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.
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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
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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.
-55%
AllSaints
Womens Goat Leather Balfern Belted Suede Biker Jacket, Size: UK 16/US 12 Grey
£165.60
£369.00
AllSaints
-50%
Diesel
Vegan Leather Jacket L-SUZA-R with Zip on Sleeve size Xxs
£152.33
£304.66
GLAMOOD
-37%
AllSaints
Leather Clo Pleated Leather Jacket, Size: UK 4/US 0 Black
£219.60
£349.00
AllSaints
-30%
Fat Face
FatFace Bethany Burgundy Red Quilted Biker Jacket
£139.00
£199.00
FatFace
-46%
AllSaints
Womens Sheep Leather Cargo Distressed Leather Biker Jacket, Size: 16 Grey
£177.30
£329.00
AllSaints
-50%
Diesel
Leather Jacket L-SUZA-R size Xxs
£282.90
£565.81
GLAMOOD
-40%
AllSaints
Leather Serne Leather Jacket, Size: L Black
£276.30
£459.00
AllSaints
-30%
Fat Face
FatFace Leanna Black Leather Jacket
£139.00
£199.00
FatFace
A statement coat should be structured but effortless, dandy but not pretentious. You are fancy, and therefore deserve the fanciest coat!
-46%
AllSaints
Cotton Mia Sparkle Carpenter Jeans, Size: 24 Grey
£85.50
£159.00
AllSaints
Fat Face
FatFace Harley Burgundy Red Longline Puffer Coat
£140.00
FatFace
AllSaints
Cotton/Modal Raffi Slim Fit Leggings, Size: XS Black
£59.00
AllSaints
Fat Face
FatFace Taylor Green Waterproof Coat
£130.00
FatFace
-40%
AllSaints
Womens Polyester Freddie Faux Fur Coat, Size: L Black
£180.00
£299.00
AllSaints
-40%
BAM
Venture Fleece Gilet - Medium
£59.00
£99.00
BAM
-64%
AllSaints
Womens Linen Petra Linen Blend Blazer, Size: 12 Beige
£96.30
£269.00
AllSaints
-75%
Armani
EMPORIO Quilted Jacket with Reversible Design size 44
£107.72
£430.88
GLAMOOD
3. Chunky sweaters and cardigans
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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.
-40%
Varley
Camello cable-knit half-zip sweater Beige
£90.00
£150.00
Mytheresa
Charles & Keith
Apolline Textured Top-Zip Wallet Black
£35.00
Charles & Keith
Polo Ralph Lauren
Cable-knit cotton sweater Blue
£190.00
Mytheresa
Charles & Keith
Apolline Textured Top-Zip Wallet Grey
£35.00
Charles & Keith
-40%
Sandro
Sleeveless cable knit sweater Pink
£125.40
£209.00
Sandro
-5%
Polo Ralph Lauren
Round-neck Knitwear, female, Blue, L, Round-neck Knitwear
£177.70
£187.05
Miinto
4. Shoes: from loafers to kitten heels
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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
Lace-Up Ankle Boots - Unisex - Other Fibres/Leather/Rubber/Goose Down
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.
Vivienne Westwood
Doll XL Bag Python-effect Emboss Black
£350.00
Vivienne Westwood
Charles & Keith
Enola Canvas Long-Handle Shoulder Bag Brown
£79.00
Charles & Keith
DeMellier
The Paris in Black Smooth Leather Crossbody bag
£465.00
DeMellier
-54%
Globe-Trotter
Handbags, female, Black, ONE SIZE, Centenary Case
£691.65
£1,508.58
Miinto
-30%
Jil Sander
Goji Bamboo Square Black
£1,180.00
£1,690.00
Labels
-38%
Reiss
Snake Leather Frame Clutch Bag
£98.00
£158.00
Reiss
DeMellier
The Paris in Tan Smooth Leather Crossbody bag Brown
£435.00
DeMellier
A pair of wide-frame, rimmed glasses is another fantastic way to accessorise your preppy outfit.
Miu Miu
Glasses, female, Black, 52 MM, MU 03Yv Eyeglasses
-30%
Swarovski
Glasses, unisex, Black, 53 MM, Sk2051 Vista Frame
£97.44
£139.20
Miinto
Charles & Keith
Renee Butterfly Sunglasses Black
£75.00
Charles & Keith
-44%
Prada
Glasses, female, Blue, 53 MM, Optical Frame
£121.00
£218.00
Miinto
-45%
Dolce & Gabbana
Glasses, female, White, 56 MM, Optical Frame
£136.00
£248.00
Miinto
-50%
Etnia Barcelona
Glasses, female, Multicolor, 51 MM, Wintour Optical Frame
£77.00
£153.00
Miinto
-50%
Gucci
Optical Frame Red
£90.00
£179.00
Miinto
-50%
Tom Ford
Ft6093B 001 Eyeglasses Black
£148.00
£296.00
Miinto
-10%
Prada
Glasses, female, Blue, 53 MM, Eyewear Frames PR 19Wv
£195.76
£217.50
Miinto
