How the Preppy Style Aesthetic Has Made a Chic Return

Often simply known as ‘preppy’, preppy fashion is a unique style that originated among the elite prep schools of the Northeastern US. Drawing heavily on the conventional ensemble worn by Ivy League students, this particular fashion style is characterized by its iconic, clean-cut, and often conservative look.

The Evolution of Preppy Style Aesthetic

Preppy Style in the 1800s…

The roots of this style are in the late 19th C with the uniforms worn by students at elite prep schools and Ivy League universities. British tailoring heavily influenced formal and semi-formal fashion during this era. Key elements included dress shirts, vests, and blazers, all of which laid the foundation for what would become the typical preppy ensemble.

In the early 20th C…

Within Ivy League institutions, the early 1900s saw preppy fashion’s solidification. With the help of clothing items such as khakis, polo shirts, and knit sweaters, students began to embrace a more relaxed yet polished appearance. During this period, a noted high-end American luxury fashion company played a crucial role by offering classic, supreme pieces that symbolized preppy aesthetic fashion.

Preppy Style Between 1950s to 60s…

The preppy fashion went beyond the confines of the elite educational institutions in the post-war era. Characterized by iconic pieces like button-down shirts, chinos, and loafers, the 1950s and 60s are often called the golden age of preppy style. Popularized by menswear publications and the influence of American sportswear, this period also saw the rise of the Ivy League look.

In the 1980s…

Largely due to the publication of a book by Lisa Birnbach (The Official Preppy Handbook) in 1980, this period saw a resurgence of preppy fashion. As this book humorously talked about the outfits and lifestyle linked with this fashion aesthetic, it sparked renewed interest in the style. Well-known brands took note of this revival and came up with vibrant shades and cooler designs.

From the 2000s to the present day…

Mixing conventional elements with contemporary trends, preppy fashion has continued to evolve in the 21st C. While preserving the polished aesthetic and clean lines, designers have introduced innovative materials and bold patterns. In 2024, polo shirts, structured blazers, academic color palettes, collegiate sweaters, mid-length skirt suits, plaid patterns, neckties, and boat shoes are trending in preppy fashion.

The evolution of this fashion style right from its origins to contemporary times shows how designers have reinvented preppy fashion without changing its prime elements.

What Makes Preppy Fashion So Popular?

1. 1.  People appreciate the versatility of preppy fashion items. You can mix preppy fashion items with other styles and dress them up or down, making them a wardrobe staple. The very timelessness of these pieces means that you can wear them year after year.
2. 2. Movies and TV shows that showcase elite school settings and lifestyles such as Clueless and Gossip Girl have played a major role in bringing the preppy fashion aesthetic back into the limelight. Influencers and celebs showing admiration for this style further add to it.
3. 3. In a world where fast fashion is getting ditched by more and more people every day, the preppy fashion aesthetic emphasizing durability and quality perfectly aligns with sustainable fashion goals. Purchasing iconic, top-quality clothing pieces that last longer is both economical and eco-friendly.

Remember These Tips When Going for a Preppy Look

1. 1. As the preppy style focuses on simplicity and clean lines, stick to iconic, timeless pieces.
2. 2. Start with a classic, well-fitted polo shirt as the foundation of your look. You can easily dress it up or down.
3. 3. Mixing textures and patterns is okay as long as you keep things cohesive and balanced. Yes, a striped polo or shirt will look good with chinos and it’s perfectly alright to layer a patterned sweater over a plain polo shirt.

What many don’t understand or don’t know is preppy fashion is not only about what you wear but how you carry yourself as well. It’s about being polite, confident, and having a positive outlook. When you go for it, you show people that you value class, quality, and a bit of old-school charm.

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