If you want to ooze an air of elegance, refinement, and an affluent lifestyle, you must learn how to dress preppy the right way.
With origins in 1900s British-inspired American preparatory schools, the preppy fashion style comprises staple clothes, footwear, and accessories in aesthetic patterns, colors, and materials that give this look a unique identity.
Whether you're a seasoned 'prep' or a newcomer eager to learn how to dress preppy, in this article, you'll learn the staple preppy clothes, footwear, and accessories you need to master the look.
1. Begin with Timeless Preppy Essentials
Drawing inspiration from British and American upper-class leisurewear, the Preppy style exudes an aura of scholarly elegance and affluent refinement.
As such, the Preppy fashion style is built on signature clothes and accessories that have stood the test of time and evolved into symbols of heritage, culture, and class.
In this section, we'll showcase the clothes and accessories at the heart of the Preppy style; their origins, cultural significance, popular colors, and patterns.
From Oxford shirts and cable-knit sweaters to pearl necklaces and prep ties, this guide will help you curate a Preppy wardrobe that is both timeless and stylish.
Royal Navy Blazer
Synonymous with British Royal Navy uniforms, the navy blazer is a crucial preppy-style garment and a testament to status and traditional elegance.
Flaunted by fashion icons like Kate Middleton, the blazer matches pencil skirts, chinos, and distressed jeans to create a contemporary preppy fusion look.
The blazer's midnight-blue defacto color adds an air of class, making it a year-round essential in any preppy wardrobe.
Polo Shirts
Initially designed by Lacoste in the 1930s for tennis, the polo shirt transcended its sporty roots to become a pivotal Preppy clothing item.
Ralph Lauren's Polo label further popularized the style in the 1970s and celebrities like Zac Efron and Katherine Heigl.
Available in a wide array of pastels besides the classic colors, the Polo shirt's appeal lies in its blend of casual comfort with thoughtful, traditional lines.