Preppy Is Here to Stay
Written by Samantha Wright
When many of us think of the word “Preppy” we are automatically reminded of the old glitz and glamour of the past. Particularly, the East Coast has historically been connected to the idea of old money, ivy style, and classic preppy fashion. Growing up on the East Coast myself, my childhood consisted of Vineyard Vines, Sperry TopSiders as well as Lily Pulitzer. Although these have become known as the staples to the preppy wardrobe, times have changed.
Throughout movies and television shows, the preppy style has made its mark. Major television shows like Gossip Girl have demonstrated the chokehold that the old money preppy style had on American culture. As of lately, fashion trends have demonstrated a variety of styles, often combining older looks with more modern twists. Many of the most popular items on reselling apps like The Real Real as well as Depop often are more dated pieces that have made a recent comeback. Whether it is a low rise khaki pair of cargo pants or a tweed set, both pieces have been brought back to life within recent years and pay homage to the classic Ivy Style.
Although the hyperfixation of “Y2K” is still alive and well, many new contemporary brands have gone back to the classics. Ask anyone if loafers should be a staple in their closet and their answer is most likely going to be yes. Business casual has taken on a preppy twist within recent years with brands like Aritzia, who have made unique pieces that resemble something you would find in a preppy closet. Today, several brands like Aimé Leon Dore as well as Rowing Blazers are sticking to their roots by paving the way for prep’s new comeback. From polo shirts to button up cardigans, these brands have made their mark on the fashion industry. Within more recent years, classic brands like Ralph Lauren have also made a comeback. Take Michigan for example; walk through central campus on any given day and you are most likely to see several students rocking an array of pieces featuring Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bear. Whether you like to admit it or not, a lot of people nowadays wear preppy clothes without realizing it.
If you type in “#preppy” into Tiktok and Instagram, you will be greeted with a new era of the preppy look. For young girls in particular, brands like Madhappy and Aviator Nation have become synonymous with the preppy look. Unlike a lot of the people who would consider themselves “preppy”, Aviator Nation’s CEO Paige Mycoskie is the complete opposite. Her laid back breezy look is all vital to what the brand is all about, living life to the fullest and appreciating both new and old classic looks. Handmade in California, Aviator Nation is the embodiment of a classic American company. Regardless of what some may think, there is no denying that the classic 5 stripe collection is here to stay. Unlike the very nature of the preppy style itself, today, different outfits have become cult classics for the preppy look.
Particularly, a cute matching sweat set with a killer pair of sneakers has become the new look. There's no doubt about it: Sweatpants have become the world’s greatest pair of pants. Both equally comfortable and cool, there's no doubt about why they have arrived and are here to stay. More recently, the Scandinavian look has also tied into what many consider preppy. When you think of Matilda Djerf herself, the Swedish designer founded the brand with the goal of creating staple pieces that will last a lifetime. Pieces like Blazers, Occasion Tops as well as the classic linen set all pay homage to the classic style that is preppy.
Although microtrends are suddenly dominating the fashion world, there is no denying that classic looks like the preppy look are here to stay. Whether you love it or hate it, the Ivy Style will forever be important within American culture. Keeping sustainability in mind, capsule wardrobes are right up your alley if you want to venture into the preppy world. Quiet Luxury is in and Fast Fashion is out. No longer is there a need to break the bank to fit in with the preppy world, so there really is no excuse as to why many have not given preppy a second chance.