How to Look Preppy - The Ultimate (and Modern) Guide for Men
We explain how to interpret the preppy style in a casual and contemporary way.
Phenomenon Preppy Style
The preppy look is not just any style, but a real phenomenon. While other trends come and go, this one may be more or less present at some points, but it never goes completely out of fashion. How is that possible?
To get to the bottom of the phenomenon, we first have to take a look at the fashion history books. Because this style originated in the 70s in America. At that time, the clothing style of students at American elite universities became a real hype, which partly lasts until today or comes back from time to time and yet never completely disappears. This fashionable look is basically a further development of the "Ivy League look", which already existed before. The style was characteristic of upper class or upper middle class students who studied at prestigious universities on the east coast of the USA.
The reason why the preppy style is so iconic and has lasted until today or keeps coming back is probably not necessarily a fashion one. This look not only stands for a certain way of dressing, but also for an exclusive lifestyle that many dream of. Dressing preppy is one thing, but living a lifestyle similar to those who initiated the style is another. Studying at an elite university like Harvard, Princeton or Yale is still a big dream for many. Even though most people today associate the term preppy look mainly with a fashion phenomenon, it is inseparable from what it has always embodied: belonging to the elite.
How To - the guide for the perfect preppy look
But how do you achieve the look that everyone keeps talking about? The preppy look is a real tightrope walk, because the outfit should be neat, but - in fashion year 2023 - not totally staid. Yet with one or two principles in mind, it's easy and you'll be well dressed!
The most important basics
The most important items of clothing when we talk about preppy style are the following: classic tailored trousers, shirts as well as polo shirts, slipovers, knitted jumpers, blazers and ties. Of course, there are other garments that lend themselves to the look and not all of these pieces are used for one outfit either - but they are the basics that are best suited to putting together a preppy outfit. Just pull out the pieces you already have in your wardrobe and see what you can create with them.
The colours
A colour that is great for the preppy look for men is dark blue. Dark blue is understated, elegant and tasteful. The best way to combine dark blue is with beige and white, or possibly with lighter shades of grey or blue. Only lighter colours such as beige/ camel and white together can also work well and look particularly elegant and modern. A touch of colour also works very well, such as dark red or green. However, it is better to keep your hands off too many dark brown tones, as they can quickly look old-fashioned in this context.
Style a preppy look, then loosen it up again.
This rule may sound a bit strange at first, but it is a real game changer. We want to interpret the preppy look in a contemporary way, so it's better to be a little more casual than too preppy or stuffy. You can do this by taking another look at the finished outfit and deciding how you could loosen up the look if it seems too strict. For example, undo the top buttons of the shirt or put on a cool cap to give it a street style touch. You can also leave out the tie, which can quickly make the whole thing look too formal. As a reminder, the aim is not to copy the preppy look from the past 1:1, but to create something of your own (and something modern!).
"The Vibe"
On the cue of "making it your own" comes the next principle. A modern interpretation of the look requires a vibe. For example, the outfit can have a cool vibe (cap + sneakers), a sexy vibe (button up the shirt) or a weird (style break) vibe. If you want to be on the safe side, opt for a casual vibe - it looks modern, style-conscious and not at all conservative.
The most important things to finish
It's always the details that make a look stylish and modern: like a cricket jumper (100% preppy chic) which is worn oversized (like @lepetitarnd - photo above), a loose shirt and cap (as seen on @itsalessandrochessa - photo above) or trainers instead of classic shoes (@moritzhau - photo below).
The non-plus-ultra when it comes to style questions is to rely on your own sense of style. That, combined with our tips, is quite a guarantee to experience a (dapper) fashion success!
