How to wear Preppy Style
Happy Monday, ladies! I hope you had a fantastic weekend. The weather in Georgia was indecisive, to say the least. Friday, the temps dropped 30 degrees from the 70s to the 40s. Saturday rained all day with a high of 44. But Sunday was glorious with sunshine, blue skies, and temps in the 60s. My kiddos even fit in a round of golf after Easter brunch, which left the ladies of the house up to their own devices. Truly a glorious Easter day!
This week I thought we would take a look at classic/preppy wardrobe-essentials. If you have followed the blog for any length of time, then you know I love a preppy aesthetic, a sportier version of classic style. Preppy style is unique to America influenced by the east coast prep school uniform, including chinos, button-ups, blazers, canvas belts, argyle sweaters, crewneck sweaters, and loafers. The term preppy is taken from university-preparatory schools, a.k.a. Prep school. The style started at the turn of the 20th century, and more or less has evolved since then. Preppy style has also been influenced by the English aristocracy, who once strongly impacted America and American universities. So you will see an infusion of stripes, plaid shirts, field jackets, nautical-themed outfits, and equestrian apparel.
Preppy style fashion for women was epitomized by First Lady Jackie Kennedy, who embraced classic style and preppy style. Jackie was known to wear brightly patterned sheath dresses from Lilly Pulitzer and catapulted Jack Rogers sandals into the fashion stratosphere. Jackie spied a pair of sandals she loved on a trip to Italy. When she returned to the States, she asked shoe cobbler Jack Rogers to make a pair just for her. The rest is history. When she was spotted in the sandals, everyone wanted a pair “just like Jackie.”
Women who love preppy style embrace low-heeled shoes, tailored skirt suits, wrap dresses, sheath dresses, shirtdresses, silk or cotton blouses, a-line skirts, and chinos. While preppy style is unique to America, it has been embraced by other continents and cultures. When Princess Diana stepped onto the fashion scene as a Sloan Ranger, her outfits embodied floral denim and skirt, gingham pants, and bright colors. Preppy style retailers include J. McLaughlin, Ralph Lauren, Talbots, J.Crew, Lilly Pulitzer, Tommy Hilfiger, L.L. Bean, Lands’ End, Orvis, Eddie Bauer, Vineyard Vines, and Lacoste, to name a few.
Similar outfit
Today’s ootd embodies preppy style with a simple a-line white denim skirt from Talbots and a chambray shirt from Ralph Lauren (limited sizes, similar here and here). A blue linen belt with a bamboo buckle from J. McLaughlin adds texture and helps define my waist that has disappeared through the years. A Panama hat from J. Crew protects my face from harmful UV rays, and a pair of white mules (old, similar here) keep the outfit looking oh-so sporty.
Similar outfit
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Love today’s write up on the history of Preppy..so interesting!
Glad you had a nice Easter with your family!
Hi Janet!
I just love history but fashion history is so much fun to research!
Love this outfit It is so springy We had 70° here today in
Minnesota. Went on a short walk and did some Spring house cleaning.
Nothing better than a beautiful spring day in Minneapolis!
Very well researched article – thanks. One funny quirk: in New England we say button downs not button up shirts.
I love to dig into fashion history.