There are so many new trends and styles to follow that, at times, it gets too overwhelming. The fashion charts are head over heels about the notion of preppy style these days. The worst possible thing that can happen to you is that you can’t figure out what the trendy stream stands for. So, to save you a fair share of embarrassment, we will take you through the basics and provide you with timeless yet modern ideas to add to your arsenal!

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What is Preppy Style?

What is Preppy Style?
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Classy Preppy Look
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Before you decide whether or not you are a preppy look type of person, you need to be 100% sure as to what the trend stands for. The basic preppy definition would state that the movement is based around classy style intertwined with college fashion. However, that would in no case mean that the style isn’t fit for mature ladies. On the contrary, preppy fashion is usually reserved but not to the point of no return. You can mix your favorite jeans and short skirts into the look just like that.

Black and White Look
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People who have tried to decipher preppy meaning claim that those fond of classy-cut clothes and outfit essentials find the trend to their taste. Throw in some classy collared dresses, trench coats, checked and striped patterns, plus semi-feminine blouses, and you’d have the style rocked. Of course, woolen sweaters and calm-shaded blazers would fit the category too. Besides, comfy loafers or sneakers instead of fancy pumps go hand-in-hand with the universal preppy style.

Monochrome Beige Look
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Surely, the definition of preppy style sounds a little too reserved and over the edge classy. Still, you can dissolve the strict appearance with modern accessories and switch on your imagination where necessary. You would be surprised how many amazing looks can be created with just preppy basics in your closet!

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Mini Skirt with Blazer and Loafers

Mini Skirt with Blazer and Loafers
by @milena_blog

It takes skill and consideration to match a mini skirt with proper footwear to result in a perfectly preppy style. In this case, the loafers complete the look ideally. A plated skirt accentuates the figure without any unwanted notes. Whether you head for the study, office, or a lunch out, the look will seem perfect in place.

French Preppy with a Beret

French Preppy with a Beret
by @_catherinehelene

We’ve all heard about the timeless Parisian charm, but many don’t know what it may look like. Well, a light blouse and a flowing skirt matched with a trendy beret is precisely the style you may want to replicate.

Styling tip: you can master the ‘French girl” vibe even if you don’t have a beret at hand. All it takes is a suitable cape, fedora, or cloche.

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Black Mini Dress with Accented Collar

Black Mini Dress with Accented Collar
by @_catherinehelene

Preppy style takes the notion of a little black dress to a whole new level. It is pretty reserved but not over the top. A white collar serves as an ideal accessory that accentuates your sense of style.

Styling tips: use a detachable collar to rock the look. Besides, you can easily incorporate the item into a variety of other preppy-style outfits.

Preppy Look with Bicycle Shorts

Preppy Look with Bicycle Shorts
by Creative Lab/Shutterstock

Did you know that your fave bicycle shorts can become a key element in your preppy look? Well, all it takes is to throw in a classy white jacket with a comfy T-shirt to the mix, and you’ll succeed with a chic and modern assembly. Look at Loulou De Saison before a fashion show during Paris Fashion Week 2019 to move in the right direction.

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Barbie Preppy Look

Barbie Preppy Look
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The Barbie fever isn’t over yet. That is why this Candela Pelizza outside Chanel Fashion Show 2019/2020 preppy look is a worthy idea to replicate. Don’t forget to accessorize the outfit properly – oversized earrings or a chunky necklace will complete the look ideally.

Tweed Green Suit with High Boots

Tweed Green Suit with High Boots
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Aimee Song was spotted after a fashion show during Paris Fashion Week 2019 wearing a chic and sophisticated combo of a tweed green suit and high boots you can wear in your everyday life. The ensemble vibrates with confidence and taste.

Preppy Look with a Long Cape

Preppy Look with a Long Cape
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Fashion blogger and founder of Fashionata Sofie Valkiers, seen outside the Dior show at Paris Fashion Week 2018/2019, wore a stunning black cape that completed her preppy look perfectly. A long cape goes well with tailored blouses and high-waisted skirts. To add an extra spice to the look, choose a pair of boots that serve as a separate statement.

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Bright Red Accented Suit

Bright Red Accented Suit
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Red is a bold choice, no matter the style or occasion. It seems that Caroline Daur, seen outside the THOM BROWNE show during Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2019, knew the drill and used it to her ultimate benefit. The fiery red suit paired with contrasting black accents projects sophistication and a creative attitude.

Tweed Mini Dress with a White Shirt

Tweed Mini Dress with a White Shirt
by Creative Lab/Shutterstock

Tweed dress is a universal choice that elegant ladies usually make. However, a tweed mini dress leaves room for experimentation and personalization. You can pair a classy dress with a tasteful blouse to preserve the preppy flair, but your footwear will reflect your individuality and style.

