The New Preppy
Prep To It: How To Wear The ‘New Preppy
There’s a new mood in fashion right now. You’ve probably seen it: sporty-inflected daywear, rugby-style shirts, vintage ‘90s-style caps. This is an aesthetic we like to call “the new preppy”, popularised on the runway by the likes of Celine, Sandro, and Coach. What defines the new preppy? It’s all about taking the elements of collegiate dressing – pinstriped shirting, polos, even ties – and elevating them with clever styling and elegant details. The end result is spring and summer outfits so versatile you can wear off-duty or to the office. Here, we round-up four key pieces that will help you nail this new sensibility – and show you how to style them.
Front Up
If we were to name a single ‘must-have’ investment for the new season, it would be the rugby-style polo shirt. Spotted everywhere from Bec + Bridge (we love their boxy ‘Kylo’ style) to Incu, R.M. Williams, and Gant, this style is flattering, versatile, and easy to style. We suggest going full ‘prep’ with a pair of Adidas shorts from Glue Store, then elevating with chic accessories: a great shoulder bag by Brie Leon from David Jones, sleek leather loafers by Jo Mercer, and your favourite gold jewellery.
Bec + Bridge Kylo Jersey | $160
Glue Store Adidas Soccer Satin Classic Shorts | $65
Sportsgirl Gold Beaten Hoop Earrings 2 Pack | $19.95
David Jones Brie Leon The Everyday Croissant Shoulder Bag | $249
Jo Mercer Jarvis Loaders | $229.95
Cap It Off
Nineties style ‘dad’ caps are having a real moment right now, from the high-end (Celine) to the high street (H&M, Zara, and Sportsgirl). Lean into the nostalgia with wide-leg denim cargo shorts, a style that looks most flattering with a tighter-fitting tee, like this lace ribbed baby tee from H&M. A pragmatic but stylish bag, like this on-trend raffia tote by Loewe, is perfect weekend fodder, as are these statement-making Adidas Sambas, available at Style Runner.
H&M Ribbed Tee | $19.99
Levi’s Women’s Baggy Dad Jorts | $129.95
Sportsgirl Logo Cap | $19.95
David Jones Chloé Summer Banana Bag | $1,900
Style Runner Adidas SL 72 | $150
Buttoned-Up
The trusty button-down shirt is an enduring wardrobe classic. This season, we love the preppy appeal of a pinstripe style, like this super-chic iteration by Miu Miu. Avoid any ‘day at the office’ connotations by styling yours with a great pair of jeans, then upping the ante with a killer pair of sky-high pumps. The finishing touches? Sunglasses, in a classic silhouette like this pair by Luv Lou, available at Style Runner, and a great everyday handbag (we’re obsessed with Kenzo’s ‘Kuroshiki’ bag this season, with its statement-making top-handle).
Miu Miu Striped Poplin Shirt | $2,370
Incu Larriet Vini Jean | $190
Kenzo Furoshiki Bag | $740
Style Runner Luv Lou The Taylor Sunglasses | $170
Zara Stiletto Shoes | $69.95
Break The Tie
Of all the ‘new preppy’ trends of the new season, the tie might feel like the most intimidating. We get it. Historically the tie has been the embodiment of a certain kind of humourless corporate menswear. But fashion brands like Balenciaga, Saint Laurent and Sandro have liberated the tie, turning it into an accessory that is playful, chic, and sexy. Sandro’s checked blue shirt comes with a matching tie –style it by balancing the proportions with a pair of tailored shorts, belted with a great quality leather belt. Finish the look with a cropped lightweight jacket, like this brown leather suede zip-up from Zara, and a matching pair of ballet flats.
Sandro Eulalie Shift | $555
Zara Leather Jacket | $299
Zara Bermuda Shorts | $69.95
Dissh Bradford Leather Belt | $89.99
Cotton On Rubi Miley Ruched Ballet | $29.99
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