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HOW TO WEAR THE PREPPY TREND:
A Men’s Style Guide
If you like the clean-cut look (who doesn’t?), then preppy fashion should be on your radar. A trend that’s gone from Ivy League to modern wardrobes, it’s all about using timeless pieces, classic colours and high-quality fabrics to build sharp looks fit for the everyday.
We get that taking on a whole new style might feel a bit daunting, but we’ve got your back! We’re about to break down the key pieces you need to nail the preppy look for men - and you can get it all right here at Jacamo!
Explore our practical, modern and wearable staples, and we’ll share insider tips on how to dress them up and down, and give some preppy outfit inspiration to get you started.
WHAT IS PREPPY FASHION?
In a nutshell, preppy fashion for men is a polished, neat style that’s built with staples like chinos, blazers and loafers. Bridging the gap between smart and casual, preppy clothing is effortless to wear for fresh occasion looks as well as dapper day-to-day outfits.
Starting life in the ‘50s from American Ivy League schools, preppy clothing has eased its way into our wardrobes with a little push from hit films, TV shows, and designers like Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger, who made the look more accessible.
Nowadays, preppy clothes are often mixed with more modern elements like jeans, graphic tees and sneakers, making the style easier to wear today. Update your wardrobe with a few preppy essentials, pair them with your latest pieces, and you can easily make this trend your own!
THE KEY ELEMENTS OF PREPPY STYLE FOR GUYS
If you want to master men’s preppy fashion, start with the essentials: chinos, blazers, loafers, polos and Oxford shirts. Look for high-quality fabrics, and lean towards classic colours like navy, white, burgundy and forest green.
To hit the full look, give plenty of attention to your outer layers. Tailoring is the staple, but knitwear and lighter jackets are just as important. Stock up on cable-knit jumpers, plain sweaters and varsity jackets, and you’ll be spoilt for choice!
To keep your outfit balanced, avoid going head-to-toe schoolboy. Mix one or two preppy pieces with your more modern essentials, and you’ll nail the balance between the sharp, timeless look and an up-to-date, dapper style.
CASUAL PREPPY LOOKS FOR MEN
Yes, the preppy style for guys is on the more sophisticated side, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress it down. Just throw on everyday chinos with a polo, knit and a pair of boat shoes, and you’ve nailed it! Go for a more modern twist with blue jeans, a varsity jacket and trainers, and you can wear preppy wherever.
Because of the trend’s light, clean colours, summer’s the perfect time to go preppy. All you have to do is pair chino-style shorts with an Oxford shirt - keep it untucked with the top buttons undone, and you have a look that’ll keep you cool, casual, and looking sharp!
SMART PREPPY STYLE FOR MEN
To embrace the smarter side of preppy guy’s fashion, just focus on the bigger pieces - this is the time to pull out your blazer and brogues! Chinos will still work, especially if you pick darker colours like black or navy, but to go all-out, you might even think about adding a tie.
Whether you’re heading to a special occasion or an important work dinner, we all know what the British weather is like, so don’t skip on the extra layer! Consider picking a cardigan instead of a jumper, or wearing a sweater under your blazer. If the double-layer look gets too toasty, tie the knit around your neck, and you’ll really look the part!
HOW CAN MEN WEAR THE PREPPY STYLE TODAY?
It couldn’t be simpler to make preppy men’s pieces work for today. With a few considered choices, you can give the trend a contemporary twist for wearing anywhere.
Your silhouette says a lot about your style, so choosing the right cut can make all the difference. Focus on modern shapes, like slim-fit chinos and fitted tops (turtlenecks or tucked-in tees, for example) and balance the look with a relaxed-fit blazer or chunky trainers.
Remember to mix and match your preppy staples with more modern pieces, and try to add in a vibrant colour too. Keep most of your clothes in classic, neutral tones, but consider adding one statement piece in a more vibrant colour, like a bold jumper, for example, or a colourful polo.
PREPPY FASHION, NAILED
The best thing about preppy fashion? It’s timeless, versatile, and really easy to adapt. Perfect for any season, any plans, any dress code, it’s the trend that’ll keep you looking fresh. Just add a few preppy staples to your wardrobe, and you’ll always have a sharp look close to hand.
We’ve got everything you need right here at Jacamo! Whether you have your eye on a few pieces or you’re still after some preppy clothing ideas, explore our huge range, and you’ll find all the versatile essentials you need. From chinos to polos and blazers, we have the looks that make preppy simple, stylish, and seriously slick.