The Preppy Handbook: how to master the classic aesthetic
With shows like Succession and the Gossip Girl reboot gaining massive traction during the past couple of years, the internet is perpetually obsessed with “old money” aesthetics and the concept of “stealth wealth”.
The prep and old money aesthetics seem to go hand in hand as representations of the aspirational and unattainable lifestyles of the upper echelons. Fashion writer Alexandra Hildreth, in a TikTok posted on 12th April, explains that, back in the day, prep was characterised by the “socioeconomic and cultural signifier of essentially being white, upper middle class, or wealthy”.
As Alexandra goes on to say, the aesthetic was inextricably tangled with “inherent and learnt behaviours” correlated to that economic status, making it reactionary and exclusive.
Today prep is involved in a different cultural phenomenon: a subversion of the ideals it used to represent. Independent luxury brands like Chopova Lowena, Martine Rose, and Wales Bonner, but also industry titans like Miu Miu and Thom Browne, have co-opted the preppy aesthetic and turned it on its head, transforming it in a much more rugged, contemporary, and inclusive movement.
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While most of those brands focus on a more fluid and androgynous aesthetic, Miu Miu showed a girlier and nerdier side of prep for their SS23 runway, a side made of cashmere co-ords, frame bags, hosiery, and kitten heels.
In the words of Harper Bazaar’s Fashion News Director Rachel Tashjian, “Rather than reinforcing the lifestyle of prep and its trappings, [these brands] are swatting at them, playing with them, questioning them. Prep is back, and this time, it’s personal!”
If this new, rebellious prep tickles your fancy, here’s a handy guide on how to rock it.
1. Plaid and pleats
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Absolute staples of the prep renaissance, plaid and pleats are ubiquitous in every prep brand’s collection. Pair your pleated skirt with rocker-style pieces to break away from the school uniform mold.
Nike
Mens Air Zoom Spiridon Cage 2 Shoes in White | CJ1288-100
Cole Haan
Womens Wing Collar Leather Jacket - Black Size Medium
$498.00
Cole Haan
Cole Haan
Womens Wing Collar Zip Up Leather Jacket - Black Size Medium
$498.00
Cole Haan
Walter Baker
Santana Asymmetrical Leather Moto Jacket Black
$289.99
Rue La La
Cole Haan
Womens Leather Racer Jacket - Black Size Medium
$498.00
Cole Haan
Andrew Marc
Leather Trucker Jacket Brown
$160.99
Rue La La
Ralph Lauren
Tan Leather jacket Size L Orange
$405.21
HEWI
Iro
Mizio Leather Shirt Black
$175.00
Rue La La
A statement coat should be structured but effortless, dandy but not pretentious. You are fancy, and therefore deserve the fanciest coat!
-33%
London Fog
Wool Blend Longline Coat in Camel at Nordstrom, Size X-Large Brown
$299.99
$450.00
Nordstrom
-33%
London Fog
Wool Blend Longline Coat in Black at Nordstrom, Size Large
$299.99
$450.00
Nordstrom
-6%
Carolina Herrera
Beige Tweed Open Front Coat
$384.00
$410.00
ShopSimon
-33%
London Fog
Wool Blend Longline Coat in Light Grey at Nordstrom, Size X-Large Gray
$299.99
$450.00
Nordstrom
London Fog
Wool Blend Coat in Camel at Nordstrom Rack, Size Small Brown
$144.97
Nordstrom Rack
3. Chunky sweaters and cardigans
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Knitwear from a heritage brand like Ralph Lauren or Tommy Hilfiger is another prep staple. Pair your cable-knit sweaters and preppy cardigans with leather trousers or baggy jeans.
Thom Browne
Blue Cotton Womens Cardigan
Polo Ralph Lauren
Aran cable-knit jumper - women - Cotton - L - Red
$168.00
FARFETCH
Chocoolate
cable-knit V-neck jumper - women - Acrylic - S - Blue
$159.00
FARFETCH
Brain Dead
Blue Striped Cardigan
$275.00
Ssense
Norse Projects
Lambswool Laurine Cardigan Blue
$315.00
Ssense
Butter Goods
Green Diamond Cardigan
$140.00
Ssense
Hope
Brown Mega Cardigan Beige
$435.00
Ssense
4. Shoes: from loafers to kitten heels
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Nothing says preppy like a classic pair of loafers: we recommend pairing them with thick white socks, to add a layer of ironic awkwardness. Speaking of awkwardness, Miu Miu SS23 made the nerdy girl with sheer tights and pointy kitten heels cool again.
Martine Rose
Pumps, female, Multicolor, Size: 7 US Modern Heeled Loafers
-11%
Martine Rose
square-toe leather loafers - unisex - Leather/Leather/Leather/Rubber - 36 - Black
$769.00
$867.00
FARFETCH
Rag & Bone
Brown Canter Loafers
$425.00
Ssense
Dr. Martens
Black Adrian Loafers
$140.00
Ssense
Versace Jeans Couture
Black Fiona Heeled Sandals
$275.00
Ssense
Ganni
Pink Soft Bow Slingback Heels
$395.00
Ssense
pushBUTTON
Black Lace-Up Heels
$615.00
Ssense
The Attico
Orange Anais Heeled Sandals
$690.00
Ssense
Pairing your slacks, tweed blazers, and loafers with more feminine accessories is a great way to create a nice contrast. We recommend classic handbags, pearl jewellery, and sheer hosiery.
Anthropologie
Pearl Initial Necklace
$48.00
Anthropologie
Anthropologie
Pearl Initial Necklace
$48.00
Anthropologie
Anthropologie
Pearl Initial Necklace
$48.00
Anthropologie
Anthropologie
Pearl Initial Necklace
$48.00
Anthropologie
Anthropologie
Pearl Initial Necklace
$48.00
Anthropologie
Anthropologie
Pearl Initial Necklace
$48.00
Anthropologie
Anthropologie
Pearl Initial Necklace
$48.00
Anthropologie
Anthropologie
Pearl Initial Necklace
$48.00
Anthropologie
A pair of wide-frame, rimmed glasses is another fantastic way to accessorise your preppy outfit.
Carolina Herrera
square-frame glasses - women - Acetate - 53 - Black
$102.00
FARFETCH
-70%
Victoria Beckham
geometric-frame glasses - women - Acetate - One Size - Brown
$88.00
$289.00
FARFETCH
Chiara Ferragni
cat-eye glasses - women - Acetate - 52 - Blue
$186.00
FARFETCH
Ray-Ban
Zuri sunglasses - unisex - Acetate - 49 - Red
$139.00
FARFETCH
-59%
Moschino
heart shape-frame studded sunglasses - women - Acetate - 53 - Red
$114.00
$275.00
FARFETCH
Etnia Barcelona
Vesta glasses - women - Acetate - 51 - Green
$146.00
FARFETCH
Carrera
369 square-frame glasses - unisex - Metal - 55 - Gold
$112.00
FARFETCH
