pleated skirts. So, clean lines, classic patterns, and quality craftsmanship are key to preppy style.
Preppy Aesthetic History
Preppy fashion originated in the early 1900s when students in Ivy League universities developed a distinct style reflecting their privileged backgrounds and academic pursuits. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s and 60s that the preppy look gained widespread recognition due to iconic figures such as Princess Diana.
The “Official Preppy Handbook” published in the 1980s by Lisa Birnbach further popularized this style by highlighting its key components, including polo shirts, navy blazers, and boat shoes.
In recent years, the character of Blair Waldorf in the television show Gossip girl pushed the resurgence of the preppy aesthetic even more. Her polished outfits, characterized by impeccably tailored blazers, pleated skirts, and sophisticated accessories, captured the essence of preppy fashion perfectly.
How to Recreate the Preppy Style
To achieve the perfect preppy look, focus on key pieces that embody the essence of the aesthetic. Most of these pieces you probably already own in your current wardrobe. so, no need for any additional cost. You just need to mix and match these preppy staples.
To channel your inner gossip girl, you need to focus on five key elements:
1. Preppy capsule wardrobe
Preppy wardrobe is filled with classic wardrobe staples that last forever, incorporate formal classic pieces with more fun pieces using your unique personal style to create endless preppy aesthetic outfits.
Preppy Wardrobe Includes:
- Crisp button-down shirts
- Navy Blazer
- Khaki pants
- Sweater Vests
- Rugby shirts
- Polo shirts
- Boat shoes
- Pleated skirt
2. Patterns
Incorporate classic patterns such as plaids, stripes, and argyle print to effortlessly elevate any outfit. From plaid mini skirts to oxford shirts, these patterns add a touch of preppy elegance.
3. Layering
A key element of the preppy aesthetic is the layering of casual sports items with more traditional, formal pieces.
A key element of the preppy aesthetic is the layering of casual sports items with more traditional pieces. This combination, such as a rugby shirt paired with a tweed navy blue blazer and a tennis skirt, gives the preppy look its distinctive charm.
4. Colors
The preppy style leans towards a neutral color palette, with a pop of color here and there. Experiment with colors, opting for traditional neutrals, pastel hues, and pops of bright colors to add personality to your outfit.
Think grey, brown, beige, white, and red. These are a few of the colors dominating the preppy aesthetic color palette.
5. Accessories
Don’t forget to accessorize with items like ties, pearl earrings, and headbands to complete the look. You can pair your loafers with socks for the perfect preppy vibe.
Old Money Aesthetic Vs Preppy Aesthetic
Although old money style and preppy style share many similarities, they have distinct characteristics that differentiate them. Old money style embodies a timeless, sophisticated aesthetic with minimal logos, timeless designs, and understated colors.
On the other hand, preppy style embraces a more fun, youthful vibe inspired by collegiate traditions and sports influences. It features clean lines, classic silhouettes, and more vibrant colors. While both styles reflect a sense of wealth, old money aesthetic emphasizes understated luxury, while preppy style adds a relaxed and sporty vibe to the aesthetic.
So, you can look at it like this, preppy aesthetic outfits are basically old money style combined with sporty items and vibrant colors. the old money aesthetic is a timeless and classic style while preppy aesthetic is a trendier more contemporary style.
This interplay is precisely why iconic old money brands like Ralph Lauren, brooks brothers and Tommy Hilfiger also define preppy fashion.
Old Preppy Style vs New Preppy
The essence of preppy fashion has remained consistent over time but has evolved over the years to embrace contemporary trends and influences. Old preppy style resembled old money style, featured a more formal and structured aesthetic, emphasizing traditional pieces like tweed blazers and pleated skirts.
However, contemporary preppy style embraces a more relaxed and eclectic approach, blending classic elements with modern silhouettes and unexpected combinations.
Preppy Aesthetic Outfits
.1 Suit and loafers
This outfit beautifully shows the striking similarities between old money style and the preppy aesthetic. The grey blazer and skirt set paired with a crisp white shirt exude the classic sophistication often associated with old money style. Yet, with the addition of white socks and chunky loafers, the outfit transforms into preppy fashion.
.2 Mix and Match
Remember when we talked about patterns being one of the preppy fashion elements, so don’t be afraid to mix different patterns in your outfit. Just remember to mix different sizes of patterns together and choose colors that blend well together.
Argyle pattern is such an important element in preppy fashion and it just adds a touch of sophistication and heritage to any outfit.
.3 Vest, mini skirt & a tie
Nothing screams preppy style like a tie! it’s an easy way to add a preppy touch of to your classic outfits. You can wear it with a blazer or a knit vest and mini skirt. Don’t forget to finish off the look with chunky loafers and socks.
.4 layer up
This is the ultimate Ralph Lauren look, a checked skirt paired with a sweater. Layering is an important element of preppy fashion so Don’t forget to layer a white shirt underneath for extra warmth and a preppy touch.
.5 Pop of color
I’m sure you’ve seen the red tights trend that is all over social media, this outfit is a great example of how you can incorporate this trend into your preppy aesthetic outfit.
.6 Tennis skirt and sweatshirt
A tennis skirt is a staple for your preppy aesthetic wardrobe. pair it with a collared sweatshirt or simply layer a white shirt underneath. Finish the look with a white headband and some accessories.
.7 Pleated skirt & trainers
How stunning is this outfit? the red bag adds the perfect touch of color, and the pearl necklace just adds a super chic element to the look. if you want to recreate this outfit in winter, it’s always a good idea to layer a turtleneck sweater underneath for extra warmth.
.8 Monochromatic Cozy knits
Pleated skirts are a preppy wardrobe staple that you can easily dress up or down. Pair them with a button-down shirt and layer a cable sweater on top. Bonus points if you choose similar colors for a monochromatic preppy outfit.
.9 Stripes & a White shirt
Changing up from loafers to ballerina flats, this is such a stunning outfit. layer a striped sweater over a shirt dress or you can pair it with a pleated skirt and layer a white shirt underneath. Stripes are synonymous with the preppy style, and they add a chic touch to any outfit.
.10 White shirt & Pleated skirt
This is such an easy look to recreate. you can wear it year after year, and it will never go out of style because it incorporated classic pieces. Pair a white shirt with a grey pleated skirt and finally add a pair of heeled loafers and socks to tie the look together and get the preppy vibe.
.11 Jeans & Knit
After finishing this blog i noticed all 10 outfits included skirts so I thought I would give you a bonus outfit with pants. Although preppy style focuses on skirts and dresses, you can nail the preppy style with a pair of jeans, ballet flats and navy sweater layered over a shirt. The perfect casual preppy outfit.
So, there you have it! the preppy style is a fusion of tradition and modernity. It’s all about embracing those timeless elements while adding your personal touch into the mix. Embrace the preppy aesthetic elements, but don’t hesitate to have fun with it.
Experiment with bold colors and mix in timeless pieces to create a unique look. Whether you’re layering up with cable-knit sweaters or adding a pop of color with a statement polo shirt, the key is to have fun with it and let your personality shine through. By combining creativity with preppy wardrobe staples, like sweaters, vests, and even socks you’ll effortlessly master the preppy aesthetic.
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