Best Preppy Clothing Brands For Women
Nail that polished and sophisticated look while still looking trendy and chic!
Paola Farina is a personal and event stylist and a certified image consultant with 7 years of experience. She collaborates with individuals and companies. After graduating from classical studies, she won a scholarship from Image Fashion & Communication, the first Italian institute for training professional editors and stylists.
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pratima atiMSc Pratima Ati is a postgraduate in International Business from Staffordshire University. After working in Marketing and Business Development for a few years, she jumped ship to pursue two things she loved – fashion and writing.
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Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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Beginning as a trend at the Ivy League schools, this preppy style has made sure to find a significant position outside those institutions in the world of fashion too. Thanks to the preppy clothing brands that have made it possible. From well-known brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Crocodile to Lacoste, many brands have used their creative juices to bless the world with preppy clothes. To this end, today, in this article, we are going to give you all the essential deets about this style and the brands that make preppy clothes. All you need to do is scroll down and find out!
Ace The Look- Color: Pick neutral colors like black, brown, gray, or beige as they go well with every skin tone.
- Pattern: Pair stripes, tweeds, or nautical prints with solid colors like black or white to create a casual yet chic summer outfit.
- Hair: Go for the simple high ponytail for a neat and sleek look or a loose Dutch or French braid for an elegant look.
- Accessories: Experiment with metallic headbands or polka-dotted bows to keep your hair in place all day.
In This Article
Popular Preppy Clothing Brands
1. Lilly Pulitzer
Lilly Pulitzer is one of the most iconic preppy clothing brands, known for its vibrant, tropical prints and timeless designs. Lilly started Lilly Pulitzer not realizing that it will be a thing and will blow up into something like this one day. She is from a resort town and created a dress that matched her insights – simply because no one else was doing it. And before we realized it, the world had a preppy brand to die for. You know how some brands resonate with you? You know it when you are wearing a Lilly – one, because of the quality, and two, because of the hidden signature Lilly leaves in every single piece. There are underlying colors, prints, and cut patterns to Lilly Pulitzer, with pink being the defining element. Lilly Pulitzer’s dresses are iconic, often featuring bright, tropical prints. These dresses are perfect for a day at the beach or brunch with friends, offering comfort and a chic aesthetic with bold patterns and feminine cuts.
Trivia2. Vineyard Vines
Vineyard Vines is a beloved preppy clothing brand, born from the coastal charm of Martha’s Vineyard. Who knew that growing up in Martha’s Vineyard, the co-founder brothers Shep and Ian Murray, would walk out of their desk jobs one day, and a couple of drinks later, they would get an idea destined to make it big?! Today, the brand is the official style partner of the Kentucky Derby Polo team. Vineyard Vines makes fashionable and preppy clothing for men, women, and kids, in addition to accessories. Their sweaters are the very embodiment of the nautical flair of the brand. Generally, stripes are the motif used, such as sailing-related themes. The best part is that they can be worn with either jeans or skirts, creating a cool, preppy, laid-back feel to the outfit.
3. Ralph Lauren
One of the most important steps in mastering the art of how to dress classy is investing in clothes from brands that ooze sophistication. Ralph Lauren was was the original preppy brand that sort of got lost on its way during the ride, but the company’s new CEO is hell-bent on regaling that. It also got confusing for its customers because of all the sub-brands – however, Polo by Ralph Lauren has a vast customer base, and the actual preppy fans know that this collection is going to add value to their wardrobe – which is why you will invariably find them sporting RL like a boss. Ralph Lauren is known for its iconic Polo shirts, which come in various colors and are a true preppy essential. The shirts are comfortable yet refined and easily paired with chinos or skirts for a classic preppy look.
Trivia4. Lacoste
If you are into preppy style or want to get started with this, you need to start with a classic Lacoste Polo T-shirt, and that means you’ve done it right. The Lacoste polo represents the quintessential preppy style. It features a sporty slim fit and that iconic crocodile emblem, so it’s great for layering or giving you a more casual sports polish look.
