How to Wear the Preppy Trend

Take your style cues from classic varsity style by mixing sportswear staples with timeless tailoring for a faultless preppy aesthetic

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Dulcie Emerson

Woman wearing brown jacket, red hoodie, blue jeans and retro trainers

Woman wearing brown jacket, red hoodie, blue jeans and red and white trainers

Style touchdown

Prep up your spring wardrobe with varsity-inspired staples featuring bold colourways. A red cotton hoodie is a comfy-yet-cool alternative to knitwear as the days become warmer, or a cable-knit cricket jumper is always a preppy style fail-safe. Team with Jaeger's investment-worthy tan leather blazer, voluminous wide-leg jeans and retro-inspired trainers for an effortless off-duty outfit, ideal for runaround days.

Complete your preppy capsule wardrobe with a rugby shirt. Our pure-cotton rugby shirts are a spring must-have and come in bold stripes with contrasting white collars. Channel sophistication by wearing with a pleated midi skirt. Alternatively, Joules’ striped rugby shirts showcase vibrant colour palettes and are a must for outdoorsy activities.

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Woman wearing black varsity jacket and a red smocked dress

Campus cool

Reach for a varsity jacket to complete the preppy look. Taking inspiration from garments historically worn by American college students to showcase sporting success, today’s preppy jackets fuse the most iconic and wearable elements of the Letterman jacket and the bomber jacket.

A versatile black flannel bomber jacket offers a sleek take on the trend that will instantly prep up any outfit. Featuring a striped collar, press-stud buttons and large pockets, it’s a wise investment for year-round wear. Similarly, Autographs’ matt scuba bomber is a fool-proof layer to jeans and T-shirts. Try with pleated trousers, colourful socks and red suede penny-loafer mules for a quirky collegiate vibe.

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Woman wearing black and white striped polo shirt, blue jeans and red loafers

Serve #tenniscore

A polo shirt is a cornerstone of the preppy look and equally as chic worn with a tennis skort as with a pair of straight-leg jeans. Get on court with a sportswear polo – Crew Clothing and Joules are your go-tos for the authentic article, while our monochrome polo top (pictured) offers a fashion take. Add a string of pearls or diamanté earrings to elevate for the clubhouse.

Determined to ace your tennis game ahead of the season? Nod to the Wimbledon-ready look with FP Movement's cotton sports dress. Don’t forget to knot a wool jumper or crew-neck cardigan around your shoulders for the walk to and from the courts on cooler days (or simply to look the part).

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Preppy-style key pieces