When the idea of showcasing a prep-school aesthetic first came to my mind, I had envisioned an entirely different outfit. I’d been intrigued by an article published in Grazia back in late summer which had shown brightly-hued ankle socks paired up with prep-school-inspired heeled loafers and thought that it was a look worth exploring in a blog post.
But when push came to shove, I wound up going in a different direction. One that’s a bit more classic prep-school and not nearly as funky as I’d originally intended. That’s not to say that I might not still take a turn down that road in the future. However, for today, let’s explore a few of the basics of the aesthetic.
The roots of the prep-school style aesthetic go back to the button-downs, knit sweaters, and loafers worn by the preparatory school students of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Eventually, Levi jeans, sweater twinsets, and MaryJane shoes also became associated with the style. Thanks to the book The Official Preppy Handbook published in October 1980, prep-school style expanded beyond the walls of Ivy League schools into an attainable style that anyone could claim for their own.
While I’ve never considered my style to be strictly “preppy”, I am fond of many of its more traditional elements such as tailored blazers, smart tartans, chunky knits, and denim jackets. It’s a style that’s as suitable for office attire as it is for the weekend and many of the garments could do double duty. A few of the well-known iconic prep-school style brands are J Crew, Ralph Lauren, and Tommy Hilfiger.
I suppose that some might consider the style a bit prim and proper but more modern interpretations are decidedly not stuffy. Consider the influences of the athleisure movement has had in loosening up the formality of the style as well as the introduction of bright colors and whimsical details by J Crew in the late aughts. In the past year or so, sweaters are again being slung over shoulders, looser pleated pants are replacing stay-at-home sweats, and midi-length hemlines are rising in popularity.
As for my ensemble, it does lean toward the classic in its prep-school details; plaid blazer, pleated skirt, oxford shoes. My blazer was a thrift store find from earlier this year and is by another prep-centric retailer, Eddie Bauer. I just did a quick look on the website and it seems that they don’t currently offer blazers of any kind. My top also has a bit of a plaid-like pattern and it, too, was a thrift store find from back in February.
A long time favorite in my closet are my heeled oxfords by BORN (also bought at a thrift store). Only my pleated knit skirt was a retail purchase but one made many, many years ago. I’d kind of forgotten that I still had it as it had been relegated to a closet in another bedroom until I came across it while looking for another skirt that I knew was in that same closet. Finishing off the look are a few of my snowflake pins as well as a silvery purse that I found during a recent expedition to a few of my local thrift stores.
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. My featured blogger from last week’s link-up post is Suzy, a Yorkshire lass living in Portugal who shares her adventures on her blog, The Grey Brunette. Suzy’s vest and jeans outfit is an example of a prep-school style with a modern twist.
Have I made my case for working a bit of prep-school influences into your look? I’m interested in hearing about where your focus is these days, style-wise. Are you staying only with what’s current or do you revisit the favorites that have worked in the past? What details are staples in your wardrobe? And since winter is close at hand, how have your fashion choices changed since this time last year?
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
Photos: MMPerez
23 Comments
Hello Rene, I love your look today. Those are some of my favorite colors to wear together. As far as stye, i think I lie somewhere in between. I like knowing what’s going on but tend to just do my own thing. It probably has something to do where I live-I don’t want to blend in but don’t want to stick out either. Take care, Terri
Terri, you and I are a lot alike in our approach to style in that we both like knowing what’s going on but tend to do our own thing regardless.
I was admiring your outfit so much that I was super surprised to find a picture of me beneath it, Rena!! Thank you so much for the mention, I am honoured. But back to your look — I absolutely LOVE it. I’ve always loved looks that have elements from the 1800s and I see that here. I think I might have to recreate your look, because I happen to have items that would work!
Brilliant post, Rena!
Hugs
Suzy xx
Suzy, it was my pleasure to feature you. And I would love to see your recreation of my prep-school look because after all, imitation is the best flattery.
I love this preppy look and have pinned your stylish outfit. I used to dress like this when going to the office was a thing (!). Thanks for the link-up and have a great weekend
Gail, back in my working days, I too would have worn this exact look.
Hahahaha. I grew up on boy’s prep school campuses and went to a girl’s prep in the 70’s.
I had to wear a uniform my freshman year and I pushed the boundaries as much as I could. We had two seasonal unis – a wool tweed blazer or sweater with wool skirt in a gastly, depressing color called Sandringham Blue for Fall // gingham shirtwaist dresses in Spring. Footwear had to be shoes that tied (but not sneakers). I wore hiking boots (haha)!
In our outside class times, we could wear whatever (within reason. I had outfits banned from the diningrooms).
Adding an old post that features the Spring uni
Anne, back in the day, as you know prep schools were much more an east coast thing so this SoCal girl had no exposure to it other than in movies or TV. And as a public school kid, a school uniform was unheard of unless you knew a kid who went to a Catholic school.
Such a great take on preppy! I’ve never tried a blazer with my maxi skirts or dresses and I really should! 🙂 In fact I don’t wear my blazers nearly often enough!
Thanks for the link up!
Hope you are having a good weekend! It’s a busy one here with lots of fun events, last night was a Christmas event at a theme park!
Mica, I hadn’t been wearing my blazers much but I’m really starting to embrace them as part of my everyday casual look.
I don’t consider myself preppy at all, but I like the bits and pieces of preppy style. I just don’t like myself in a blazer, though I love denim jackets! This outfit today? Perfection! It’s so classically chic!
http://marshainthemiddle.com/
Marsha, I’m glad that you like this look. I don’t think that I could ever go whole hog with the preppy style but like you, there are bits and pieces that I like. I can understand your struggle with blazers as I find the fit of many to be too slim no matter the size.
I like a preppy style from time to time. Combined with something cool. I love that skirt!! Have a great Sunday!
Nancy, it’s always fun to switch things up style-wise every once in a while.
Your snowflake pin is the perfect finishing touch to this outfit. I absolutely do not care about the current trends. I like what I like. And that us usually an outfit with a Boho flair and bright colors. This is always harder to pull off in the winter when attire colors darken.
Michelle
bijoubeadboutique@gmail.com
Michelle, adding the pins was a last-minute decision that turned out well. If not a snowflake, I might have worn a cameo brooch. And your “I like what I like” attitude about current trends is fabulous.
Definitely enjoying the “academia” aesthetic at play in your outfit. I used to have two pairs of heeled Oxfords that I wore into the ground; that was the only way I’d wear heels!
Sally, I adore lace-up oxfords or brogues with heels and would scoop them up any time I came across them in a store. They were/are a rare find.
I adore this outfit! Such a lovely look on you!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Perfect feature blogger for your theme! I am impressed with your thrifted finds too!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Classic look!
I really love this preppy look! That skirt looks comfy, yet sleek and I love the crisp button down with it!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
You look great in this outfit! And, as always, I love your hair!