Decoding Fashion Trends, Preppy

Structured silhouettes, pastel colors, basic garments, plaid prints, and embroidery reign supreme in preppy fashion. Do you want to learn more about this trend? Continue reading—we've got you covered!

Preparatory schools in the United States are the source of the preppy look.

Children from wealthy families attended the best private schools in the country in the 1920s. These institutions incorporated uniforms in block colors with shields inspired by traditional English dress codes. Alumni continued to dress in preppy clothes after graduating from secondary school and university.

The preppy style defined the American lifestyle in the 1950s and became synonymous with success. This fashion trend gave birth to brands such as Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren, and Tommy Hilfiger. It gradually became a worldwide trend.

How to Get the Preppy Look

Preppy fashion is both classic and modern, feminine and ironic. Here are our tips for achieving the perfect preppy look.

DO

- Choose basic pieces and experiment with color or fit—whether oversized or cropped.

- Invest in fun, new pieces or update a classic with patchwork, tie dye, or illustration techniques.

- Minimalism is a good way to make an outfit more practical.

DONT

- Avoid high necklines, ripped clothing, and outfits with an edgy, rocker vibe.

- Wearing a preppy outfit from head to toe is not appropriate.

- Avoid being overly feminine. Make a statement with a track-soled sandal.

- Avoid using dark color palettes.