AMERICAN PREPPY STYLE:
Where it all began.
First appearing on Ivy League college campuses’ like Princeton and Yale in the 1930's, collegiate fashion was the uniform of elite youth. Moving forward to the late 80's and early 90's preppy outfits moved beyond prestigious campuses and into the mainstream. Letting go of padding and starch, preppy clothes were accessible, relaxed and comfortable. Limited to playing sports at the country club, the younger generation turned casual sporting styles into their everyday clothes. Cotton chinos, polo shirts, knitted V-neck sweaters and a quarter Zip jumpers were leaders in the preppy clothes aesthetic that broke US borders to appear on the streets in the UK and Japan.
Brands originally focused on menswear however preppy style kicked off dual-gender dressing. Seeking an alternative to still-rigid womenswear, female students started shopping men's clothing. Women in men's shirts and college sweatshirts quickly became a common sight in college halls.
Musicians embracing the trend supported preppy fashion dominance in the 90's. Making the style their own, Tupac Shakur wore his rugby shirts under denim overalls and Outkast’s Andre 3000 famously popped the collars of 2 layered preppy polo shirts. Brands took notice of their influence. By the late 90's artists were not only being given clothing they were joining brands as ambassadors and creative partners too.
American preppy fashion is once again the style of the moment but this time round preppy outfits have become even more relaxed with looser fits. Here are some quick tips to update your look to preppy style:
Focus on collars
Polo and rugby shirts along with button-down shirts are the trend’s key styles. Dress your hoodie and sweatshirt over one of these letting the collars poke through.
Smarten up your pants
Swap jeans and track pants for chinos and chino shorts to keep your collegiate clothing authentic. Take it further and be brave in a pair of printed or bold-coloured preppy pants.
Crests and College graphics
Regal embroidered rugby shirts replicate clubs, exclusive heraldic crests and varsity-inspired brand designs on hoodies and jumpers update your comfort clothes to the college clothing trend.
Make new jumper choices
Replace your favourite hoodie with ½ or ¼ zips tops and crew neck college sweatshirts.
We are built on a history of American preppy style. From launch in 1983, Nautica secured its place an icon of American sportswear brands alongside Tommy Hilfiger and Polo Ralph Lauren.
Shop preppy clothes Australia in our latest winter collection and discover a way to wear modern preppy outfits your way.