Preppy style in women's clothing

Many fashion trends are not only clothes and accessories that have a number of common features, they are also a special manner of behavior, vocabulary, etc. A kind of philosophy of life. “Style is a way to say who you are without words” - a statement by famous designer Rachel Zoe very accurately defines the meaning of a correctly composed image and its competent presentation. The preppy style of clothing has been demonstrated more than once on fashion catwalks since its inception. What are its features and what is its philosophy?

History of style

The prototype of modern preppy images was the school uniform worn by students of elite educational institutions in the 1940s in the United States. In such private institutions, called pre-college preparatory, students were prepared for admission to prestigious universities. Needless to say, the graduates of these schools came from wealthy, respected and influential families.

Having received a good upbringing and education, teenagers, united by a common desire to achieve success, distinguished by concentration, broad outlook and impeccable manners, “preached” their lifestyle. This is how the preppy subculture appeared. Its so-called material embodiment was clothing of a characteristic cut and appearance, namely a neat, discreet design, impeccable quality school uniform. Its main element was a jacket or jacket with a patch showing the logo of the educational institution.

The development of clothing style was influenced by brands that in the 50s and 60s made clothes for students at Ivy League schools and their teachers. These were wardrobe items and shoes for school and sports - three-piece suits, shirts, T-shirts (including polo models), trousers, sweaters, things for playing tennis, golf. All these clothes were distinguished by impeccable quality, elegant cut and discreet design.

Reference. The Ivy League includes 8 higher educational institutions in the United States, famous for their unsurpassed level of education. The name was coined because of the ivy shoots that cover the old educational buildings. The League includes universities such as Harvard, Princeton, and Yale.

Preppy clothing became very popular in the 1980s, when the style of elite schools “migrated” to everyday wear. Restrained tones were replaced by deep and rich ones. During the same period, a book by Lisa Birnbach was published, in which she expressed the idea that today it is not at all necessary to be a student at an elite institution to wear preppy clothes, and shared examples of creating images.“The Official Guide to Preppy Style” has become a kind of guide to action.

The collections of the Tommy Hilfiger brand, created in 1985, were designed in this fashionable style. By 1990, the popularity of this fashion trend had declined. Preppy clothing returned to fashion catwalks in 2006. Designer Michael Bastian said he wants to "reconfigure" the fashion trend. His collections demonstrate features of casual, military, preppy, and street styles.

The use of the preppy style was returned more than once - in 2012-2014 and later - by such designers and brands as Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Lacoste and others.

Many celebrities prefer clothes from this fashion trend - Kate Middleton, Will Smith, Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert Pattinson, Olivia Palermo and others.

Features of preppy style in clothes

Preppy fashion clothing can be used to create everyday and festive looks. It is ideal not only for studying, but also for going to the office, and is appropriate not only for youth, but also in the wardrobe of women aged 30-40. Its features:

• simple cut, perfect fit;
• lack of revealing elements of clothing and abundant decor;
• characteristic details of the cut - a neat collar, cuffs on the sleeves, contrasting seams, a patch in the chest area;
• multi-layered, harmonious combination of textures and colors.

As for the latter, the palette of characteristic preppy-style colors includes rich tones of blue, red, white, khaki, powdery shades, and bright yellow. Current prints - check, stripe, diamond and their combinations. Chl is used to make clothes in this fashion trend.Opock and viscose, wool, cashmere, tweed.

Reference. Preppy style is called a peculiar mix of classics, less strict smart casual and elements of sportswear.

How to Create a Preppy Look

To create an image in a discreetly feminine style, you should pay attention to the following wardrobe items:

• • skirt models - pencil, pleated, flared;
  • dresses - a-line style, in a sporty style;
  • trousers - classic, chinos, bananas, skinny;
  • club jacket;
  • trench coat and coat;
  • woolen and knitted vests, jumpers, cardigans;
  • shirts and polos;
  • shirt-cut blouses;
  • Bermuda shorts and capri pants made of thick fabric;
  • knee socks.

A beret or hat is suitable as a headdress. Loafers, moccasins, ballet shoes, oxfords will complement the look; low-heeled pumps are acceptable. The current version of the bag is a backpack, a messenger bag, a tote, a briefcase. Accessories - tie or bow tie, headband or hair ribbon, scarf - neck or chest scarf.

Comfortable fit, comfortable fabrics, discreetly elegant silhouette and feminine details - thanks to these features, the preppy style will not lose popularity for a long time. Keeping the general concept, but interpreting it in their own way, famous designers from season to season will offer us new interesting images for girls and women.