Are you looking to add a touch of sophistication, timeless charm, and a dash of collegiate flair to your wardrobe? Then embrace the world of preppy fashion for men.
The preppy style has long been associated with a sense of class, elegance, and a nod to traditional menswear. In this article, we’ll guide you through the essentials of dressing preppy and help you achieve that refined, polished look.
From iconic pieces like the classic blazer and crisp Oxford shirts to vibrant patterns, pastel colours, and tailored trousers, preppy fashion offers a wide range of options to elevate your style. Whether you’re aiming for a smart-casual outfit for a day at the office or a relaxed yet put-together look for a weekend brunch, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll delve into the key elements of a preppy wardrobe, including wardrobe staples, accessories, and styling techniques. Discover how to effortlessly combine classic pieces with modern touches, creating a style that is both timeless and contemporary.
We’ll explore the art of layering and show you how to mix patterns and colours in a way that exudes confidence and sophistication. From striped ties and argyle sweaters to boat shoes and loafers, we’ll help you navigate the world of preppy fashion with ease.
Whether you’re a newcomer to preppy style or looking to refine your existing wardrobe, our comprehensive guide will provide you with the inspiration and tips you need to dress preppy with finesse. From selecting the right fabrics to incorporating signature preppy accessories, we’ll help you curate a wardrobe that reflects your personal style and showcases your attention to detail.
So, if you’re ready to embrace a fashion aesthetic that embodies timeless elegance and a refined sensibility, join us on this journey into the world of preppy fashion for men. From the campuses of Ivy League universities to the streets of New England, let’s unravel the secrets to dressing preppy and elevate your sartorial game to new heights.
In This Preppy Story…
Where Preppy Men’s Style Began
The essence of preppy style originated in early 1900’s. Well-heeled Ivy League college kids weren’t impressed with the stuffy, professorial dress they found on campus.
They discovered a suitable alternative in clothing associated with upper-crust hobbies like golf, boating, and rowing. Soon enough, it became a mode of dress for every rich-guy activity you could poke a stick at, from lectures in old-timey red brick halls, to baller yacht parties at Nantucket Island.
What Is Preppy Style
Good question. A good prep would tell you that it’s more of an approach to style, rather than a prescriptive set of things to wear. We’re leaning on some expert insight to guide the way.
Per menswear commentator Christian Chensvold, ‘one of the chief virtues of the preppy approach to dressing is the notion of being relatively dressed up for casual settings, and relatively dressed down for formal ones’. That’s basically it.
The fundamental idea is treat dress codes with irreverence. Never being too dressy, while avoiding the last-minute-casual slovenliness that has come to define the hazy parameters of ‘smart casual’. The ideal result is a combination of effortlessness and good taste that makes you look put together, without looking like you’re sweating buckets in front of a mirror.
So how is it done? Well, it’s not rocket surgery (getting dressed never should be).
Preppy Style Brands
There are a few overlords in preppy style, and they wear the crown for a reason.
Brands like these have a prestigious history of producing Ivy-League style since pretty much forever. They were worn by the original preps, and respect the lineage.
So, knowing where to start will save you a fair whack of time. It’ll narrow the selection of options in a crowded market, and keep you from splurging on brands that don’t take the preppy ethos to heart.
Investing In Preppy Quality Staples
There’s nothing sacrosanct in preppy style, but investing in the key staples won’t send you astray. The look has a few fundamental items that are worthwhile investments.
Button Downs
Button downs, in a range of colours and patterns, are the sinew of a credible preppy repertoire. You can wear them with shorts, chinos, a blazer, or without. Endlessly versatile. Buy a few Brooks Brothers and never look back (except at those who are still wearing graphic tees).
Stretch Supima® Cotton Non-Iron Poplin Polo Button-Down Collar, Striped Dress Shirt
The ideal hint of stretch meets expertly woven fine poplin cloth in Supima®, the world’s finest cotton.
Boat Shoes & Loafers
For the arch-prep, footwear isn’t small business. Boat shoes and loafers let comfort and good taste meet in the middle. It’s hard to look bad in a pair, and you won’t get blistery feet in the process. They work just as well with a suit as they do with chinos in summer. Usually worn sockless and always made of top notch calf leather.
