Even your wildest guess would not come anywhere close to interpreting preppy as a dress code, in fact one of the oldest, but, still very popular around the world.
Perhaps, you wear it in routine but do so instinctively rather than intentionally. Preppy clothes specifically belonged to the high-born class of American university students, who during that time dressed aristocratically to exude their social status, along with particular deportment.
Although, to define preppy style you may suppose it as a hybrid style of clothing which revolves around your current wardrobe. In other words, preppy means coordinating clothes creatively to look smart and presentable. For instance, mixing button-down, cricket sweater, chinos and boat shoes or loafers. Even the president like john F Kennedy sported and inspired fashion with his own signature preppy look.
What Is Preppy?
- Originated as the preparatory school uniform
- Preppy the nautical roots and athletic wear allowing more vibrancy and vigour in your outfits.
- Preppy is not a rigid set of coordinates but relies mainly on the climate around you. In hot weather soft hues and aquatic style is preferable, whereas winter may offer deep hues and contrasting clothing pieces
- The dressing style sits at the foundation of many dress codes such as smart casual, casual Fridays or athleisure.
How To Nail Preppy
Go With The Basics
To look a treat in preppy outfits takes little effort if you learn how to deploy staple pieces in the right manner, but the results can be impressive. For instance consider navy blazer which lies at the core of preppy, wear khakis for dressier attire, polo and button down oxford shirt will raise preppy aesthetics, penny loafer and boat shoes are principle shoes styles to go with.
Choose Muted Colours
If you are colour-shy there is a set of light colours that offer a variety of impeccable looks without attracting the limelight. Blue, white, off-white, lavender, brown and grey are all-weather all-complexion colours. Avoid loud colours that will ruin the preppy aesthetics.
Minimize Accessory
Accessory should never overwhelm your ensemble and shoes. Anything that is drawing unwanted attention is a confirm flop-show. Wear what is necessary and leave the de trop. For example, if a pocket square is enough to enhance the preppy clothes, skip a tie. Don’t wear garish bracelets or flashy belts.
Be Confident
Feeling assured comes as the prime quality of a well-dressed man. No matter what you put on (after careful thought) make it look inspirational, that gives others a reason to double-take.
Preppy Wardrobe Key Piece
Shirts
At the core, preppy shirts are slightly casual in nature, more colourful and should have some pattern to it. Some classic pieces are explained here.
Polo shirt- as a beginner polo is a safer start point for developing a signature preppy style. Solid colour polos in white, pink, and navy make some cool options while yellow and red are some brighter shades to highlight an outfit. Wide striped polos in dual tone make another befitting preppy number.
Stripes are core items for a traditional preppy clothes. Thin stripe shirt is a classic thing to wear with chino pants and a blazer.
Gingham and plaid inject colours and visual beauty into an outfit. Choose combination of white with brown, blue, green and grey. Wear these shirts primarily with solid, light colour blazers or sweaters.
Preppy Trousers
Chino
It is more comfortable than denim and most versatile for a preppy fashion. Khaki and off white are nice colours with a dark colour shirt or jacket. Opt for navy to prepare for the evening with friends. Red and green chinos are great picks if you have the mettle to carry them off.
Shorts
Shorts are summer preppy essentials, but not those casual jean shorts or cargo shorts. Chino shorts are appropriate articles to wear with dress shirts, polo, sport coat or even a double breasted blazer. Just be sure they are plain with good length shorts. Play with colours by donning pink, green or dark brown shorts to radiate sophistication.
Khakis
Non pleated trousers are such as khakis can define an American preppy style. Play it down by wearing knit sweater and white sneakers or play up the outfit by teaming dark grey blazer and brown penny or tassel loafers.
Preppy shoes
For mastering a great preppy style choosing right shoe type is essential. You might go overboard with oxfords or Wholecuts shoes. Preppy does not call for too formal details but something that truly enhances the aesthetic and originality of a prep outfit. It can be any standard footwear that reflects the real nature of preppy outfit.
Loafers
Loafer is one multipurpose slip-on shoe that is easy to put on, comfortable and harmonizes amazingly with cropped pants. They are best worn without socks.
Boat Shoes
Perhaps, you can’t own a Yatch as of now, but can definitely afford a pair of boat shoes. It is a dedicated shoe design perfect for a nautical preppy style. It goes with anything casual to smart casual and add a touch of sophistication when combined with chino or denim outfits, even shorts.
Brogues
Think of this footwear as something timeless that can mix into most dress codes. Brogue design functions pretty well with traditional, textured clothing and bold colours. Multicoloured socks offer a fetching combination with brogues. Brown brogues with navy blazer is a classic combination to up your preppy style.
Sneakers
Several preppy outfits come alive with plain white sneakers; they can pull off any modern outfit effortlessly. Just be sure they are clean including the sole. Wear sneakers with either shorts or khakis. Marry pastel colour sweater like grey or blue with white sneakers for a polished appearance.
Layers
Winter preppy calls for some statement numbers, navy blazer, knit sweater or V-neck cricket sweater. You may also pick full sleeved argyle pattern or a sweater vest.
Blazer Or Sport Jacket
Navy blazer has a history in menswear, and is a must-have to build preppy wardrobe. It is worn as a part of preppy uniform worldwide. Blazer is the outermost layer so it should be roomy enough to take minimum one or two layers, but snug enough at the same time.
Sport coat is more functional with colours and texture. It has the ability to mix with casual pieces and elevate the preppy style.
Sweaters
Knitwear is an inseparable part of any winter preppy look. Especially, sweaters function as both mid-layer and top layer. Some acceptable designs can be V-neck and cardigans. Cable knit sweaters stay atop everything. Ribbed pattern offers masculinity and interest.
V-neck has a background in sporting activities, cricket and golf; it gives a smart look with a button down, in particular. To spice up things wear a tie to add classic touch to your appearance.
For the most part, Cricket sweaters are off-white with colourful neckline stripes which makes them quintessential item for preppy style.
Cardigans can be thought of as semi-formal items. Unique deep curves at the front resemble lapels of a blazer and shawl collar increases the formality making it suitable to don over dress shirt, tie and formal pants.
