Are you a fan of Clueless or Blair Waldorf’s wardrobe? Learn how to channel your preppy aesthetic with style tips inspired by classic, preppy onscreen stars.
From Blair Waldorf to Cher Horowitz, many onscreen fashionistas know how to rock the preppy style aesthetic, making it a go-to style option for many sharp dressers and pop-culture enthusiasts. Like academia-inspired fashion, preppy lookbooks include polished features, but they come with a more colorful palette. Here are four ways to channel your preppy aesthetic and embrace your inner Blair and Cher.
How to Channel Your Preppy Aesthetic
Incorporate Preppy Classics
Every fashion aesthetic consists of classic elements that embody the essence of that style. For example, signature pieces of ballerinacore include white and pink pastel color schemes, flowy and frilled skirts, and strappy shoes. For traditional streetwear, key outfit concepts include baggy bottoms, graphic tees, and sneakers.
Whenever you wear certain clothing pairings and outfit options that are identifiable features of a particular aesthetic, you also embody that style. Channel your preppiness with signature pieces to the aesthetic, like blazers, button-downs, vests, and pleated skirts.
Create Outfit Layers
Layers are also a quintessential style feature of preppy outfits. Traditionally, the various layers were a means of proper etiquette, ensuring that students and professionals dress modestly.
Now, they are a key feature of this American subculture and a great way to create chic winter outfits. Pair button-downs with sweaters, add vests and blazers as a top layer, and wear stockings or knee-high socks to style a layered, preppy look.
How to channel your preppy aesthetic: Stick To Simple Shapes and Clean Cuts
Preppy outfits feature clean, well-kept, and professional appearances, alluding to its preparatory and posh cultural background. The smarter you dress, the more affluent you look. Stick to clothing with simple shapes and clean cuts to achieve that well-maintained and upper-class look associated with preppy culture.
Accessorize With Minimalistic Delicacy
Along with clean cuts and simple shapes, minimal accessorization also creates clean, put-together, and smartly dressed appearances. It reduces the visual clutter to your outfit, keeping it simple, sleek, and chic. If you want to embellish a preppy outfit, opt for dainty accessories, like plain headbands, pearl earrings, studs, hoops, bows, and necklaces with thin chains. Avoid anything chunky or too vibrant.
Style some looks inspired by the Gossip Girl queen Blair and Clueless starlet Cher with these four tips on channeling your preppy aesthetic. Whether your life consists of dinners at country clubs or the complete opposite, anyone can sport this posh aesthetic. You just need the right wardrobe pieces and styling technique.