Preppy Style Icons

Preppy style is so classic because it is based on timeless and classic pieces. These pieces are often made from high-quality materials and construction, which means they can last for years. Preppy style is also versatile, meaning that it can be dressed up or down for any occasion.

Here are some of the reasons why preppy style is so classic:

• It is timeless. Preppy style is based on classic pieces that never go out of fashion. These pieces can be worn for years to come without looking dated.
• It is versatile. Preppy style is versatile enough to be dressed up or down for any occasion. This makes it a great choice for people who want to look stylish without having to change their entire wardrobe every time they go out.
• It is well-made. Preppy style is often made from high-quality materials and construction. This means that the pieces can last for years, even with regular wear and tear.
• It is comfortable. Preppy style is often comfortable to wear. This is because the pieces are often made from natural fabrics like cotton and wool.
• It is stylish. Preppy style is stylish and sophisticated. This makes it a great choice for people who want to look their best without being too flashy.

If you are looking for a classic and timeless style that is both stylish and comfortable, then preppy style is a great option.

 There are many classic preppy style icons, but some of the most well-known include:

• John F. Kennedy: The former president was known for his classic preppy style, which often featured button-down shirts, chinos, and loafers.

• Jackie Kennedy Onassis: The former first lady was also a style icon, and her preppy style was often inspired by her European travels.

• Audrey Hepburn: The actress was known for her timeless style, which often featured classic pieces like pearls and tweed.

• Kate Middleton: The Duchess of Cambridge is a modern-day preppy style icon, and her wardrobe often features classic pieces like shift dresses and tailored coats.

• Blake Lively: The actress is known for her preppy style, which often features classic pieces like button-down shirts and chinos.

These are just a few of the many classic preppy style icons. With their timeless style, they continue to inspire people all over the world.

Comment below: What s your preppy style and who are your icons?

Preppy Wardrobe Staples

Preppy style is a classic and timeless look that is perfect for any occasion. It is characterized by its clean lines, simple silhouettes, and classic colors. Some of the essential pieces for a preppy wardrobe include:

• Button-down shirts: Button-down shirts are a staple of preppy style. They can be dressed up or down, and they come in a variety of colors and patterns. Having a plain white one at the very least is essential whether wearing it alone or layered under sweaters or blazers.

        Below is a perfect example from Ralph Lauen of a good button-down top to have in your         wardrobe. Bonus it's linen as well which makes it good for all seasons.

• Chinos: Chinos are another essential piece for a preppy wardrobe. They are a versatile pant that can be dressed up or down, and they come in a variety of colors. Styling should be fitted yet relaxed for the best look. 

        Below is a perfect pair from Talbots that are very versatile.

• Loafers: Loafers are the perfect footwear for preppy style. They are comfortable and stylish, and they can be dressed up or down.

        I absolutely love my pair from JCrew that are Italian leather.

• Sweaters: Sweaters are a great way to add a touch of warmth and coziness to a preppy look. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can find one that suits your style. Of course, the classic prep style is definitely a cable-knit version. These can keep you cozy in the warmer months or look just as wonderful in the spring draped over your shoulders. Also good are cashmere knit sweaters, they add warmth in the colder months without being bulky. For a basic preppy wardrobe, you should include a basic cardigan in a neutral color as well.

        For a lovely cashmere sweater, try this one from LL Bean available on Amazon.

A great cable-knit option is this one also from LL Bean. You could also go for a rollneck version too.

• Denim: Denim is a classic fabric that can be dressed up or down. It is a great option for a preppy wardrobe, and it comes in a variety of washes and styles.

        Denim is a must and can be found on any budget from Old Navy to Ralph Lauren to Tory         Burch. Denim is more about how the fit feels than the need to splurge on the pair. 

• Accessories: Accessories can add a touch of personality to a preppy look. Some popular accessories include scarves, hats, jewelry, and watches. You can never go wrong with a simple string of pearls though and I truly stand by my belief that pearls absolutely go with everything!
• Blazers: Another essential staple, these can either be tweed, linen or seersucker depending on the season. They can be worn over a dress or look just as pulled together with a pair of jeans. 

        There are so many options in blazers that it is hard to even list them all but here is a                 versatile one from Ralph Lauren.

• Sheath dresses: We can't leave off this essential piece. A good sheath dress can be worn alone as a casual look with sandals or dressed up with a blazer.

        I absolutely adore sheath dresses so much so that they were my unoffical work uniform             when I went to work in an office. So easy to throw on one piece and be out the door                 while still looking professional and so pulled together!  One of my favorite brands for this         was always Calvin Klein because they were budget friendly but had great style details. 

   With these essential pieces, you can create a preppy wardrobe that is both stylish and timeless. Comment down below: did I miss something essential? Which pieces are your basic go to's?

Preppy Accessories

No classically preppy look would ever be complete without a few accessories. Whether that be jewelry, the perfect bag or the footwear you choose, you will need some accessories for a completely pulled together look. Below I will go through and highlight some of the most classically preppy pieces you should have in your wardrobe.  

