Every few years, fashion experts declare that “preppy is back,” but the truth is, preppy style has never really gone away! What preppy actually means, however, has evolved since it was first coined in the iconic book Love Story. Preppy style in 2025 blends traditional pieces with more contemporary styling and color choices for a unique take.
Key Pieces for a Preppy Wardrobe (You May Already Own!)
The preppy aesthetic has always been deeply rooted in classic, polished, and refined dressing. Drawing inspiration from both New England and British influences, vintage preppy is epitomized by high-quality materials, impeccable tailoring, and classic silhouettes.
The beauty of preppy style in 2025 is that many of its key pieces are timeless, meaning you likely already own some (or all!) of them. These basics can be reworked to fit a more modern aesthetic:
- Plain or cable knit sweaters, tennis sweaters, and cardigans – cotton for spring, or lightweight cashmere are both timeless (for affordable cashmere, I personally love Nadaam)
- Breton striped sweaters – navy and white, black and white, red and white, these look great paired with jeans, white trousers, or tossed over shorts on a chilly spring evening
- Blazers – dresses up a casual outfit instantly
- Leather loafers – pictured are some of my g0-anywhere faves for spring from Ralph Lauren (Retail $103.85). Available in eight colors.
- Straight-leg or slim-fit jeans – lean towards 1980s/90s styling, not the super skinny fit from 2010 (I like the very traditional Levis shown. Retail under $30!)
- Pleated trousers – they’re back! Best belted with a tucked in shirt (or French tuck) to avoid adding extra “padding” around the middle
- Classic white tailored cotton shirt – you can literally never have too many
By layering these items and experimenting with different combinations, it’s easy to create a fresh, updated look.
The New Preppy: A Fresh Take on a Classic Look
This spring, preppy style is undergoing a resurgence… with a thoroughly modern twist. This revival isn’t about simply replicating past looks; rather, it’s about viewing traditional elements from a contemporary perspective to create a more personalized aesthetic.
According to a recent article in The New York Times (Preppy Fashion Is Back (With a Twist)), designers such as Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger have been instrumental in redefining preppy fashion. Their latest collections showcase classic staples—argyle sweaters, trench coats—paired with unexpected elements such as recycled leather, edgy hardware, and unconventional silhouettes. This fusion of old and new allows for greater individuality while maintaining the sophistication that preppy stands for.
Similarly, W Magazine (This Spring, Prep School Style Is Back in Session) describes the 2025 preppy aesthetic as a welcome departure from rigid formality. “The new preppy sensibility is about easy tailoring, unexpected combinations, and a laid-back attitude.” The emphasis is on relaxed yet polished styling.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of preppy style in 2025 is its newfound irreverence. Traditional rules are being deliberately bent, creating a look that’s a bit tongue-in-cheek and effortlessly cool.
Glamour Magazine highlights this shift, stating that “none of it’s played quite straight: Collars are askew, traditional shirting doubles as dresses, pleated trousers sprout built-in belts or skirts.” (2025 Fashion Trends) This new iteration of preppy style is about understanding the established rules and then confidently breaking them in a way that feels intentional rather than rebellious.
It’s easy to embrace styling tricks straight from high-end runway shows such as Prada and Bottega Veneta. Pairing loafers with white socks? Yup. Leaving shirts untucked? 100 percent. Layering unexpected textures to create a sophisticated yet relaxed ensemble? Absolutely! Preppy style in 2025 is all about having fun with fashion while still maintaining a sense of refinement.
How to Incorporate 2025 Preppy Style into Your Wardrobe
If you’re ready to embrace the revitalized preppy aesthetic this spring, consider incorporating the following styling tips:
- Mix traditional and contemporary – Pair a structured blazer with a graphic tee or mix a classic cable-knit sweater with leather joggers for a fresh, unexpected contrast
- Play with proportion – experiment with oversized silhouettes, whether it’s an oversized blazer, baggy pleated trousers, or a long sweater
- Layer it – a preppy wardrobe thrives on layering. Try a V-neck sweater with a tailored jacket for a polished look
- Don’t forget footwear – loafers remain a staple, but in 2025, but you can also try retro sneakers (love these!) or chunkier soles for a more contemporary look
- Embrace unexpected color combinations – have fun with it!
- Accessorize – Preppy bits-and-bobs such as pearl earrings, structured leather handbags, or a pretty silk scarf to balance more “experimental” pieces. The contrast is what makes it interesting!
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