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.
Schott NYC
Donegal Wool Blend Sweater in Tan at Nordstrom, Size Xx-Large
-43%
Cole Haan
Leather Biker Jacket in Black at Nordstrom, Size X-Small
$299.99
$528.00
Nordstrom
-57%
Cole Haan
Wing Collar Leather Jacket Red
$225.00
$528.00
Rue La La
-34%
Cole Haan
Wing Collar Leather Jacket in Dark Espresso at Nordstrom, Size Large Brown
$329.99
$500.00
Nordstrom
-66%
Walter Baker
Lance Leather Jacket
$269.99
$798.00
Rue La La
-57%
Cole Haan
Stand Collar Leather Jacket Black
$225.00
$528.00
Rue La La
Lucky Brand
Zip Crop Leather Jacket in Black at Nordstrom, Size X-Small
$449.00
Nordstrom
-57%
Cole Haan
Wing Collar Leather Jacket Brown
$225.00
$528.00
Rue La La
A statement coat should be structured but effortless, dandy but not pretentious. You are fancy, and therefore deserve the fanciest coat!
-44%
London Fog
Wool Blend Coat in Red at Nordstrom, Size X-Small
$199.99
$360.00
Nordstrom
-48%
Noize
Tweed Plaid Coat in Black Mix at Nordstrom Rack, Size X-Small Regular
$68.22
$129.97
Nordstrom Rack
-44%
London Fog
Wool Blend Coat in Camel at Nordstrom, Size X-Large Brown
$199.99
$360.00
Nordstrom
-63%
Andrew Marc
Emmeline Wool-Blend Slim Coat White
$149.98
$400.00
ShopSimon
-44%
London Fog
Wool Blend Coat in Black at Nordstrom, Size X-Large
$199.99
$360.00
Nordstrom
NVLT
Womens Retro Wave Boucle Double Breasted Coat Brown
$229.00
ShopSimon
-69%
Lucky Brand
Womens Brown Plaid Double Breasted Coat
$69.99
$229.00
ShopSimon
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
Striped cardigan in linen
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
Ankle boots
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.
-80%
Savvy Cie Jewels
18K Over Silver 8.55Mm Pearl Drop Necklace
$33.00
$165.00
Rue La La
-50%
Nordstrom
Color Pop Beaded Necklace in Bright Multi- Pink Combo at Nordstrom
$20.00
$40.00
Nordstrom
Splendid Pearls
Freshwater Pearl Necklace in White at Nordstrom Rack
$99.97
Nordstrom Rack
-86%
Splendid Pearls
14K 7-8Mm Freshwater Pearl Necklace
$100.00
$737.00
Rue La La
Monica Vinader
Gold Nura Skinny Biwa Pearl Pendant Pearl
€100.00
Monica Vinader
A pair of wide-frame, rimmed glasses is another fantastic way to accessorise your preppy outfit.
Miu Miu Eyewear
logo-plaque transparent glasses - women - Acetate - 50 - Neutrals
Newprice
Epos
round-frame glasses - unisex - Acetate - 43 - Neutrals
$127.00
FARFETCH
-76%
POMELLATO
crystal-detail glasses - women - Metal - One Size - Gold
$171.00
$705.00
FARFETCH
-35%
Maui Jim
rectangle-frame glasses - unisex - Acetate - One Size - Brown
$133.00
$205.00
FARFETCH
-35%
Bally
pantos-frame glasses - unisex - Acetate - One Size - Black
$133.00
$205.00
FARFETCH
-56%
Tom Ford Eyewear
round-frame glasses - unisex - Acetate - 51 - Neutrals
$159.00
$363.00
FARFETCH
