Put Some Prep in Your Step: The Influence of Prep in Fashion
In the rise and fall of micro-trends, aesthetics, and ever-changing “cores,” one style of fashion seeps through it all: prep.
Alongside the heavy return of Y2K and Noughties fashion, prep has made a massive comeback in the fashion industry. But, did it ever really leave?
The Origins
Preppy fashion has existed for decades, originating through preparatory and Ivy League school uniforms in the late 1890s and early 1900s.
Men attending these schools used their fashion as a status symbol of their wealth and education by donning luxury button-downs, school-branded sweaters, and loafers.
1900’s men’s fashion. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Eventually, “prep” became its own fashion genre, perceived as a clean, put-together, and luxurious style. Fashion houses like Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and Lacoste have even dedicated their entire look to preppy fashion thus making the style accessible to the masses.
Prep has accustomed to each decade with additions like rugby jerseys, neckties, pleated skirts, blazers, legwarmers and stockings, and lots of stripes, plaid, and tweed.
The “Americana” style of the 1950s introduced denim and bowling shirts. Red, white, and blue coloring also became popular alongside the classic monochromatic black, gray, and beige.
The classic prep silhouettes and staple pieces have influenced many other fashion styles regardless of changes and additions.
One example is the anti-prep movement of punk, where collared blazers became leather jackets, pleated skirts were turned mini, and loafers were traded in for laced boots.
Once again, we’re seeing a resurgence of these classic preppy elements with modernized twists. The re-popularized coquette style is prep-adjacent with its layering elements of knit-wear and stockings, short pleated skirts, and mary-janes.
Rachael Groetzinger, a psychology major, has been leaning heavily into coquette fashion.
Rachael Groetzinger’s wardrobe. Photos courtesy of Rachael Groetzinger.
“I never thought about the origins of my style, really, but now, looking at it, it does look very preppy,” Groetzinger said. “I think the coquette effect just makes it more feminine.”
The Comeback
Over the past year, preppy fashion has swept the fashion realm. We saw the rise through the 2022 Autumn-Winter collections of big-name fashion houses like Miu Miu and Gucci. The rest of the industry followed suit.
This time, however, classic prep is being merged with the unique and alternating styles of 2023. We’re seeing oversized pieces, lots of bold colors, mixing of textures, and heavy usage of accessories.
Preppy fashion has overflown from the runway into the commercial market. Some websites, like Motel Rocks, seemed dedicated entirely to the academic look.
Miu Miu AW22 and Gucci AW22. Photos courtesy of Filippo Fior, Gorunway.com.
Taylor Menes, a business major, has been almost exclusively shopping at Motel Rocks, if not thrifting.
“There’s a spectrum of what’s come back, and it’s like one end is Y2k and the other is preppy,” she said. “I feel like there’s Y2K everywhere, and they [Motel Rocks] have that preppy side that I’m looking for.”
The general obsession with the “clean girl” and “old money” aesthetics has led people to seek out fashion that comes off as classic, exclusive, and full of wealth, which preppy fashion has historically contributed to.
“It’s the ‘I play tennis’ of it all,” said Groetzinger.
Fashion influencers like Enya Umanzor and micro-trends like “dark academia” have also contributed to its re-popularization.
Enya Umanzor’s internet presence allows her to influence a generation with her sense of fashion. Photo via @enyaumanzor on Instagram.
Why We Love It
Preppy fashion will inevitably come back or influence fashion for years to come. But right now, it seems like a renaissance.
Many have been influenced to participate in the trend, especially in the colder months.
“I feel like it kind of always comes back in the fall,” said Kat Michaels, a computer science major. “I personally always start to bring out the varsity sweater and mary-jane combo.”
“I think dressing preppy just makes me feel more put together, especially in a school setting,” Michaels said. “It feels like I’m dressing the part.”
Michaels also mentioned referencing her fashion to her fall favorite rewatches like Gilmore Girls, which seems to be a theme amongst many.
“I’ve literally been taking inspiration from Gossip Girl,” said Taylor Menes. “When they’re in the school uniforms that they’re trying to make cute, it’s so funny because it literally looks modern again.”
Gossip Girl is full of the best preppy outfits. Photo courtesy of Harper’s Bazaar “The Best Fashion Moments on Gossip Girl”.
Menes added, “It sometimes looks straight off of this year’s runway.”
Menes says she’s been rocking many pleated skirts, oversized knitwear, oxford shoes, and varsity jackets. To accessorize, she adds a ribbon to almost anything.
Kendra Burger, a communications major, has gone for the sporty side of prep.
“I definitely got inspired by the more tom-boy side [of preppy fashion],” Burger said. “I bought a pair of Sambas because I was seeing them everywhere and was obsessed.”
“It’s like those with shorts, high socks, and a collared shirt; it is so preppy but definitely leaning sporty,” she said.
Burger added, “It just makes me feel cool and kind of chic.”
Staple Pieces
Through the years, preppy fashion has evolved to encompass many things. However, you can add some key staple pieces to your wardrobe if you’re looking to embody the straight-out-of-uni vibe.
School-branded pullovers or knitwear
CSULB EST 1949 PIGMENT DYED FLEECE CREW - BLACK, USCAPE. Photo courtesy of CSULB Official Store.
Going back to its roots, preppy fashion should encompass academia. The easiest way to do that is by repping some school merch, whether your own or your favorite Ivy League.
Button-up
Big Pony Cotton Oxford Shirt. Photo courtesy of Ralph Lauren.
You get points if it’s white and branded. But a button-up you can use by itself or to layer is one of the most straightforward and adaptable items in the repertoire of prep fashion.
Oxfords, Mary-Janes, and Loafers
LANDO BLACK LEATHER. Photo courtesy of Steve Madden.
Shoes play a huge part in prep fashion. You want something that looks more sophisticated and put together than your run-of-the-mill sneaker. A nice leather or faux leather shoe will do the trick.
Pleated skirts and trousers
Solid Mid Waist Pleated Skirt Photo courtesy of Cider Website.
Again, we’re going for something more formal to put together. Think about what they would wear at a boarding school.
Blazer
BASIC BLAZER. Photo courtesy of Zara Wesbite.
A blazer will complete the look of any prep-inspired outfit. Mixing colors and patterns here can make your outfit pop.