Woman sitting sideways on a brown armchair wearing a white skirt with a brown and white striped shirt and a brown jacket over it.

What Is Preppy Style? How to Spot the Look Instantly 

Preppy style (also known as the preppy look) stands for a neat, well-groomed aesthetic that originally comes from American preparatory schools and universities. The word “prep” comes from “preparatory” - schools that prepare students for college. That’s exactly where the signature mix of sporty elegance and classic wardrobe staples comes from - and you can shop this vibe in our capsule collection “Campus Club”. 

Preppy is never loud, but always stylish: muted colours, high-quality materials, clean lines and effortless everyday chic. 

Woman wearing a beige jumper with a brown V-neck and a brown skirt.

Origins & Comeback: University Style, Private Schools and Gossip Girl

The Ivy League look (Harvard, Yale & co.) shaped preppy style: polo shirts, knitwear, chinos, pleated skirts, and that slightly upper-class kind of ease. In recent years, the style has made a return thanks to social media - and iconic shows like Gossip Girl. And yes: preppy is having a real comeback moment! It feels more modern, cleaner, and much more wearable than it used to.

The Key Features of Preppy Chic

To create a truly preppy outfit, you don’t need lots of pieces - just the right details. Preppy doesn’t rely on loud trends, but on a very clear sense of style.

Woman wearing a beige jumper with a light-coloured print, underneath a blue and white striped blouse and jeans.

Patterns That Define the Style: Checks, Argyle and Stripes

Preppy wouldn’t be preppy without patterns - but they should always feel classy, not overwhelming. Typical examples are:

● checks (e.g. Glen check, light tartan)

● argyle (especially on sweater vests)

● fine stripes (on shirts or polos)

● subtle logos

These patterns create that signature preppy-chic vibe.

A woman is wearing a denim blouse and a brown skirt.

Preppy Style Must-Haves: The Key Pieces You Need

With these preppy essentials, you can build a wardrobe that always works.

Shirts & Button-Down Shirts: The Heart of Preppy Style

A shirt is the ultimate all-rounder: clean, neat and effortlessly elegant.

Styling ideas:

● shirt under a sweater vest or jumper

● shirt worn open over a top (casual preppy)

● rolled-up sleeves for a more relaxed feel

Polo Shirts & Polos: The Sporty College Look Made Easy

Polo shirts are a classic piece of the sporty college look. They instantly feel preppy, without being too strict.

How to make it look modern:

● polo shirt + chinos + trainers

● polo + blazer for a smart dress code

● polo layered under a V-neck cardigan

Woman wearing a brown and white shirt with a blouse underneath and a denim skirt.
Woman wearing a black T-shirt with white print, underneath a blue and white striped blouse and a black skirt.

Preppy style is back - timeless, stylish and easy to combine

Preppy style is the perfect blend of elegance, casualness and timeless classics. With must-haves such as blazers, button-down shirts, polo shirts, chinos, slipovers and loafers, you can easily create a modern preppy look that always works - in the office, in the city or as smart everyday chic.

And best of all, preppy is not just a trend, but a style that will see you through every season – classic, fashionable and easy to combine.

FAQ: The Most Important Questions About Preppy Style

Is preppy style still on trend?

Yes, absolutely. Preppy style is making a strong comeback because it’s timeless and fits perfectly with today’s trend towards classic, high-quality and stylish looks.

Which shoes work best with preppy chic?

The classics are loafers and boat shoes. For a modern twist, trainers or feminine ballet flats also work really well.

How can I style preppy without looking “dressed up”?

Simple: stick to one or two preppy key pieces (e.g. a jumper + shirt) and combine them with relaxed basics. That way your outfit stays stylish, but never feels too much.