What Is Preppy Style?
The Familiar Look You Might Not Know the Name Of
Hello everyone! Today, I want to talk about a style of dressing that I'm sure many of you have seen before. Some of you might have even dressed this way without knowing what the style is called. So today, I'd like to tell you a little more about it. First, take a look at the different outfits in the picture and imagine what period of time they remind you of.
Polish, Charm, and Confidence
The word Preppy comes from Preparatory School, referring to schools in the United States that prepare students for university. This style of clothing originated from the culture of American preparatory schools and is also associated with students at Ivy League universities. It combines the neatness of school uniforms with the comfort and practicality of sportswear, particularly clothing inspired by tennis and golf.
The charm of this style is that it looks polished without being overly formal. The clothing has defined silhouettes and neat details, while still leaving room to play with colors and patterns, such as stripes, plaid, and diamond patterns on knitwear. Some people might think this is Old Money Style, and I think the two do overlap and share similarities, as both emphasize classic clothing. However, Preppy Style often has a more school-inspired atmosphere and a sporty feel, with more freedom to play with colors. When you look closely, the two styles aren't really separated by any strict rules.
If you'd like to try dressing in Preppy Style, you don't need to buy an entire wardrobe of preppy pieces. You can start with a shirt, chinos, and loafers, or pair a polo shirt with a short pleated skirt. Then, add knitwear or a blazer depending on the occasion. For some looks, simply draping a cardigan over your shoulders can add another playful touch.
For me, what makes Preppy Style interesting is how it sits somewhere between neatness and playfulness. We can look polished while still expressing color and our own personality in the same outfit.
So, let's take a look inside our wardrobes! Are there any pieces that have a preppy feel? Try mixing and matching them to add a little more color to your day.