The Preppy Handbook: how to master the classic aesthetic
With shows like Succession and the Gossip Girl reboot gaining massive traction during the past couple of years, the internet is perpetually obsessed with “old money” aesthetics and the concept of “stealth wealth”.
The prep and old money aesthetics seem to go hand in hand as representations of the aspirational and unattainable lifestyles of the upper echelons. Fashion writer Alexandra Hildreth, in a TikTok posted on 12th April, explains that, back in the day, prep was characterised by the “socioeconomic and cultural signifier of essentially being white, upper middle class, or wealthy”.
As Alexandra goes on to say, the aesthetic was inextricably tangled with “inherent and learnt behaviours” correlated to that economic status, making it reactionary and exclusive.
Today prep is involved in a different cultural phenomenon: a subversion of the ideals it used to represent. Independent luxury brands like Chopova Lowena, Martine Rose, and Wales Bonner, but also industry titans like Miu Miu and Thom Browne, have co-opted the preppy aesthetic and turned it on its head, transforming it in a much more rugged, contemporary, and inclusive movement.
Getty Images
While most of those brands focus on a more fluid and androgynous aesthetic, Miu Miu showed a girlier and nerdier side of prep for their SS23 runway, a side made of cashmere co-ords, frame bags, hosiery, and kitten heels.
In the words of Harper Bazaar’s Fashion News Director Rachel Tashjian, “Rather than reinforcing the lifestyle of prep and its trappings, [these brands] are swatting at them, playing with them, questioning them. Prep is back, and this time, it’s personal!”
If this new, rebellious prep tickles your fancy, here’s a handy guide on how to rock it.
1. Plaid and pleats
Getty Images
Absolute staples of the prep renaissance, plaid and pleats are ubiquitous in every prep brand’s collection. Pair your pleated skirt with rocker-style pieces to break away from the school uniform mold.
Alo
| Denim Knit Cloche in Black/Anthracite
Alo
| Socialite Shacket Jacket in Black, Size: Medium
$198.00
Alo Yoga
Soaked In Luxury
Womens Maeve leather jacket Black
$299.00
Simons
Alo
| Socialite Shacket Jacket in Bone Beige, Size: Medium White
$198.00
Alo Yoga
Icone
Womens Black leather biker jacket
$375.00
Simons
-62%
Giorgio Brato
Jackets Brown
$353.00
$934.00
Yoox
-24%
Diesel
De Katerin Jacket Blue
$435.00
$575.00
Balardi
-64%
Arma
Jackets Black
$234.00
$645.00
Yoox
Levi's
Coats Black
$282.00
Balardi
A statement coat should be structured but effortless, dandy but not pretentious. You are fancy, and therefore deserve the fanciest coat!
Rains
Black Longer Coat
$140.00
Ssense
By Malene Birger
Off-White Claryfame Down Coat
$555.00
Ssense
Isabel Marant
Brown Lojima Coat
$980.00
Ssense
Vince
Tan Water-Repellent Coat
$645.00
Ssense
Ganni
Black Shiny Puff Insulated Coat
$495.00
Ssense
Kijun
Beige Honeymoon Coat White
$615.00
Ssense
Walter Baker
Paisley Prince of Wales checked woven trench coat - Gray - S
$268.00
The Outnet
3. Chunky sweaters and cardigans
Getty Images
Knitwear from a heritage brand like Ralph Lauren or Tommy Hilfiger is another prep staple. Pair your cable-knit sweaters and preppy cardigans with leather trousers or baggy jeans.
Thom Browne
Midnight Blue Cotton Sweatshirt
Polo Ralph Lauren
Aran cable-knit jumper - women - Cotton - L - Red
$168.00
FARFETCH
Chocoolate
cable-knit V-neck jumper - women - Acrylic - S - Blue
$159.00
FARFETCH
Brain Dead
Blue Striped Cardigan
$275.00
Ssense
Norse Projects
Lambswool Laurine Cardigan Blue
$315.00
Ssense
Butter Goods
Green Diamond Cardigan
$140.00
Ssense
Hope
Brown Mega Cardigan Beige
$435.00
Ssense
4. Shoes: from loafers to kitten heels
Getty Images
Nothing says preppy like a classic pair of loafers: we recommend pairing them with thick white socks, to add a layer of ironic awkwardness. Speaking of awkwardness, Miu Miu SS23 made the nerdy girl with sheer tights and pointy kitten heels cool again.
Rag & Bone
Brown Canter Loafers
$425.00
Ssense
Dr. Martens
Black Adrian Loafers
$140.00
Ssense
Versace Jeans Couture
Black Fiona Heeled Sandals
$275.00
Ssense
Ganni
Pink Soft Bow Slingback Heels
$395.00
Ssense
pushBUTTON
Black Lace-Up Heels
$615.00
Ssense
The Attico
Orange Anais Heeled Sandals
$690.00
Ssense
Pairing your slacks, tweed blazers, and loafers with more feminine accessories is a great way to create a nice contrast. We recommend classic handbags, pearl jewellery, and sheer hosiery.
Simons
Womens Pearl cocoon chain Silver
$49.00
Simons
-49%
Simons
Womens Freshwater pearl cord necklace Black
$19.99
$39.00
Simons
Simons
Womens Twinkling star bead necklace Silver
$69.00
Simons
Simons
Womens Shiny pearl necklace Black
$39.00
Simons
Simons
Womens Round pearl necklace Black
$15.00
Simons
Simons
Womens Floral-bead necklace Blue
$29.00
Simons
Simons
Womens Rectangular crystal necklace
$15.00
Simons
Simons
Womens Pearl three-row necklace
$25.00
Simons
A pair of wide-frame, rimmed glasses is another fantastic way to accessorise your preppy outfit.
Miu Miu Eyewear
tortoiseshell cat-eye frame glasses - women - Acetate - 50 - White
Newprice
Epos
round-frame glasses - unisex - Acetate - 43 - Neutrals
$127.00
FARFETCH
Chloé
Kheene Oversized Acetate Glasses - Womens - Brown
$415.00
MATCHES
Marni Eyewear
wayfarer-frame glasses - women - Acetate - 51 - Purple
$270.00
FARFETCH
Gigi Studios
geometric-frame glasses - women - Acetate - 50 - Red
$150.00
FARFETCH
