Introduction
The preppy look has been around for decades, but it’s recently enjoyed a resurgence in popularity. From college campuses to fashion runways, preppy looks are everywhere. But what exactly is “preppy”?
Preppy style is defined as “a neat, conventional, and conservative style of dress, traditionally favored by university students in the United States.” The overall look is timeless, classic, and polished. It’s also versatile—you can wear preppy looks to the office, class, or weekend activities. Plus, the preppy look never goes out of style.
Invest in Timeless, Classic Pieces
When it comes to preppy style, it’s best to stick with timeless, classic pieces. Investing in quality items that won’t go out of style will save you money in the long run. According to a recent survey by the National Retail Federation, “Americans spent an average of $1,704 on clothing and accessories in 2018, up from $1,641 in 2017.” That’s a lot of money! So make sure you’re investing in pieces that you’ll love for years to come.
Some examples of timeless pieces include a white button-down shirt, navy blazer, khaki trousers, plain black dress, and white sneakers. These items can easily be dressed up or down, so you’ll get a lot of mileage out of them.
Incorporate Stripes and Plaids into Your Wardrobe
Stripes and plaids are staples of the preppy look. Whether you choose horizontal stripes, vertical stripes, or plaid patterns, you can easily incorporate these prints into your wardrobe. To keep the look classy and timeless, avoid bright, neon colors and opt for more muted hues like navy, grey, and green.
You can add stripes and plaids to your look in various ways. Try pairing a striped shirt with khaki shorts for a casual summer look. Or layer a plaid scarf over a navy blazer for a more formal outfit. The possibilities are endless!
Wear Signature Preppy Accessories
No preppy look is complete without the right accessories. From boat shoes to pearl necklaces, there are plenty of signature preppy items to choose from. A few popular choices include aviator sunglasses, canvas totes, and monogrammed belts. You can also add a touch of preppiness to your look with colorful scarves, bow ties, and fedoras.
To keep your look polished, accessorize sparingly. Too many accessories can make your outfit look cluttered and overwhelming. Stick with one or two statement pieces that you love, and you’ll be good to go.
Incorporate Pastel Colors into Your Clothing
Pastel colors are another key component of preppy style. Popular shades include baby blue, lavender, mint green, peach, and powder pink. These colors look great on their own or paired with other hues. For example, try wearing a light blue shirt with khaki pants for a classic preppy look.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with bolder pastel combinations. Try mixing and matching different shades to create a unique, eye-catching look. Just be sure to avoid clashing colors and prints, which can take away from the sophistication of the preppy look.
Accessorize with a Blazer or Cardigan
A blazer or cardigan is the perfect finishing touch for any preppy look. Blazers and cardigans are great for adding structure and definition to an outfit. They’re also incredibly versatile—you can wear them over a dress, skirt, or pair of jeans. To keep your look polished, opt for neutral colors like navy, grey, or black.
When it comes to styling blazers and cardigans, less is more. Keep the look minimalistic and don’t overdo it with accessories. A simple watch or bracelet is all you need to complete the look.
Embrace the Preppy Lifestyle
The preppy look isn’t just about clothes—it’s also about lifestyle. Popular activities associated with the preppy lifestyle include sailing, tennis, golf, and horseback riding. If you’re looking to embrace the preppy lifestyle, try taking up one of these activities. You could also attend preppy-themed events, such as charity galas or polo matches.
You don’t have to participate in every preppy activity to rock the look. Simply incorporating a few of these activities into your life can be enough to give your look an extra dose of preppiness. For example, try wearing a polo shirt to the tennis court or a striped dress to the horse races.
Conclusion
Preppy style is classic, timeless, and versatile. To achieve the look, invest in timeless pieces, incorporate stripes and plaids into your wardrobe, accessorize with signature preppy accessories, wear pastel colors, and embrace the preppy lifestyle. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the timeless preppy look.
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