Pearls

First and foremost, of course, you can never call your look preppy without owning a string of pearls or some pearls studs at the very least. The preppy look puts pearls with absolutely everything from jeans to dresses. This small addition can instantly elevate a look from basic to classic. 

My grandma's string of pearls is one of my go to pieces. I wear them with absolutely everything. I wore them in a heat wave to the county fair to visit the horses.

I wear them with nautical stripes.

 I even wear them on casual days with my Vineyard Vines Shep shirts. 

Print Scarf

Another important accessory is a good quality scarf. I don't just mean for warmth in the winter, although not much can beat a good quality cashmere scarf with a wool coat for warmth and style. I am referring here also to silky scarves, whether a square tied around the neck or a Twilly on your bag or wrist as a bracelet or even in your hair.

Leather Handbag

The next must have is a good quality leather handbag. This doesn't have to be a designer piece but should be the best your budget will allow. If you are going to stick with mainly only one bag, it should be in a neutral color as well such as tan, white, or black. You may also want to at least have two options. One being a larger tote like everyday bag to carry all of your essentials and a smaller cross body bag for going to events and activities where you would want to be more hands-free. 

Monogrammed Tote

Another essential is a monogrammed tote of some sort. I am not referring here to anything like the LV Neverfull referenced above but rather an actual canvas tote. This piece will be handy running errands, heading to flea markets and farmers markets, as well as just organizing things in the car. Having a piece as well that is monogrammed is the perfect step above to make this a preppy must-have! One of the perfect places to find something like this is at Marleylilly. Of course, you do not have to have the monogram and can find very stylish totes in cute prints almost anywhere, but a monogram just adds that little something extra. 

Footwear

Another common dilemma is trying to decide on the essential footwear pieces you will need if you are just beginning to build up your classic preppy wardrobe. Footwear again is a place where you should buy the best quality you can afford; these are pieces you will wear often. The cost per wear typically outweighs the initial sticker shock. Below are some of my suggestions. 

Riding Boots are almost quintessential during fall and winter especially. These can be styled with leggings, dresses, and pulled over straight leg jeans for classic looks. 

Another important "boot" style that will be worn in every season, is a good pair of Wellies. These can be high or low, depending on your preference. I wear my Wellies out on rainy days to run errands as well as when working in the garden. A quintessential brand for the preppy look is Hunter, but of course only buy what your budget allows. I wear my Hunter brand boots running errands but have a drug store pair for garden use.

Loafers are another essential footwear piece. In this category, I am not only including traditional penny loafer styles but also the Sperry boat shoe style. Both are my go-to slip on shoes that I wear constantly. 

For summer footwear, nothing beats a pair of Jack Rogers, made famous by Jackie O. or some espadrilles for a dressier look. 

Comment down below: What are your favorite preppy look accessories? What else should I have mentioned?

Equestrian and British Prep Looks

 Late fall always brings to mind more British and Equestrian style looks for me. The leaves are glowing in a vibrant array of colors and boots become a wardrobe staple. When I think of preppy equestrian and British countryside are what come to mind for me. Afterall, the whole preppy style vibe derived from wealth and educational status and what screams that more than a fox hunt or horseback ride through the English countryside? 

As mentioned before, many of these preppy styles do overlap each other but I thought Equestrian and British Countryside were most similar to each other. With equestrian think jodhpurs with riding boots and horse bit accents in many pieces... whereas British Countryside is more tweed (though also in Equestrian pieces) with nods to local wildlife such as pheasant feathers being accented. 

Equestrian Style incorporates staple horse-riding pieces with details in the styling such as horse bit accents and bridle designs. Brands that include this look would be Ralph Lauren and Holland Cooper, along with Fairfax and Favor and the details of the less affordable Hermes staple accessories. Ariat is also a great American brand carrying many great pieces that could work into this style, just be careful to not veer too far into the Western wear side. 

For British Countryside, think of a quail hunt in the fall wearing a warm field jacket with a gilet vest underneath.... Or a classic outfit covered in an iconic London Fog trench or Purdy jackets... This style is full of rich autumn colors and tweed fabrics.  Another popular brand in this category is the iconic English brand of Holland Cooper.  

Staples for both looks include: plaids, tweed, riding boots, argyle, and cable knits. Typically, outfits are in darker fall hues as well such as hunter greens, browns, and deep plums and blues.

Here are some looks that would fit this aesthetic. The outfit below incorporates jodhpurs with some other wardrobe basics such as a warm tone cashmere pullover top and a jean jacket with accessories such as an Hermes twilly scarf and two-toned riding boots.

For the look below, I used more classic staple pieces of the aesthetic. You can never go wrong with a tweed blazer no matter how it is paired.... here are two looks: one casual and one for office.

For the last look, I tried to demonstrate that pieces you already own can be styled up to create an English countryside look. I simply threw a dark neutral blazer over a dress. Adding riding boots for colder months and slip-on flats in warmer months. Of course, an Hermes belt brings in the affluence of the look.

Which of these 2 preppy styles is your favorite? Comment below... what are some of your go to fall looks? Be sure to subscribe for notice of future posts as they are published. Also be sure to visit coco-n-dante.com for many pieces that fit this style including the tweed blazer shown above.