What is Preppy Style?

Preppy style has entered a bold new chapter. Rooted in tradition but refreshed for modern tastes, this classic collegiate aesthetic balances polished sophistication with unexpected twists. Think structured blazers paired with relaxed denim, crisp button-ups layered under eye-catching prints, or stripes reimagined in vibrant hues.

The New Era of Preppy honors its heritage while embracing individuality, proving that tradition and trendiness can coexist. In this guide, we’ll explore how to blend these elements to create outfits that feel both timeless and contemporary. 

What is the New Era of Preppy?

Modern preppy style reinvents the classics with a contemporary edge. It blends staples like blazers and loafers with bright colors, unexpected patterns, and fresh silhouettes. For example, you could layer a crewneck sweater over a classic Oxford shirt tucked into tailored pants with a pair of penny loafers or the same button-down worn loose with linen pants and Flipjacks for a day by the water. 

This evolution leaves room for personal style while paying homage to Ivy League tradition, creating a polished, versatile, and effortlessly cool look for today’s fashion-forward wardrobe.

How to Dress Preppy

Incorporate essential pieces and color palettes to achieve a polished and put-together look. Master the art of preppy with these styling tips. 

1. Learn the Classics  

First things first — you can’t put a spin on the classics until you know what they are. While the new Ivy style is all about mixing the traditional and the modern, having a foundation of classic pieces in your wardrobe is still important. 

Here are the basics you can use to build a preppy capsule wardrobe:  

• Classic Colors: Neutral shades like navy, white, and beige are the bread and butter of Ivy style.

• Staple Pieces: Choose elements like blazers, button-up shirts, polo shirts, chinos, sweaters, skirts, and loafers.

• Patterns: Stripes, plaids, argyle, and nautical motifs are common in Ivy League fashion. 

• Quality Fabrics: Cotton, wool, cashmere, and linen dominate, emphasizing durability and quality.

• Understated Accessories: Pearls, leather belts, tote bags, and minimal gold or silver jewelry enhance the preppy look. 

The idea of a capsule wardrobe is that the pieces you choose are easy to mix, match, and layer — and they also act as a canvas you can dress up with your favorite items and the latest trends.  

2. Play with Colors and Prints 

Now that you know the building blocks of dressing preppy, it’s time to redefine your wardrobe with a fresh take on an enduring favorite.

Check out these ideas to get you started: 

• Start with a Neutral Base: Build your outfit around a staple, like a navy blazer, white oxford shirt, or beige chinos. This helps ground the look and gives you a foundation to play on.

• Incorporate Bold Colors: Add a pop of color (or three!) with bright hues like dark pink, cherry red, kelly green, or cobalt blue in sweaters, trousers, or accessories.

• Experiment with Prints: Introduce timeless patterns like florals or modern trends like geometric shapes, colorful plaids, and abstract motifs to contrast with traditional stripes or neutral plaids.

• Layering: Layer different textures and patterns to create depth and dimension. A preppy dress layered under a knit cardigan is a stylish option for transitional seasons like spring.

• Mix and Match: Pair bold prints with solid colors to create balance while keeping the outfit visually engaging.

New preppy fashion is all about incorporating unexpected colors and prints into your preppy look, and our women’s dresses are a great start. Layer these colorful pieces under blazers or wear them with a pair of clean white sneakers for a casual preppy style that’s quick to pull together.

3. Mix Casual and Dressy Pieces

Mixing casual and dressy pieces is another key element of modern preppy style. The juxtaposition of these elements adds an interesting dimension to your outfit.

Here are three ways to dress down your dressy pieces and dress up your basics: 

• Elevate Your Jeans: Pair your favorite dark-wash jeans with a tailored blazer and a crisp button-down shirt. Add loafers or oxfords for a sophisticated look. For a more casual option, opt for a denim jacket and sneakers.

• Blazer Casualization: A blazer takes a casual outfit to the next level. Pair it with a t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers for a relaxed yet polished look.

• Oxford Shirt Versatility: An Oxford shirt is easy to dress down with chinos and loafers for a weekend-ready outfit. Pair it with a pullover and chinos for a layered look.

By reimagining classic staples in fresh combinations, you can create outfits that feel uniquely yours.

4. Modern Accessories for a Timeless Touch 

Accessories can transform a traditional Ivy outfit from ordinary to extraordinary, and mixing traditional pieces with a variety of colors, prints, and fabrics will help you achieve the new preppy fashion you’re after.

Choose from these accessories as a jumping-off point:  

• Belts: A leather belt cinches your waist and adds a touch of sophistication. Opt for a belt with a unique buckle or a subtle pattern, or go all-out with a belt in a bold color like bright red or green.

• Scarves: A scarf is the perfect accessory to add interest to your outfit. Look for a silk scarf with a bold print or a cashmere scarf in a solid color.

• Hats and Bags: Accessorize with hats and bags like classic tote bags, straw hats, baseball caps, or fedoras. 

• Jewelry: Go for a delicate necklace, a pair of stud earrings, or a simple bracelet to keep things low-key. Opt for chunky jewelry or statement pieces for a bold, contemporary feel. 

• Fragrance: A subtle fragrance instantly elevates your preppy look. Pick a classic scent with citrus, woody, or floral notes. A light spritz on your pulse points can create a lasting impression. 

• Red Lipstick: Never doubt the power of a bold red lip to take an outfit to the next level. Red lipstick is a mainstay of preppy style and a great way to make a statement while keeping your look classy. 

The key to accessorizing a preppy outfit is to keep it simple and elegant. Choose accessories that complement your outfit and enhance your overall look.

Get Inspired with Southern Tide 

At Southern Tide, we know a thing or two about honoring traditions while charting our own course — and we've got plenty of ideas for exploring fresh takes on classic preppy fashion. Follow us on Instagram for a daily dose of coastal charm plus updates on the latest arrivals in Southern style, or peruse our Pinterest for curated looks and creative ways to elevate your wardrobe with preppy essentials.