How to Look Preppy for School

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: December 18, 2022 References

If you want to look preppy at school, start by revamping your wardrobe. Purchase clothing from famously preppy designers, stock up on staple preppy items, and try to replicate an actual prep school uniform by looking for examples online. Embrace the preppy look fully by keeping yourself well-groomed, accepting wrinkles as part of the style, and being conservative with jewelry. To demonstrate the style through your actions, take up a preppy sport, make preppy friends, and learn proper etiquette.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Selecting Preppy Clothing

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Stick to preppy brands of clothing. Some brands of clothing are iconic for being preppy (e.g. Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger). Add a few key items from these designers to your wardrobe; while these labels can be pricey, the clothes are generally well-made and classic enough for you to wear for years to come. To save money, track department store sales, or shop online for discounted or second-hand items.^{[1]
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Choose classic designs that fit well. As a general rule, preppy clothing features clean lines, tailored cuts, neutral colors, and an overall neatness. The style also incorporates many nautical and equestrian elements that add an extra flair to the look. Design-wise, be on the lookout for:
- Tailored trousers or skirts
- Clean, crisp button-down shirts
- Sailing or equestrian apparel (e.g. boat shoes or riding boots)
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3
Stock up on must-have preppy items. There are certain key items that correspond to a classic, preppy look. Most of these items are classy and conservative, but also laid back in style. Stock up on a few pieces to build a core wardrobe that can be mixed and matched easily; some key examples (for all genders) are:^{[2]
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- Cotton khaki pants
- Wool blazers, in classic, subdued colors like navy blue
- Cable knit sweaters
- Loafers
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Add khakis to your wardrobe. Khaki pants are essentially the jeans of traditional clothing. They are neutral enough to go with everything, can be dressed up or down for leisure activities or social events, and are a preppy staple for all genders. Purchase a good quality pair of cotton khaki trousers and pair them with a Polo shirt or navy blazer for an ultra preppy look.^{[3]
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Buy a blazer. The blazer is an iconic preppy garment which can add a tailored, collegiate look to any outfit. Blazers are available in a variety of styles and colors but a classic navy, wool blazer is the epitome of prep school style. Look for a single breasted jacket with notched lapels; for the ultimate, traditional blazer, look for one with 3 brass buttons and a nautical-themed logo, or a logo of a recognizably preppy brand (e.g. Ralph Lauren.)
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Go for a cable knit sweater. Cable knit sweaters are a good investment because they never go out of style. They can be dressed up for more formal occasions (e.g. worn with a tie or bow tie) or worn with casual outfits. Choose a cable knit sweater in the design of your choice:
- Crew neck or V-neck
- Cotton, wool, or cashmere
- Solid color or made from a melange, two tone yarn
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Wear loafers. Loafers are iconic, preppy shoes that are traditionally worn as a casual shoe, but can be upgraded for semi-formal situations (worn to work at an office with a laid-back dress code, for example.) These shoes are low, lace-less, and have a separate sole and heel. Choose the specific type of loafer that suits your preppy style:
- Penny loafers: feature a distinctive strip of leather with a diamond-shaped cut-out (the saddle)
- Tassel loafers: feature a leather lace and tassel as a decoration
- Gucci loafer: have a golden brass strap across the front
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Replicate a prep school uniform. Regardless of where you go to school, aim to replicate a prep school uniform to perfect your look. For ideas, visit preparatory school websites to read the rules and regulations of their dress codes. For instance, DC Preparatory Academy in Washington enforces the following uniform for its students:
- Blue Oxford shirts or Polo shirts
- Navy blue cardigans, v-neck sweaters, or sweater vests
- Solid black, brown or navy dress shoes
- Khakis

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Embracing a Preppy Style

1
Groom yourself appropriately. Looking preppy involves looking clean and well-maintained. For both men and women, hair should look well-maintained and controlled; the same applies for men's facial hair, which should be kept trimmed and tidy. Use hair spray, pomade, gel, clips, elastics, or other products to formulate sleek and subdued hair styles; Ivy League hair cuts typically incorporate a side part and combed-over hair.^{[4]
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Welcome wrinkly clothing. A key factor in preppy dress is the use of natural fabrics (e.g. cotton, wool, silk, lambskin suede), some of which tend to get wrinkled very easily. The preppy look embraces wrinkles as they are a testament to the quality of the fabric used to make a garment. Wear your preppy clothes with confidence and do not make an effort to press or iron things.^{[5]
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- This wrinkled look also conveys the relaxed, self-assured vibe of preppy style.
3
Be conservative with jewelry. Opt for minimal jewelry with your preppy attire. Men should reserve their accessories to a nice watch and, if applicable, a wedding band. Women can vary jewelry choices, but should try to match metals (e.g. yellow gold, platinum gold, silver) and opt for something conservative - for instance, a strand of pearls is the perfect addition to a preppy look.^{[6]
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- A preppy look for women also involves being conservative with makeup.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Acting Preppy at School

1
Take up a preppy sport. To embody a “preppy” lifestyle, take up a traditional New England activity such as tennis, fencing, rowing, golf, squash, or polo.^{[7]
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Research source} While these sports were traditionally reserved for private clubs and elite schools, organizations have been founded in different areas across the U.S. to give low-income children the right to participate (e.g.the Chicago Training Center, which offers rowing lessons to children from underprivileged backgrounds).^{[8]
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- If your school doesn't offer lessons in any "preppy" sports, look online for lessons or groups in your area.
- If you aren't particularly sporty, consider simply attending such sporting events.
2
Master proper etiquette. Proper etiquette conveys the polite and demure behavior that contributes to looking preppy. Look online for instructions and manuals on proper etiquette in all situations that you should be prepared for. Some situations that may be relevant to your school life are:
- Informal dining rules
- Cell phone etiquette
- Conversational etiquette
3
Hang out with preppy people. A good way to look preppy at school is to hang out with friends who are also preppy. While meeting new people to make friends can be intimidating, it is easier if you are confident, friendly, and forward about your approach. Start by simply complimenting someone or asking to sit with them at lunch.^{[9]
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- Try approaching a potential new friend by saying something like, "Hi, I'm John. I really like your Polo shirt. Would it be alright if I ate lunch with you?"
4
Join preppy extracurricular activities. Choose extracurricular activities that are popular in prep schools. Many of these activities are scholarly in nature and involve a great degree of commitment and academic strength. Some groups have special requirements for admission, such as Student Government, where membership is decided by election. Some examples of preppy extracurricular activities are:^{[10]
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- Debate team
- Model UN team
- Math team
- Future Business Leaders club