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Get Ready to Prep: How to Dress Preppy for Any Occasion

How to dress preppy style

Did you know, when was it popular to dress preppy? No? It became popular in the early 60s and peaked in the early 80s.

It’s all about classic style when it comes to preppy clothing. There are many things that come to mind when you think of preppy style.

It may come to mind that you see a collection of classic khakis and nautical stripes, or perhaps a clean, tailored outfit in pastel colors.

Classy Ways to Look Preppy, Easy Styling:

  • Solid Colors
  • Add Pattern
  • Khaki Bottoms
  • Add Simple Pieces
  • Statement Sweater
  • Avoid Skin Show
  • Sleek Hair
  • Conservative Footwear
  • Minimal Accessories

Solid Colors

solid color

Are you afraid of trying preppy colors? Don’t be. For styling yourself in a preppy style choose a solid color.

You can make your whole look interesting by adding a pop of color to your neutral pieces.

Also Read, Trendy Leather Jackets to Keep You Stylish

Add Pattern

pattern dress men and women

Did you know? Prints and patterns can transform a minimalist or modern outfit into a preppy in a flash.

The preppy style is totally simple in nature but once you build a basic wardrobe, you can create dozens of outfits.

Also, you can wear your favorite outerwear accordingly such as a Trench coat, Leather jacket, etc.

Khaki Bottoms

wearing khaki bottoms

To dress preppy, you can pair khaki bottoms with any of your preppy tops or jackets because it goes with everything.

Khaki is essential for a preppy look. Casual and everyday outfits are easy to put together with this piece.

Choose a stylish pair of khaki pants or a pretty knee-length khaki skirt for this look.

Add Simple Pieces

adding simple pieces to wardrobe

Are you thinking to set your wardrobe preppy? Get your hands on simple pieces.

The preppy style is totally simple in nature but once you build a basic wardrobe, you can create dozens of outfits.

Also, Check “90s fashion for women” 

Statement Sweater

sweater for preppy style

To dress preppy in a cozy winter look, select a cabled or argyle sweater. Not everything preppy has to be summery.

It’s important to remember that a solid cardigan is also a timeless preppy piece.

Throw it over your shoulder if it’s a bit chilly out, or go for a sleeveless V-neck if it’s more comfortable.

Avoid Skin Show

avoid skin show

Make sure your outfit doesn’t reveal too much skin. Simple, clean, and classic are all attributes of a preppy style.

For example, if you want to wear a skirt, choose a knee-length skirt instead of a miniskirt. If you’re going to cover up, choose a top with sleeves.

Sleek hair

preppy sleek look

It would be great to know if you combed your hair back and parted it along the side if you wear your hair short.

Make a pompadour to add volume to your hair. Your hairstyle is an important part of your preppy look.

You might also want to consider putting your long hair in a ponytail or a low bun at the nape of your neck if you have such hair.

Conservative Footwear

footwear for preppy look

Did you know? A preppy shoe should be practical, comfortable, and stylish. Choose loafers, flats, or boat shoes to go with your outfit.

To complete the preppy look women can wear flats, boat shoes, duck boots, or nude heels.

And for men, loafers, moccasins, and duck boots are good choices.

Minimal Accessories

Preppy style accessories

For accessorizing your look go for minimal ones. Match your outfit with a belt or bow tie.

You can consider wearing a bold striped tie or a fun bowtie with a button-down shirt.

Plain leather belts are also great preppy accessories, wear one with your trousers, skirt, or jeans.

You Can Also Read, 1970s Fashion trends

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Yes, preppies still exist and are still so relevant.
The look of preppy clothes is usually influenced by college styles from the middle of the 20th century; they are simple, classic, youthful, and all-American.
The preppy look was so popular in the 1960s but it peaked in the 1980s more.
No, the preppy style is not bad at all as it is known to be a classic style and a classic style can never go wrong.
The most common preppy colors include black, nude, navy, and white.
Yes, cardigans are included in the preppy style with other timeless pieces.