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.
Ami
Ami De Coeur Wool Cardigan
Fat Face
FatFace Leanna Black Leather Jacket
£199.00
FatFace
-30%
AllSaints
Womens Cactus Leather Dalby Desserto Biker Jacket, Size: UK 14/US 10 Black
£223.30
£319.00
AllSaints
-27%
The Garment
The Garment Brown
£380.00
£523.00
Balardi
-30%
AllSaints
Leather Raul Leather Biker Jacket, Size: UK 14/US 10 Black
£265.30
£379.00
AllSaints
-43%
Emporio Armani
Zipped Blouson Jacket Grey
£276.00
£483.00
Balardi
-30%
AllSaints
Womens Sheep Leather Balfern Leather Biker Jacket, Size: UK 16/US 12 Black
£258.30
£369.00
AllSaints
Fat Face
FatFace Tessa Black Leather Jacket
£199.00
FatFace
-30%
AllSaints
Polyester Saye Faux Fur Jacket, Size: XS Brown
£167.30
£239.00
AllSaints
A statement coat should be structured but effortless, dandy but not pretentious. You are fancy, and therefore deserve the fanciest coat!
Saint Laurent
Nylon Cloak Coat
-53%
K-Way
Thersa Hooded Jacket Brown
£196.00
£418.00
Balardi
-30%
AllSaints
Womens Cotton Aki Crossover Wide Leg Denim Jeans, Size: 28 White
£104.30
£149.00
AllSaints
-15%
Save The Duck
Reese Blue
£198.00
£233.00
Balardi
-30%
AllSaints
Womens Polyurethane Cora High-Rise Faux Leggings, Size: UK 14/US 10 Black
£97.30
£139.00
AllSaints
Fat Face
FatFace Bianca Grey Longline Teddy Coat
£120.00
FatFace
-50%
Varley
Ana cotton-blend puffer coat Brown
£187.00
£375.00
Mytheresa
-30%
BAM
Venture Fleece Gilet - Medium
£69.30
£99.00
BAM
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.
-24%
Polo Ralph Lauren
Plaited Cotton V Neck Sweater Black
£163.00
£214.00
Balardi
-30%
Polo Ralph Lauren
Cable-knit cotton sweater White
£133.00
£190.00
Mytheresa
-4%
Polo Ralph Lauren
Sweaters Pink
£198.00
£207.00
Balardi
-50%
Manuel Ritz
cropped cable-knit sweater - Black
£95.00
£190.00
FARFETCH
-24%
Polo Ralph Lauren
Plaited Cotton V Neck Sweater Blue
£163.00
£214.00
Balardi
Polo Ralph Lauren
Cable-knit cotton sweater Pink
£190.00
Mytheresa
-5%
Polo Ralph Lauren
Sweaters White
£189.00
£198.00
Balardi
-30%
Max Mara
Leisure Favore cable-knit sweater White
£182.00
£260.00
Mytheresa
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.
Martine Rose
105mm extended-toe pumps - Pink
Vagabond
Eyra - Womens Black Leather/embossed
£130.00
Vagabond
Vagabond
Brittie - Womens Black Crinkled Patent Leather
£135.00
Vagabond
Hunter
Womens Gloss Penny Loafers Blue
£95.00
Hunter
Vagabond
Blanca - Womens Off White Suede
£130.00
Vagabond
Russell & Bromley
FAIRYTALE Slingback Gem Kitten Heel Blue
£275.00
Russell & Bromley
Miista
Mie snake-print leather sandals - Animal print - EU 35
£280.00
The Outnet
Ted Baker
Womens Metallic Kitten Heel Sandals in White, Myloh, Leather
£110.00
Ted Baker
Vagabond
Tilly - Womens Light Green Leather
£130.00
Vagabond
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.
-22%
Jacquemus
Le Chiquito Handbag Black
£473.00
£606.00
Balardi
Vivienne Westwood
Granny Frame leather tote bag Black
£245.00
Mytheresa
-34%
MCM
Mcm Toni Handbag Blue
£378.00
£571.00
Balardi
The Cambridge Satchel Company
The Daisy - Deep Purple Celtic Grain
£200.00
Cambridge Satchel
-22%
Jacquemus
Le Petit Ovalo Shoulder Bag Black
£425.00
£544.00
Balardi
Russell & Bromley
CHORLTON TOTE Belted Structured Tote Black
£450.00
Russell & Bromley
-22%
Jacquemus
Le Petit Ovalo Shoulder Bag Brown
£425.00
£544.00
Balardi
Charles & Keith
Enola Canvas Two-Tone Elongated-Handle Bag Brown
£79.00
Charles & Keith
A pair of wide-frame, rimmed glasses is another fantastic way to accessorise your preppy outfit.
Miu Miu
Sunglasses Miu Miu 0 Mu 04 Zs Vau08 N /18/140
-16%
Emporio Armani
Sunglasses Emporio Armani 0 Ea3223 U 5026 /17/140
£199.00
£238.00
Balardi
Miu Miu Eyewear
square frame glasses - Black
£180.00
FARFETCH
-48%
Gucci
Butterfly Optical Gg1846 O 001 Black
£167.00
£322.00
Balardi
-16%
-17%
HUGO BOSS
Sunglasses Hugo Boss Boss 1597 807 Black /20/145
£159.00
£191.00
Balardi
-40%
Tom Ford
Geometrical Optical Ft6044 B 052
£166.00
£276.00
Balardi
-40%
Tom Ford
Squared Optical Ft6043 B 001 Black
£166.00
£276.00
Balardi
-48%
Gucci
Cat Eye Optical Gg1847 O 001 Black
£158.00
£303.00
Balardi
