We explain how to interpret the preppy style in a casual and contemporary way.

<h3>Phenomenon Preppy Style</h3>

The <a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/fashion/neck-ties-fashion-trend-shopping" target="_blank" rel="noopener">preppy</a> look isn't just any style, it's a real phenomenon. While other trends come and go, this one may be present to a greater or lesser extent, but it never goes out of <a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/fashion/beach-fashion-mens-looks-photos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">style</a> altogether. How is that possible?
In order to get to the bottom of the phenomenon, we must first take a look at the fashion history books. This style originated in America in the 1970s . At that time, the style of clothing worn by students at American elite universities became a real hype, some of which continues to this day or keeps coming back and yet never completely disappears. Preppy means neat and basically this fashionable look is an evolution of the " Ivy League look" that came before. The style was characteristic of upper class or upper middle class students studying at the prestige universities on the East Coast of the United States.
The reason why the preppy style is so iconic and has survived to this day or keeps coming back is probably not necessarily a fashionable one. This look not only stands for a certain way of dressing, but also for an exclusive lifestyle that many people dream of. Dressing preppy is one thing, living a lifestyle similar to those who initiated the style is another. Studying at an elite university like Harvard, Princeton or Yale is still a big dream for many. Even if most people now associate the term preppy look mainly with a fashion phenomenon, it is inseparable from what it has always embodied: belonging to the elite.

<h3>How To - The guide for the perfect preppy look</h3>

But how do you achieve the look that everyone keeps talking about? The preppy look is a real tightrope walk, because: the outfit should be neat, but - for fashion 2023 - definitely not totally stuffy. But with one principle or another in mind, it's easy to do and you're already well dressed!

<h4 style="text-align: justify;">The most important basics</h4>
The most important items of clothing when we talk about preppy style are the following: trousers with a classic cut, shirts and polo shirts, slipovers, knitted sweaters, blazers and ties. Of course there are other pieces of clothing that are suitable for the look and not all of these pieces are used for an outfit - but it's the basics that are the best way to put together a preppy outfit. Simply pull the pieces from the closet that you already have and see what you can already create with them.

<h4 style="text-align: justify;">The colours</h4>
One colour that is great for preppy <a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/fashion/editorial-mens-fashion-spring-summer-2023-teenager-inspiration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">men</a> is dark blue. Dark blue looks reserved, elegant and tasteful. Dark blue can best be combined with beige and white or possibly also with light grey or blue tones. Even lighter colors such as beige/ camel and white together can work well and look particularly elegant and modern. A touch of colour goes very well with this, such as dark red or green. Better to stay away from too many dark brown tones, which can quickly look old-fashioned in this context.

<h4 style="text-align: justify;">Style a preppy look, then loosen it up.</h4>
This rule may sound a bit strange at first, but it is a real game changer. We want to interpret the preppy look in a contemporary way, so it's better to be a little more casual than too neat or stuffy. This works by examining the finished outfit again and deciding how to loosen up the look if it seems too strict. For example, undo the top buttons of the shirt or put on a cool cap and give it a street style touch. You are also welcome to leave out the tie, which can quickly make the whole thing look too formal. Again as a reminder: The aim is not to copy the preppy look of the past 1:1, but to make something of your own (something modern!) .

<h4 style="text-align: justify;">The vibe</h4>
The next principle follows the keyword "make something of your own out of it".&nbsp; A modern interpretation of the look requires a vibe. For example, the outfit can have a cool vibe (caps + trainers), a sexy vibe (unbutton shirt top) or a weird (break in style) vibe. If you want to be on the safe side, you can opt for a casual vibe - it looks modern, style-conscious and by no means buttoned up at the same time.

<h3 style="text-align: justify;">The most important thing for last</h3>
It's always the details that make a look stylish and modern: like a cricket sweater (100% preppy chic) but worn oversized (like @lepetitarnd - photo above), a loose shirt and cap (seen on @ itsalessandrochessa - photo above) or trainers instead of classic shoes (@moritzhau - photo below).
The ultimate when it comes to questions of style is to rely on your own sense of style. That, combined with our tips, is quite a guarantee for a (preppy) fashion sense of achievement!

How to Look Preppy - The definitive (and modern) guide for men

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