Any mention of Preppy styles makes us immediately imagine core Preppy clothes and accessories like Oxford shirts, chinos, navy jackets, rep ties, and loafer shoes.
However, Preppy fashion is far more diverse and versatile than you might think.
From the laid-back vibes of the Athleisure Prep style to the rebellious nuances of the Preppy Punk style, there’s a vast array of Preppy outfits and stylistic variations.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore ten popular types of Preppy styles that retain the essence of this timeless look while offering exceptional twists for the most demanding fashionistas.
1. Casual Preppy Style
The Casual Preppy fashion style is a less formal take on the traditional New England Preppy style.
The style combines classic preppy clothes like polo shirts and navy jackets with casual wear like jeans and sneakers for a modern, laid-back look.
 |
 |
 |
 |
2. Preppy Boho-Chic Style
This way of dressing combines Preppy and bohemian aesthetics in structured, classic clothes. but with earthy Bohemian colors.
Think patterned blouses tucked into chino shorts or maxi skirts paired with buttoned-up blouses.
Kate Middleton is the perfect example of a celeb mixing classic preppy elements with bohemian influences.
 |
 |
 |
 |
3. Preppy Goth Style
The Preppy Goth fashion style blends the crisp cuts and lines of the Preppy aesthetic with the dark and mysterious aesthetic of the Goth fashion style.
Imagine a black and white striped Oxford paired with black chinos and loafers or a black button-down shirt matched with a white sweater vest.
Evan Rachel Wood is a famous celeb known for mixing gothic clothes and accessories into the classic preppy style.
 |
 |
 |
 |
4. Preppy Punk Style
The Preppy-Punk fashion style combines the traditional Ivy League preppy style with punk’s rebellious and edgy aesthetic.
Imagine a plaid skirt matched with a tucked-in Punk band t-shirt, a pair of Doc Martens, and a leather jacket.
British model Agyness Deyn and British singer Pixie Lott have some of the best outfits that mix punk and preppy-style clothes and accessories.
 |
 |
 |
 |
5. Preppy Emo Style
The Emo-Preppy fashion style merges core Preppy aesthetics with the emotional and dramatic characteristics of the emo style.
Think about a graphic tee layered under a v-neck sweater, paired with skinny jeans and a pair of Converse.
Singer Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy was a big proponent of this style during the mid-2000s.
 |
 |
 |
 |
6. Preppy Grunge Style
Preppy Grunge fashion style showcases a ‘laid-back’ grungy aesthetic fusion with a traditional preppy style.
The alternative Preppy style is similar to Preppy punk, but generally, it uses more earth-toned, muted colors.
Imagine a flannel jacket layered over a polo shirt, distressed jeans, and combat boots.
Kristen Stewart is a celebrity known for incorporating grunge elements into his Preppy fashion style.
 |
 |
 |
 |
7. Preppy Streetwear Style
The Streetwear Preppy fashion style mixes the casual and relaxed aesthetics of the streets with strict and classic Preppy elements.
Picture a graphic tee under a collegiate blazer paired with joggers and a pair of Yeezys.
A$AP Rocky’s Preppy Street style is hailed as one of the most unique and trendiest looks.
 |
 |
 |
 |
8. Pastel Preppy Style
The Pastel Preppy fashion style retains the traditional Preppy aesthetic but uses pastel colors instead of classic colors.
While sometimes confused with the Southern Preppy style, the Pastel Preppy look comprises pastel-colored clothes and accessories, including blazers, sweaters, and even chinos.
 |
 |
 |
 |
9. Tech Prep Style
The Tech Prep fashion style gives the Ivy League Preppy style a modern, technical spin.
The look is achieved by infusing performance polo shirts made of innovative fabrics, techwear chinos, and weatherproof outerwear.
 |
 |
 |
 |
10. Athleisure Prep Style
Athleisure Prep variation sees athletic apparel elevated by traditional Preppy wear, such as tennis dresses paired with cashmere cardigans or golfing pants styled with branded polo shirts.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Conclusion
We hope this guide in Preppy fashion style variations gives you inspiration and the confidence to master a unique take on this enduring look.
Start with the lighthearted look of the Casual Preppy style and advance to the futuristic feel of the Tech Prep style.
Then, showcase your inner rebel through a Preppy Punk outfit and finalize the Preppy journey with an Athleisure Prep outfit for an aid-back vibe.
As the Preppy styles evolve, so can your personal style match your unique tastes and personality.
Weekly Newsletter
Keep up with the latest in fashion, beauty and style!
After years of managing hundreds of fashion brands from London's office of a global retailer, Mandy has ventured into freelancing. Connected with several fashion retailers and media platforms in the US, Australia, and the UK, Mandy uses her expertise to consult for emerging fashion brands create top-notch content as an editorial strategist for several online publications.
