Preppy Chic

This post was inspired by the new Elle, where, as I mentioned in my last post, it has a section on the preppy trend for fall, with collegiate, schoolgirl inspired looks. Most of the stuff was adorable, so I decided to make a post on the preppy look. These pieces are classic, crisp, and clean, the preppy staples.

SHIRTS & TOPS-

For the preppy look, the popular shirts are (obviously) the polo shirt and a crisp button down.

The Polo-



The Lacoste polo is a must in every preppy wardrobe. It's versatile, comes in tons of colors, and always cute. Other good polos can be bought from Abercrombie & Fitch-



The Button Down-





J. Crew makes the perfect button downs for the prep look. These are so classic and always make you look neat and put together.

SWEATERS-

From cardigans to cable knits, sweaters are a great selection.



Argyle is a signature print for preppies, and this cashmere sweater from J. Crew is perfect. Cashmere is a great material for these sweaters, very chic.



Stripes are also a classic preppy pattern. This cozy knit sweater from Abercrombie is simple and perfect for the look.



A fantastic cardigan from J. Crew, also in cashmere. Cardigans are perfect for achieving the prep style, pick one in a bright color like this orange-red.



Cable-knit is comfy and very prep-cool. This is a simple, collegiate inspired sweater from Lacoste at saks.com. Lauren Conrad was seen wearing this exact sweater with classic dark jeans.



This is another very cute argyle cardigan from Lacoste, a bit oversized to give it a slouchy feel. At saks.com



Chloé makes great cardigans, and this rich pumpkin colored one is no exception. This can work with anything- skirts, dresses, jeans, or pants. This can be bought at bergdorfgoodman.com



This certain argyle print is really modern and different, but the pink and green combination is pure, classic prep. Lilly Pulitzer makes this cute sweater that's perfect for layering over a simple white button down.



You wouldn't expect Urban Outfitters to make anything remotely preppy, but this slouchy sweater vest could definitely pass. Layer this over a white tee for an effortlessly cool look.

JACKETS & BLAZERS-



The velvet 'Bella' jacket from J. Crew has a Victorian vibe and is so pretty. Pair it with a dark pair of jeans and some cute flats.



This jacket, also from J. Crew, has perfect preppy details and embellishments.



This is a gorgeous velvet jacket from Ralph Lauren Black Label, available at saks.com. Velvet jackets and blazers are really pretty and good for dressing up.



Here is another Ralph Lauren Black Label jacket. This one perfectly combines two huge trends this fall- military and preppy. You can throw this one over a simple white tee and jeans and look so put together.

SKIRTS-

Pleated skirts, of course, are a preppy staple. Get them in chino or cotton to wear with bright polos. Khaki and white are a good choice for pleated skirts.



This skirt from Abercrombie is a classic plaid, and would look great with a simple black polo. It can easily be "winterized" with thick black tights and a light sweater.



Lilly Pulitzer makes this simple, nautical skirt at saks.com.



This very sleek skirt can be very casual or dressy depending on what you pair it with. It is from Miu Miu at net-a-porter.com



This is a classic plaid skirt with a slight bohemian edge, from Free People at urbanoutfitters.com

DRESSES-



This J. Crew gray wool shift dress looks adorable over a bright top, like this acid yellow-green one here. Try it to punch up a colorless outfit.



Lacoste turns it's signature polo into an adorable striped dress with a contrasting collar. A polo dress is a cute choice for any day. At saks.com

This patchwork Lilly Pulitzer dress, at lillypulitzer.com, is so preppy and fun. Color is key to a cool preppy look, but don't go overboard with brights, just try one piece with tons of color, like this dress. This is perfect for a hot summer day with some strappy sandals.



Shirt dresses are huge for fall. Ralph Lauren makes a simple and classic shirt dress in blue and white stripes. At ralphlauren.com

SHORTS-

Shorts are also popular with the prep look. Chino and cotton are great as well.



These bright green Abercrombie shorts are so cute. The color is happy and fun, perfect for any day.



Try these cherry red J. Crew shorts for another fun pop of color.



These Lacoste striped Bermudas go great with any top and can work for day or night. At saks.com



The Marc by Marc Jacobs shorts shown here are a gorgeous shade of saffron yellow, and the bow is adorable. At saks.com

JEANS-

The prep style with jeans is dark wash ONLY. No rips, tears, or faded jeans allowed with the preppy trend.



These Abercrombie jeans are ideal- the dark wash is classic and can go with anything.



This pair of Ralph Lauren Black Label jeans are also quite nice.

SOME PREP-STYLE BLURBS-

- Clean cut clothes, nothing flashy or overdone
- Chino is a trademark preppy material, in pants, skirts, or shorts [J. Crew]
- Wear patterns, i.e.
*plaid*
*polka dots*
*stripes*
*argyle*

*floral/paisley*
*gingham*
*small checks, etc.*
- Bright colors like blue, sunny yellow, kelly green, and pink
- For shoes, go for ballet flats or leather flip flops

- Makeup should stay natural and clean, always fresh-faced
- If you want to try a scent, stay with a simple and light one, nothing with too many notes, like Escada's Island Kiss

- Accessories, try pearls and diamond studs, ribbons in hair or as a belt

I hope you liked this trend report, brought to you by Fashionista.

xoxo
fashionista