Aspects of New England and Ivy League Prep

With fall just beginning and students headed back to the classroom, it seemed best to talk more in depth about the Collegiate Style of Preppy before September ends. When most people think of preppy this is the first thing that pops to mind, which makes sense after all since the whole aesthetic was derived from Prep schools and Ivy League colleges. 

Earlier in American style, the wealthy and well-educated wanted to stand out and denote themselves as elevated and cultivated among the masses. Classic blazers, loafers, and button downs all lend themselves to this school uniform look. The oldest preppy brand in America, Brooks Brothers, is the epitome of this aesthetic. The whole stye has not changed much in over a hundred years... 

Much like the Collegiate 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 prefect 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 most America closets though is Ralph Lauren. 

Staples for both looks include: plaids, tweed, loafers, argyle, chinos, and cable knits. Typically outfits are in darker fall hues as well such as hunter greens, browns, and deep plums and blues.

Here are some looks that would fit this aesthetic. The outfit below is in a lighter palette but still pulls in the argyle with classic chinos and a pair of lace up oxfords. Pearls are always a classic accessory as well.

For the look below, I used more classic staple pieces of the aesthetic. I paired a basic white button up  with a sweater vest and tucked both neatly into a belted sidewalk skirt. The outfit is completed with traditional preppy accessories of dark tights, a head band and loafers.

For the last look, I pulled from the "school uniform" vibe by using a tartan skirt with a coordinating cardigan. I kept the dark tights and went for a ladylike heel to finish the look.

Which of these 2 preppy styles is your favorite? Comment below... what are some of your go to fall looks? Be sure to subscribe for notice of future posts as they are published.