American Classics Pinch Penny Loafer
Heritage design meets modern innovation in the American Classics Pinch Penny Loafer.
Preppy Polos Shirts
Polos aren’t the exclusive property of preppy style, but they’re not far off. A decent polo is the gatekeeper to definable ‘smart casual’. It’s infinitely more stylish than a tee, but with fewer formal associations than a collared shirt. Therefore, it’s become an enduring feature of Ivy League adherents, who appreciate its stylish wearability. Ralph Lauren lead the way with polos; some think there’s nowhere else to look.
Soft Cotton Polo Shirt – All Fits
An American style standard since 1972, the Polo shirt has been imitated but never matched.
Preppy Navy Blazers
A navy sports coat with gold buttons is about as prep as a photo of JFK on a yacht. Such an item can underpin a respectable wardrobe as it can effectively be worn with anything: part of a full suit, with shorts, or odd trousers. The only limit is defined by your imagination.
Jetsetter Unconstructed Italian Wool Blazer
The definition of effortless sophistication. Minimal bulk, maximum attention to detail.
Preppy Chinos
There is a slight disdain for formality among adherents to preppy style, and replacing suit pants with chinos is a manifestation of this quiet disregard for being overdressed. Khaki chinos with navy is an enduring, reliable preppy ensemble. Bolder choices like salmon pink aren’t uncommon, either, for preps with a braver constitution.
Original Stretch Washed Chino
Comfy stretch, tons of colors & our signature curved waistband.
Preppy Pullovers
Crew-neck pullovers and knits are an immediate go-to for the casual end of the preppy spectrum, but that’s not to say you can only wear them outside the corporate stratosphere. Cable knits look smart with chinos on nippy autumn days or under a suit jacket for dapper insulation during colder months.
Enter The Preppy Repp Tie
On the occasion that a preppy dude wears a tie, this is his first, and often last, choice. Originally part of collegiate uniforms, the distinctive striped tie is something most preppy aspirants add to a white button-down and blazer look.
English silk tie in diagonal stripe
This one is made from English silk and sports a classic stripe (there’s a reason stripes never go out of style). Fun fact: It’s handmade in New York City’s Long Island City.
Preppy Knitted Ties
I was pulling your leg, knitted ties are a common alternative. They’re suitable for when a tie is required for a formalising touch or splash of colour, but when a conventional silk tie is a bit too much. Worn with a cable-knit and button down, forgetting the blazer, for a dashing outfit that doesn’t do disservice to the ‘smart casual’ ticket.
Italian Silk Knit Tie in Red Stripe
A refined take on a menswear staple. This classic striped tie is knit in Italy from pure silk and has a subtle, open-weave texture that elevates any outfit; it’s versatile enough to dress up a casual look or dress down a more formal one.
Preppy Bowties
In accordance with the irreverent posture of Ivy style, bowties are a popular alternative to traditional neckties. Probably more popular with a professor than a student, but still part of the style regardless. Invest at your own risk.
Silk bow tie in regent dot
Handmade in Long Island City, New York, by skilled craftsmen who have been making ties since 1957.
Don’t Try Too Hard When Going For Preppy Style
It’s easy to get enthusiastic about something you enjoy. But your newfound appreciation shouldn’t endanger you to potential ridicule. Most of us remember those memes of insufferable douchebags in salmon shorts and Brooks Brothers button-downs. It’s a short road to overselling the look, and earning the title of clown prince douchelord (if you haven’t already).
Never Go Full Preppy Style
This ties in with caveat numero uno. Prep style is all about being effortless. There’s no need to incorporate everything at once. If you spend most of your time in Bintang singlets and trackies, your mates might ask what the story is if you rock up to knock-offs in boat shoes and a button-down, with a sweater around your shoulders. It takes a brave bloke to cop that roasting, so don’t go full retard. Stick to one or two pieces to start. Avoid imitating your American lacrosse mates head-to-toe, even if they look the business and score more chicks than you do.