Blair Waldorf and Cher Horowitz… What do these two iconic TV characters have in common? Aside from their unapologetic attitude and buckets full of sass it is their iconic preppy style that has caught our attention and equally captured our hearts. The good news is, that their wardrobes are still on-trend, even decades later. And now it’s time for you to own the preppy trend and make it your own. Here’s our guide to beating Blair Waldorf at her own game!
Plaid skirt
What would preppy style be without a plaid skirt? Once deemed a little bit nerdy, they are now stylish and here to stay. No matter what their length, style and colour, you too can rock the plaid skirt. Whether you’re daring a longer style or opting for a short and flirty feel, you will love wearing this piece throughout the year. Try edgy patterned tights for the perfect print clash, or with bare legs in the summer. Add a blazer to complete the ultimate confident look.
Embrace the whole preppy vibe with a pussy-bow blouse and blazer, or make it even more modern by teaming it with sportswear. A bomber jacket and a plaid skirt in complementary colours will also turn heads- if only because the combination is unexpected! Want to look like you’ve come straight out of fashion week? A long plaid skirt with pointed, heeled boots will have people wanting to take a few street-style snaps!
Collared shirts
A classic collared shirt can make your look seem even preppier believe it or not. It’s understated, feminine and entirely classic. You can team this with your plaid skirt or change things up by opting for tapered chinos and loafers for a modern take on the preppy outfit. If you’re wondering what prints can be perceived as preppy, then we recommend anything floral or stripes for a timelessly elegant touch. tThough preppy style doesn’t age, it can still be brought into the modern day.
Footwear
Footwear will ultimately decide whether your outfit is preppy or more in keeping with another style. There are several types of footwear that can be seen as preppy, our particular favourites are loafers. They’re a staple piece when it comes to embracing the preppy vibes. In particular, old-school styles with chunky soles give a vintage feel to your looks.
Another piece of preppy footwear is Mary Jane heels. They boast chunky heels for comfort, all the while elongating your frame. In vinyl or PVC, they will also add a lot of texture to your looks. For the summer months, if you are on the hunt for preppy flats, then mules will also do the trick. Get your hands on some unique pairs of mules with chunky heels and squared toes for a modern take.
Double-breasted blazer
Any preppy wardrobe needs a bit of sharp tailoring! This wardrobe essential is a must-have for anyone, especially if you want to rock a classic style. A blazer will make anything instantly dressier – whether it’s an oversized Breton striped sweater, a crisp white tee or even a plain dress. You can also have fun with prints and colours – though navy, black or white are timeless shades, you can also invest in more colourful blazers that will make you stand out from the crowd. You can also match the print to your plaid skirt!