Style +! How fashion influencers and celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Taylor Swift are making preppies look cool again

• The term “preppy” is an acronym for “prep” and is used to describe high school student fashion.
• The style is characterized by a clean, classic and somewhat conservative aesthetic.
• Today’s stars are giving varsity jackets, sweater vests, loafers and polo shirts a sexy twist.

The term “preppy” is an acronym for “prep” and is used to describe high school student fashion.

The style, characterized by a clean, classic and somewhat conservative aesthetic, became popular in the United States in the mid-20th century.

For most, this image conjures up images of successful professionals, students preparing for college, or their favorite teen movie villain (think Vivian Kensington from Blonde in law or Stan Gable from Revenge of the Nerds).

Preppy style remains timeless, but forget everything you know about it: modern girls are giving it a sexy twist.

Varsity jacket

Varsity jackets are a staple of Prep style.

High school girls have proudly worn their boyfriend’s personalized jacket over their uniforms and casual wear for decades.

This season’s fashion set gives a sporty top layer a feminine twist.

During Milan Fashion Week outside the Philosophy by Lorenzo Serafini show, the model was spotted wearing a leather varsity jacket over a black bra and jeans, accessorized with silver sunglasses.

Italian actress Coco Rebecca Edogamhe also chose to wear a bomber jacket without a shirt.

At the Max Mara show, the brunette beauty wore a two-tone jacket over a black bra and matching skirt.

Jenna Dewan wore a sheer shirt under a jacket to the Philip Lim show during New York Fashion Week.

Sweater-vest

Reminiscent of an elementary school uniform, the knitted sweater vest has always been the hottest prep item in the wardrobe.

The most traditional way to wear it is over a plain button-down shirt.

To give a basic piece a modern, stylish, girly look, fashionistas like Amalie Gassmann pair it with trendy details.

The director was spotted on the streets of Paris wearing a sleeveless knit shirt and slouchy boyfriend jeans in the same shade.

For accessories, she chose a fashionable Dior handbag and belt.

Outside the Missoni show, the guest wore a preschool-inspired look over a contrasting print shirt and nude underwear.

Polo shirts

Polo shirts originated in the world of sports along with tennis and polo in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

They create a sophisticated yet casual look with a collar and button placket.

Traditionally, they extend beyond the hips and are tucked into jeans or khakis.

However, today’s street style stars are pairing their sportswear with unusual combinations.

Ashley Roberts was spotted out and about in London wearing a cropped polo shirt that showed off her toned tummy.

The TV presenter paired her shirt with cobalt blue cargo pants and accessorized her look with black pointy pumps and a mini crocodile handbag.

No longer reserved for athletes, the Copenhagen-based celeb teamed her long-sleeved crop top with a plaid miniskirt and high heels for a very flirty look.

loafers

Preppy fashion places a lot of emphasis on high-quality materials and craftsmanship, including shoes.

Loafers live up to these values ​​and pair well with preppy outfits, both casual and dressy.

Blake Lively recently stepped out in New York City with friend Taylor Swift wearing loafers from eco-friendly, luxury footwear brand NOMASEI.

traditional loafers that are usually done in neutral colors to pair with classic outfits, Blake’s color paired her tri-color shoes with a red and white ensemble.

Street style stars in Paris are contrasting the collegiate vibes of their loafers, wearing them with Bermuda shorts, metallic dresses and everything in between.

Button shirt

Bright white button-down shirts are considered timeless and traditional in preppy fashion.

They’re worn as separates—buttoned up (of course!)—or under sweaters or blazers.

A versatile choice for a variety of outfits, women’s classics are an integral part of Gigi Hadid’s wardrobe.

However, the supermodel prefers a more casual style, creating a casual and modern look.

Instead of buttoning up the entire shirt, Gigi only buttons one or two buttons, leaving the rest of the garment open, exposing some of her midriff.

She accessorizes the look with a few necklaces and the coolest sneakers of the season.

Plaid

Plaid and tartan fabrics are historically associated with school uniforms and Ivy League fashion.

Today, brands like Zimmerman are using bold patterns in unconventional ways.

Olivia Palermo attended the brand’s spring/summer 2024 womenswear show during Paris Fashion Week wearing a plaid dress from the label that turned heads.

Her dress featured a strapless neckline and a built-in belt that cinched her waist.

She compensated for the sophistication of the outfit with combat boots and a textured clutch.

Fashion journalist Madina Zhanuzakova was spotted on the streets of New York wearing a modern school uniform from Thom Browne.

Her look consisted of a gray blazer tucked into a floor-length plaid skirt, paired with gray socks and red platform Mary Janes.

Her current look received an A+!