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.
Avec Les Filles
Faux Fur Trucker Jacket Brown
$129.99
Rue La La
-54%
Cole Haan
Womens Wing Collar Leather Jacket - Beige Size Medium Brown
$229.97
$498.00
Cole Haan
Via Spiga
Scuba Jacket Black
$84.99
Rue La La
Cole Haan
Womens Leather Racer Jacket - Black Size Medium
$498.00
Cole Haan
Walter Baker
Leela Leather Jacket Black
$135.00
Rue La La
Zoë Jordan
Metallic Leather Jacket Size M Silver
$315.79
HEWI
Karl Lagerfeld
Zip Front Jacket Black
$84.99
Rue La La
Alice & Olivia
Lana Vegan Leather Puff-Shoulder Jacket Brown
$495.00
Bergdorf Goodman
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
-69%
Lucky Brand
Womens Brown Plaid Double Breasted Coat
$69.99
$229.00
ShopSimon
-80%
Kenneth Cole
Tweed Belted Coat Black
$75.98
$375.00
ShopSimon
London Fog
Wool Blend Longline Coat in Black at Nordstrom, Size X-Large
$450.00
Nordstrom
-44%
London Fog
Wool Blend Coat in Camel at Nordstrom, Size X-Large Brown
$199.99
$360.00
Nordstrom
-44%
London Fog
Wool Blend Coat in Black at Nordstrom, Size X-Large
$199.99
$360.00
Nordstrom
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
4-Bar virgin wool 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
Mules, female, Black, Size: 8 US Square Toe Mule
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.
Miu Miu
Wander Small matelassé leather tote bag
Eyecandy LA
Ivy Necklace
$29.99
Rue La La
AllSaints
Pearl Carabiner Clasp Necklace White
$79.00
AllSaints
Eyecandy LA
Julia Leopard Beaded Necklace
$39.99
Rue La La
-32%
Anthropologie
Cord Necklace with Pearl Purple
$29.95
$44.00
Anthropologie
Belpearl
Silver 2-3mm Freshwater Pearl Necklace
$48.00
Rue La La
Eyecandy LA
Fresh Water Pearl Pendant Necklace
$19.99
Rue La La
Gabi Rielle
14K Over Silver Pearl Clover Necklace
$35.99
Rue La La
Genevive
14K Over Silver Pearl Pendant Necklace Gold
$48.00
Rue La La
A pair of wide-frame, rimmed glasses is another fantastic way to accessorise your preppy outfit.
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
Etnia Barcelona
Beb glasses - women - Acetate - 53 - Green
$111.00
FARFETCH
Ray-Ban
round-frame glasses - unisex - Acetate/Metal - 53 - Gold
$88.00
FARFETCH
-51%
Tom Ford Eyewear
6032 glasses - unisex - Acetate - 54 - Brown
$159.00
$327.00
FARFETCH
Ray-Ban
RB5422 glasses - women - Acetate - 54 - Black
$98.00
FARFETCH
Ray-Ban
Eagle Eye glasses - unisex - Acetate - 51 - Brown
$104.00
FARFETCH
