Preppy Style in 2025: What It Means and Why It’s Still Relevant
PC: Pinterest
Preppy fashion is one of those ‘hero’ styles that’s never fully in or out. Those who ascribe to the aesthetic tend to stick with it year-round. That’s because it’s less a form of expressive fashion and more a way of life—one that conjures private tennis courts, summer beach houses, and country club memberships. Well, at least that’s how it all started in the 1800s. It has certainly loosened up over the years, becoming more inclusive to match the current era. In a world where gatekeeping is frowned upon and everything is shared on social media, a type of “members only” fashion couldn’t possibly survive. And so, preppy fashion has evolved and found its new meaning. Thanks to brands like Miu Miu, Tommy Hilfiger, and Dries Van Noten reviving and reimagining prep-core (is that a word?), it has worked its way into mainstream fashion once more—now with a new and improved image.
Even if you don’t ascribe to preppy fashion as a whole, I’m sure you were persuaded by the return of some of its key elements. Boat shoes, tennis core, the revival of J.Crew and polo sweaters—each moment worked its way back into the people’s hearts, inviting them to take out their plaid sweaters and white skirts once more.
Perhaps the style has seen such widespread acceptance this time around just by way of the internet. Half a decade ago, you were required to physically visit the Hamptons, Connecticut, Martha’s Vineyard (etc.) just to have access to collections from Vineyard Vines or Tommy Bahama. There was no net-a-porter, and “fast fashion” and “preppy” were never in the same sentence (or room, house, city?).
The look has kind of changed over the years, but many of its elements remain the same. The brands we grew up associating with preppy fashion (think Brook’s Brothers, Lacoste, Ralph Lauren etc) are also still leading the movement. And where prep is concerned, it’s equally important to consider the quality and not just the appearance—anyone can distinguish a $30 knock off from an $800 cashmere sweater, especially the bourgeoisie.
They say fashion trends come and go, but I disagree. It’s more of a ‘waxing and waning,’ if you want to put it in astrological terms—a kind of cyclical routine where certain trends are spotlighted one at a time, while the others go into hiding, waiting to receive their illumination once more. In other words, what was once popular will find its’ time again… and again, and again. Just look at all the brands that had massive comebacks in the past few years: Coach, Abercrombie & Fitch, J.Crew… some were outright bankrupt, only to return with immense ferocity. While I enjoy dipping my toes into various trends, I think it’s important to stay true to what resonates with you. You can trust that whatever you gravitate towards will always have a place in fashion’s never ending timeline.
