7 Types of Preppy Style

 I have branded online presence as That Preppy Italian Girl and have never written a series of blog posts in regards to "preppy" style and aesthetics... That is about to change right now! In the coming months, I will be delving into each type of preppy style in future posts. For now though, let's define, or outline what those types are.

It is first important to note that there are a lot of overlaps in the styles and brands that fall into an overall preppy look. Regardless of the type of preppy, there is always an element of sophistication and timeless pieces. Good quality pieces and proper fit are always a must! The preppy style always shows attention to detail, layering of pieces, somewhat androgenous aspects, and strong craftsmanship or branding. 

When putting together you own preppy wardrobe strong quality staple garments are a must! While branding is important, it is more important to always have good craftsmanship and quality pieces that will stand the test of time. Keep pieces classic and in a color scheme that shows restraint with neutral and natural colors (you will not find neon in a true preppy wardrobe). Always buy the best pieces you can afford and be sure they are well fitted to your body! 

All that being said, I have divided the style into 7 types of preppy style. We will overview them here and dive in more deeply in future blog posts (so be sure to subscribe to know when they are published).

1. The Ivy Look:

Of course this would be #1 on the list, as the preppy style itself began as an American style deriving from Prep schools and Ivy League colleges. Earlier in American style, the wealthy and educated wanted to stand out and denote themselves as elevated and cultivated among the masses. Think classic blazers, school uniform looks, loafers, and button downs. The oldest preppy brand in America, Brooks Brothers, is the epitome of this aesthetic. This style has not changed much in over a hundred years....

2. New England Prep:

Much like the Ivy League Look, the New England Prep style has the same classic time tested vibes with it's classic lines, argyles, darker hues, and understated silhouettes. A perfect brand example of this would be Keil James Patrick launched from the iconic blog of "Classy Girls Wear Pearls." Perhaps the most recognizable brand for this category in the most American closets though is Ralph Lauren.

3. British Countryside:

From the Ivy League to New England, it is only natural to next move to a British Countryside look. All 3 styles are very similar with only slight differences in their pieces. For British Countryside, think of a quail hunt in the fall wearing a warm field jacket with a gilet vest underneath.... Or a classic outfit covered in an iconic London Fog trench... This style is full of rich autumn colors and tweed fabrics. 

Another popular brand in this category is the iconic English brand of Holland Cooper. 

4. Equestrian Style: 

Think fox hunts in the countryside, horse jumping competitions, and polo matches (also part of Country Club Prep, yet to come). This style full of jodhpurs and riding boots originates from the same theory of the Ivy League.... to give a nod to wealth and education... in this case, the affluence of being around horses for leisure.

The stye incorporates staple horse riding pieces with details in the styling such as horse bit accents and bridle designs. Brands that include this look include the previously discussed Ralph Lauren and Holland Cooper, along with Fairfax and Favor and the details of the less affordable Hermes staple accessories. Ariat is also a great American brand carrying many great pieces that work into this style, just be careful to not veer too far into Western wear. 

5. Country Club Prep:

Next up is the Country Club aesthetic, deriving again from a leisurely lifestyle but paying homage more to the sporty side of things.  Here is where the iconic polo shirts come from. Thinks tennis lessons, polo matches (also slightly tying to the equestrian style), rugby, and golf. This is by far the most casual of the preppy styles. Brands here include Ralph Lauren's Polo and Tommy Hilfiger with his famous rugby silhouette. 

6. Nautical Prep:

Another very common type of preppy look derives from a pleasure for being by the water. Again derived around leisure activities such as sailing, yachting, and lake house, I think you can begin to see a theme here. The nautical look is focused on stripes, seersucker prints, and nautical themes such as anchors. Popular brands for this look include Tommy Hilfiger and most notably though Vineyard Vines and Sperry with their footwear synonymous with boat life. This color palette includes a lot of blue as well in a nod to the sea. 

7. Southern Prep:

As the preppy style began to take off more and more, those in warmer climates needed to adapt the style into their own. The style took on a lighter fair down south with more pastels and madres prints in lighter fabrics. With this style, the Lilly Pulitzer  shift dress in summer prints became a staple as did Jack Rogers sandals once Jackie Kennedy began sporting them. Not only has this aesthetic become the staple in southern states such as Florida but also a major styling of warmer summer months in other states as well. There is some overlap here with the nautical vibe but also more fun and bright colors come out in this southern prep style. 

No matter what style of prep you choose, the constants of good quality pulled together outfits remain. Myself, I wear all of these types depending on the season. There is so much overlap that you do not need to be locked into just one style of prep. Comment below: which is your favorite style though? Also be sure to subscribe for notice of future posts as I dive more deeply into each type of prep style.