Preppy chic is the most popular style this fall The collegiate aesthetic strikes again
Scrolling through Instagram and TikTok, you’ve surely come across some it-girl dressed in an outfit worthy of an Ivy League campus. Polo shirts and button-downs (often layered), pleated mini skirts, and loafers (with socks proudly on display) are some of the most emblematic pieces that define this particular aesthetic, commonly dubbed preppy-chic. The name derives from “preparatory schools,” the private institutions of the American elite that prepared students for college, where style, just like academics, was no small matter.
What preppy-chic style is and how it was born
Born in the 1950s and 1960s, preppy style refers to the refined clothing of wealthy American students, particularly their meticulously curated school uniforms. Passionate about polo, tennis, and golf, this exclusive circle was distinguished by a wardrobe that reflected status, discipline, and tradition. Double-breasted blazers, V-neck sweaters, chino pants, and leather loafers became true symbols of social belonging. It’s no surprise, then, that both in the United States and abroad, fashion enthusiasts eager to (at least stylistically) enter this circle began to draw inspiration from the collegiate dress code.
But how did preppy style manage to achieve such global success? The credit goes largely to certain cult TV series: from Gilmore Girls to Dawson’s Creek, and more recently Gossip Girl and Elite, the idea of the school uniform reinterpreted in a fashionable key returned to the spotlight. Just think of Rory Gilmore’s outfits, or Blair Waldorf, queen of the Upper East Side thanks to her exquisitely upscale looks. The comeback of this trend, however, is also due to the way Gen Z communicates: on TikTok, the hashtag #preppyaesthetic has millions of views, while the rediscovery of brands like Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, and Miu Miu by younger generations shows just how strong the appeal of this style still is.
The must-have pieces
The preppy-chic aesthetic is defined by timeless pieces that blend academic rigor with retro charm. The structured blazer, almost always in neutral colors, is an absolute must-have, to be worn over polo shirts, Oxford shirts, and cable-knit sweaters. The pleated mini skirt, inspired by tennis uniforms, also fully deserves its place among the most iconic wardrobe staples, both in its classic version and as a reinvented micro-skirt. Chinos and cigarette pants are equally essential for more formal looks, along with sweaters featuring recognizable details such as contrast piping and embroidered crests. On the footwear side, loafers dominate, whether flat or chunky-soled, though ballet flats and Mary Janes are equally relevant. To top off the most chic ensembles, sophisticated accessories like headbands, hairbands, handbags, and vintage sunglasses play a crucial role. It’s a mix of heritage and modern flair that makes preppy an evergreen, ever-captivating style.
Preppy style in fall 2025
If a few decades ago preppy style was the epitome of formality, in Fall 2025 it presents itself in a decidedly more relaxed and experimental guise. The pleated mini skirt pairs with knit crop tops and oversized sweatshirts, shirts are worn open over graphic tees, and loafers are styled with ribbed socks, often enriched with logos and patterns. Today’s preppy looks mix tradition with irreverence: blazers become oversized, sweaters are worn directly on bare skin, and accessories take center stage. This evolution reflects the desire of new generations to play with fashion codes without taking themselves too seriously: today’s preppy-chic is no longer a synonym for perfection, but rather a canvas on which everyone can write their own identity, somewhere between retro references and contemporary details.
