The Gist
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Prep style is in the midst of a renaissance thanks to the likes of high-fashion brands like Lacoste, Miu Miu, and Thom Browne, among others.
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Fashion lovers are styling their preppy outfits beyond the traditional school uniform aesthetic of the past, especially for summer.
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See ahead for 7 different summer outfit ideas to let your preppy style shine.
Thanks to the likes of high-fashion brands like Lacoste, Miu Miu, and Thom Browne, among others, it’s safe to say that we are firmly in the midst of a preppy-style renaissance—not that the prep pieces of today adhere closely to the school uniforms and popped polo collars of your middle school years past.
Instead, fashion lovers are taking the visual cues from Lisa Birnbach’s iconic The Official Preppy Handbook and subverting the academically inspired aesthetic to make it feel fresh and modern—especially during the balmy summer months when styling can make all the difference between looking cool and actually staying cool. Think thin sweater vests and rugby shirts worn over hot pants and argyle skirts, or skirt dresses and linen sets, perfect for a Hamptons getaway or a trip to the country club.
See ahead for 7 preppy outfit ideas that are an A-plus for all your summer needs.
Shirt Dress
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A shirtdress makes a statement.
Sometimes getting dressed up in the summer can be such a hassle. Thankfully, a shirtdress is a one-and-done style that eliminates the guesswork from your clothing choices. Pick a shirtdress in a playful print and streamlined silhouette to punch up the visual impact.
Gingham
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Gingham is a gorgeous touch.
Gingham is the preppiest pattern of the plaid family, and it’s perfect for any outdoor summer occasion, from picnics to beachy adventures. Keep your preppy style in check by pairing your gingham with a solid-colored piece for a more balanced look. Alternatively, lean into mixing and matching your gingham with contrasting prints.
A Sporty Spin
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Add an athletic touch to your attire.
Two mainstays of preppy fashion are rugby shirts and argyle plaid, so why not go for a more-is-more approach and style them together? On the one hand, you’ll achieve an athletic look with the rugby, and then by mixing the signature stripes with the contrasting lines of argyle, you’ll have yourself a surprisingly wearable mix of patterns.
School Uniform
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You’ll want to study up on this style.
Channel your inner Blair Waldorf this summer and try on a playful twist on a traditional school uniform. With a fitted blazer and flirty miniskirt, you’ll be able to saunter into any soirée no matter how casual or formal it may be. A loose tie and knee-high socks add a bit-so-subtle nod to academia.
Stripes
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You’ll want to lineup for these.
Borrowing your boyfriend’s or dad’s button-down is a style tale as old as time. After all, it’s hard to think of an outfit as easy to wear in the summer than an oversized cotton shirt and cut-off jeans. So why not jazz things up by grabbing a striped shirt in a multi-color block motif? You’ll get all the ease of a button-down without feeling basic.
Linen
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Start fresh this summer.
If an escape to the beach is calling your name, then a head-to-toe linen outfit will do the trick. The lightweight nature of linen will keep you feeling cool underneath the sun’s rays, and by going for a monochromatic moment, you’ll double the visual impact of your pieces. Knot a knit sweater over your shoulders for a haute Hamptons vibe that will score you plenty of points with your preppy peeps.
Sweatervest
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Sweater vests will beat the summer heat.
As mentioned above, knits don’t have to be solely for the fall season. A sleeveless sweater vest, for instance, immediately calls to mind the bookish aesthetic of preppy dress codes. However, wearing one in the summer is a bit of a rebellious declaration of personal style. To prevent looking too covered up, pair your sweater vest with a pair of micro-shorts for an even more daring ensemble.
Read the original article on InStyle