Lacoste began its preppy journey in 1929 on the tennis court when all of this was not even a thing. But a crocodile logo on a polo T-shirt took the lead, and even before we know, it started resonating with preppy like nothing else ever did. Lacoste redefined, or rather defined the idea of women wearing polo-neck T-shirts and dresses, and introduced the bright idea of how preppy style should be done. We are forever grateful!
A YouTuber who makes content around pre-owned clothing shared a personal experience about owning a vintage Lacoste bomber jacket. He recalls the jacket being one of his favorite pieces, which ignited a curiosity about the brand’s history and its iconic clothing line. This led him down a rabbit hole of Lacoste’s origins, not just as a luxury brand, but as a symbol of practical, high-quality sportswear that evolved over time. In his vlog, he said, “Older Lacoste was just the chic, fun, and playful preppy brand that I really liked! And, as I continued to scan and search more, I came to agree with that blog post (a blog he came across in his research that claimed Chemise Lacoste to be the best of all Lacoste labels without further explanation) saying that Chemise Lacoste was ‘the stuff.’ They seem to use more natural fibers and the designs just seem to have a certain “Je ne sais quoi” (French phrase referring to a quality that is so special and distinctive that it is hard to describe) to them (i).”
Trivia5. J. Crew
If you didn’t know already, J. Crew is into preppy, but is quite unassuming for a lot of reasons. While we don’t have to get into those details, we know for a fact that it is preppy, and good at it. Just like a lot of brands, it has seen the lion’s share of good and not-so-good times, but every time it fell, it got back on track with all its might. With muted undertones, chambray, and stripes as its design focal point, J. Crew has a huge loyal customer base.
J. Crew’s chambray shirts are perfect for creating any preppy outfit. Soft and versatile, they could be dressed up with chinos or dressed down with a skirt—no matter what, this is a must-layer or stand-alone piece.
6. Marley Lilly
Marley Lilly is a one of its kind online preppy and monogram store for anyone who is into customized gifts. But unlike the other big names, its price point is what sets ML apart. Preppy, personalized monogrammed accessories from Marley Lilly, including handbags and totes, bring style and add a personal touch to your wardrobe. Preppy style has just gotten so much more affordable and fun.
7. Escapada Living
‘Escapada’ just means escape in Spanish, which describes its story and clothes too. Escapada clothing is a beautiful blend of tropical and sunkissed clothing pieces. With timeless silhouettes and classic charm, it slowly went on to become a global brand while keeping its Southern (Charleston) roots intact. Preppy, fun, colorful, and elegant – Escapada Living will rope it all in your closet. Escapada Living blends preppy style with tropical prints, and the dresses they provide stand out. These fun, colorful pieces are perfect for a vacation, beach days, or even adding some sunshine to your wardrobe.
8. The Lucky Knot
You know how amazing it would be to have clothes that can transport you from the beach, to dinner, and to the bar? The Lucky Knot makes and caters to just that. It houses a range of preppy brands that predominantly have a nautical feel to them, which is a big part of preppy clothing – and which is why some of us can never get enough of these. Their range of striped and anchor-patterned tops is perfect for anyone looking to incorporate a maritime feel into their preppy wardrobe. Even though it has a small offline presence in Virginia, it is growing strong online. But if you are in the area, drop in, or check the collection online.
9. Lauren James
Be it preppy pastels for a wedding, an everyday essential or an elegant party dress, Lauren James has it all for you with a classic touch. The pieces can then be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
The brand was launched a few years ago by Lauren, who was a registered nurse. From being a nurse to creating a giant when it comes preppy brands that make clothes of exceptional quality – Lauren James has come a long way and is here to stay. If you are exploring preppy brands, check out Lauren James.
10. Drake’s
Do you want to dress in tailored suits from Italy or traditional Scottish knitwear? Or probably wear a preppy jersey, denim, and some accessories? If the answer is yes, then Drake’s is for you. Michael Drake founded the company in London in 1977 under the tagline “Relaxed Elegance.” Starting from scarves and handkerchiefs, and expanding into high-end outfits for men, Drake’s has gained a reputation for quality construction in Paris, Tokyo, New York, and Milan.
