Why preppy style just won't quit

Some fashion trends occupy a fleeting existence, whereas others boast comeback after comeback.

 The preppy renaissance is testament to the Ivy League-inspired aesthetic's everlasting appeal.  

 And who could possibly object? Looking like you belong in a vintage Ralph Lauren advert is honestly such a vibe… 

What is preppy style? 

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The term derives from "preparatory", associated with the private university-preparatory schools attended by Ivy League aspirants. It embodies a subculture, upper-class students with a taste for exclusivity and old-school elegance. 

The trend's origins are rooted in the early 1900s. For menswear, the preppy look has much in common with the "Ivy" style, taking its name from the group of prestigious northeastern US universities. 

MORE: How to style a pleated skirt: 4 ways to ace the classic piece 

READ: We over analysed Meghan Markle's Invictus Games wardrobe and it was giving elevated preppy

The quintessential Ivy look had much to do with elite, aspirational pastimes. A fusion of sportswear and everyday apparel – think golf, polo, cricket, tennis, rugby and the like – evolved over time into what we now think of as preppy. 

By the time the 1980s rolled around, the style had flourished, owing much to the publication of 'The Official Preppy Handbook'. The satiric guide gently ridiculed the subculture, but many unironically fell hard for the aesthetic, especially when labels such as Lacoste, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger cottoned on and catered preppy to the masses. 

Is it on trend for 2024? 

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 Miu Miu's cool-girl micro minis have been doing the rounds over the past few seasons, and again for SS24, the Italian luxury label advocated barely-there lengths.  

Boxy jackets, pleated shirt dresses and Mary Janes were all on the agenda, as were layered classics: navy blazers, check shirts and polo-style tops. 

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At Fendi, models borrowed an age-old preppy styling hack: the tied sweater accessory. Tailored trousers also feature, styled with crisp frontal pleats running down each leg for added polish. 

Pearls, padded headbands, plaid, loafers, cricket sweaters and the all-important rowing blazer: it's giving grown-up Gossip Girl mixed with country club chic, and we're into it.

How we chose:

• Style: We've scoured the internet's top fashion sites and the pieces we've highlighted below are all in keeping with the preppy aesthetic, and yet feel utterly wearable in 2024. 
• Variety: We've honed in on a range of preppy essentials, from cricket sweaters and tennis dresses to the must-have pleated skirt. 

Hello! Fashion shares the preppy pieces to have on your radar: 

Why you should trust me:

Orin Carlin is Hello! Fashion’s SEO Content Writer. Promising to leave no stone unturned in the name of fashion and beauty journalism, she is the proud creator of our ‘Try The Trend’ series. With a particular interest in formula innovation, microtrends, royal and bridal beauty, perfume, rituals, treatments, fashion history and vintage icons, she can either be found interviewing major industry names (previous subjects include Georgia May Jagger, Mary Greenwell and Sam McKnight) or scouring the internet for must-have pieces. It's not just a job; it's a personal quest to unearth noteworthy pieces that resonate with style and beauty enthusiasts.

HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.