Tweed Costume

Tweed Costume
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A tweed costume is yet another timeless choice that practical and fashionable ladies prefer. Yet, it takes as much as a colorful pattern to take the look to another level of trendy and fun. Besides, you can always mix and match two different costumes, wearing the top from one and the bottom from the other.

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Plaid Blazer with Accented OTK Boots

Plaid Blazer with Accented OTK Boots
by DKSStyle/Shutterstock

One may say that there’s no room for over the knee boots in preppy style. We beg to differ. A plaid blazer and accented OTK boots work in perfect tandem with one another. Don’t trust us? See for yourself!

Total Black Outfits

Total Black Outfits
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Black is an elegant color, and you can use it to succeed in a perfect preppy style as much as you want. In fact, a total black outfit is the ultimate ensemble suitable for workdays as well as evenings out.

Yellow Accents Preppy Outfits

Yellow Accents Preppy Outfits
by Street style photo/Shutterstock

There’s nothing wrong with making your preppy style a little brighter. An accent here, a pop of color there – and you will achieve a stylish combo that exudes energy and sass.

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Houndstooth Print Tweed Suit with A Headband

Houndstooth Print Tweed Suit with A Headband
by eversummerphoto/Shutterstock

A houndstooth tweed jacket is a modern take on the classy look. Pair it with a matching headband to spread a sophisticated yet playful vibe everywhere you go.

History of Preppy Style

History of Preppy Style
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Now, when you know what a preppy girl style looks like, you may be wondering where the trend takes its roots. Undoubtedly, the style isn’t the recent fashion addition. People were dressing in classic preppy style since the 1890s. Back in the day, those who dressed preppy were educated and wealthy people, think Ivy League. While the fashion initially started as something that men wore, beginning in 1930, the ladies introduced the style into their wardrobes. You may be surprised, but Levi’s jeans were the central element of the style at that moment.

Preppy Look with a Vintage Blouse
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When the 1950s hit, the style became more versatile, and sweater-over-shirt style was almost everywhere. Men sported the combo with their regular slacks, while the women matched the idea with sporty plaid skirts. Approximately at that time, the Americana stream was divided from the trend. The branch was a little edgier with lots of Demin skirts and tighter outfits on offer.

Preppy Style Look with Belted Blazer
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The 80s didn’t add much to the style, except for over-shoulder sweater knotting. Yet, khakis made their way into the style, and turtlenecks were seen almost anywhere. After that, the style has come to a certain hold, and women around the globe preferred comfier clothes, like joggers and leggings. Yet, some 30 years after, the style is blasting the runaways at full force once again. Such a spike ensures that a preppy style guide is a trendy handbook to refer to every now and then, at least at the moment.

How to Create a Preppy Look

How to Create a Preppy Look
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Many factors make preppy style women fashion draw attention. Even though there is nothing over the edge extraordinary about preppy style clothing, you need to know how to mix and match the main elements to rock the trend with style. There are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.

Do’s

  • Gather the basic elements and play around with the shading.
  • Implement modern accessories into the classy look. Think patchwork or illustration.
  • Minimalism is the key to a successful image.
Skirt and Sweater Look
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Don’ts

  • Ripped clothes and strong necklines are out of the question.
  • Don’t go for dark hues. At least make sure that they aren’t the prevailing ones.
  • Don’t go over the edge feminine with blouses and skirts. Keep things stricter just a notch.

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Preppy Clothing

Working on gorgeous preppy outfits isn’t as difficult as you may have assumed at first. Preppy fashion style is all about class and comfort. These trendy images will ensure that you have a new look to peruse on a daily basis. Feel free to alter the ideas according to your taste and preferences!
Preppy Look for Office Work
Preppy Style Look
Cute Preppy Style White and Black Look
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Plaid Skirt with Oversize Blazer
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Cute Preppy Style Look
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Black and White Preppy Look
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Preppy Look with Plaid Coat
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Classy is never boring, neither it is out of style for too long. The preppy style is the best proof to the point. So, spice your casual fashion with trendy preppy looks and feel as comfy and reserved as you look with the least effort involved!

FAQ: Preppy Style

What is preppy vibe?

Preppy style is often associated with college life. However, it has evolved far beyond the East Coast’s ivy-covered walls. It’s no longer only for Muffy and Wilder. It’s now the standard for how the majority of us dress: plain, well-worn and effortless. Penny loafers, crew neck sweaters, and chinos are attributes of this style.

What does preppy mean now?

The word preppy conjures up images of tweed blazers, argyle sweater vests and boat shoes, which are frequently worn by honorable New Englanders. Preppy style has now become less about conformity and more about individuality, taking elements from the old way of dressing and adapting them to your own particular style.

What is the opposite of preppy?

Street, urban or bedraggled are the polar opposites of connecting to things (for example, clothing and jewelry) that convey poshness or status.

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