11. Kate Spade
Kate Spade took root when its founder, Kate Brosnahan Spade, could not find the perfect utilitarian bag for her use. She set out to design her own bag and voila, a preppy brand was born. Expanding from handbags to clothes, jewelry, shoes, home decor, and other tech accessories, the brand has spread worldwide. They use sophisticated and modern colors and produce chic items. Kate Spade dresses drive preppy elegance with clean cuts and modern prints. Perfect for work or weekend brunch, dresses from Kate Spade successfully combine style with sophistication. So, get ready to create some fashionable looks with Kate Spade.
A Youtuber in his vlog shared an enjoyable and positive experience at the Kate Spade boutique, appreciating the variety of designs, luxurious details, and craftsmanship of the handbags. He was impressed by the boutique’s aesthetics and the attention to detail in the products. In his vlog, he said, “Knott satchel (a bag from Kate Spade’s Knott Handbags Collection) is looking pretty cute and the quality did not feel bad at all. It felt better than some of its counterpart contemporary brands, and I don’t say that lightly (ii).”
Aside from these brands, Personal Stylist, Paola Farina, suggests a few brands that are into preppy style. She says, “On my side, I can suggest MAX&Co and also Pinko. Both have a preppy style.”
Key Takeaways
- Popular brands like Tommy Hilfiger have contributed to preppy fashion with their unique style and signature elements.
- Neutral colors like black, brown, gray, and beige work well with any skin tone, offering versatility in styling.
- Mixing patterns like stripes or tweed with solid colors like black or white creates a chic summer outfit.
- Each brand has its distinct identity and characteristics. For instance, Lilly Pulitzer is known for its quality, signature prints, while Lacoste is recognized for its iconic crocodile logo and polo t-shirts for women.
Infographic: Top 5 Preppy Clothing Brands For Women
The preppy style is now a well-known fashion statement numerous women love to follow. What began as a trend for Ivy Leagues is now a raging trend worldwide. Multiple brands have dedicated preppy-style collections for their customers. Check out the infographic below to explore five of these brands for your next preppy clothing spree. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
When it comes to listing preppy clothing brands, there are only a few who make their mark above the rest. Not only is their quality top-notch, but their unique designs make for a statement in themselves. Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, and others are some expensive clothing brands listed above that make for a good gift idea for yourself or your special someone. If you are keen on adding more statement outfits to your collection, browse through the above recommendations and you are sure to find the best match for your comfort, style, and preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burberry a preppy?
Yes. Burberry’s signature plaid designs make a comeback every season, making for stylish, preppy fall and winter fits.
What are other high-quality non-luxurious preppy brands?
Sperry, Patagonia, and L.L. Beans are some of high-quality non-luxurious preppy brands to try out.
What clothing is preppy?
The term “preppy” is derived from schools in the Northeastern US. Preppy fashion is based on clothing trends from these schools and their alumni in the early and mid-twentieth centuries. Prep schools are Ivy league and hence, sporting this look is a symbol of status.
Is preppy still in style?
Yes, preppy fashion is in style. However, as there is very little that can be done with patterns and fabrics, the creative focus is on experimenting with different cuts of Ivy League outfits.
What is the VSCO preppy aesthetic?
The VSCO preppy aesthetic, popular among Gen Z on social media platforms, includes bright pinks and blues, pastel accents, ruffles, and animal patterns. It also has a bit of retro vibe.
Are stripes preppy?
Yes. Stripes are one of the commonly spotted patterns on preppy fashion outfits.
Illustration: Best Preppy Brands For Women
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Step into the world of preppy fashion with this ultimate guide on the best preppy brands, and explore the timeless sophistication that these brands offer. Check out the video now!
Personal Experience: Sources
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Exploring Vintage Lacoste Clothes for the First Timehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usKFD1tw9ps
ii. Kate Spade Boutique FIRST TIME Shopping Experience! *New Bags and Kate Spade Sales*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6blAjKjnwE
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