How to dress classic preppy upper class clothing style for a girl

Nowadays, the preppy style is very popular thanks to brands like Abercrombie (which is not truly preppy). Although I do not personally like this style, lots of teenagers and young adults love this style. Being preppy is about dressing very appropriate, form fitting but not excessively tight, clean cut, good taste, conservative and classic clothing. This hub goes in details about how to dress preppy. Hope you enjoy it!

Preppy style is originally from upper class of New English (those from old money). Further back, it is about British upper class dress code that the rich use to identify their status. They are always wearing very classic pieces that never goes out of style. Trendy skinny jeans, short shorts or vintage jeans (wore jeans with holes) are not part of their wardrobe. They never wear jeans. You will have to get the brands right first to understand the true preppy style. Dressing preppy is about knowing where to shop. The following brands carry lots of preppy clothes: Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Brooke Brothers, Lilly Pulitzer, L.L.Bean and Burberry. Brands such as J. crew and Banana Republic do carry some preppy clothing. However, to a true prep, those brands are only trying to imitate the real preps.

What clothing do you need to have in your closet?

Solid color polo shirts from Ralph Lauren

Classic trench coat (in khaki) from Burberry

long basic khaki pants (100% cotton)

cashmere sweaters from Ralph Lauren

Rugby shirts

fitted blazer (in Navy) not too shirt or tight (100% wool)

A-line skirts from Brooke Brothers

Cable knit vasts

sweaters with Argyle pattern (pink and green are good colors for preppy girls)

black opaque tights (wear it with A-line skirts in winter)

Traditional white button up shirts (long sleeve)

Bermuda shorts in khaki colors (not too much above the knee)

Shoes – Good quality flats such as the ones from Tory Burch is a very nice addition in your wardrobe. You can wear it with a belted dress. Penny loafers are classic preppy style and should be part of your wardrobe. For formal occasions where you are wearing shirt and A-line skirt, you can wear a nice pair of pumps. However, you should not wear those that are extremely high heeled (over 3 ½ inches). Go with a leather pair (no excessive embellishments or logos) that is made by Coach.

Handbags – a nice canvas monogrammed L.L.Bean tote is a very important accessory for a preppy girl. You can also choose a good leather satchel for work. However, you should make sure that it doesn't have lots of hardware. The Louis Vuitton Epi Alma Noir (black) is very good example of what you can carry. Again, you should get very classic well made handbags to complete the whole preppy look.

Other than the way you dress, you need to know that being preppy is also a lifestyle. It is also about the way you do your hair, makeup and jewelry. It is also important to realize that being preppy is about the way you act as well. Preppy is a sub-culture, your behavior reflects part of the whole preppy style. However, a true prep is one that was born with a silver spoon in their mouth. They are very affluent upper class people (from the East Coast) that are from old money.