<p>We explain how to interpret the preppy style in a casual and contemporary way.</p>

<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Phenomenon Preppy Style</span></h3>

<p><strong>The preppy look is not just any style, but a real phenomenon. </strong>While other trends come and go, this one may be more or less present at some points, but it never goes completely out of fashion. How is that possible?</p>
<p>To get to the bottom of the phenomenon, we first have to take a look at the fashion history books. Because this style <strong>originated in the 70s in America</strong>. At that time, the clothing style of students at American elite universities became a real hype, which partly lasts until today or comes back from time to time and yet never completely disappears. This fashionable look is basically a further development of the "Ivy League look", which already existed before. The style was c<strong>haracteristic of upper class or upper middle class students who studied at prestigious universities on the east coast of the USA.</strong></p>
<p>The reason why the preppy style is so iconic and has lasted until today or keeps coming back is probably not necessarily a <a href="https://www.lofficiel.at/en/categories/menswear">fashion</a> one. <strong>This look not only stands for a certain way of dressing, but also for an exclusive lifestyle that many dream of.</strong> Dressing preppy is one thing, but 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 though most people today associate the term preppy look mainly with a fashion phenomenon, it is inseparable from what it has always embodied: belonging to the elite.</p>

<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">How To - the guide for the perfect preppy look</span></h3>

<p><strong>But how do you achieve the look that everyone keeps talking about?</strong> The preppy look is a real tightrope walk, because the outfit should be neat, but - in fashion year 2023 - not totally staid. Yet with one or two principles in mind, it's easy and you'll be well dressed!</p>

<h4><span style="font-weight: 400;">The most important basics</span></h4>
<p><strong>The most important items of clothing when we talk about preppy style are the following: classic tailored trousers, shirts as well as polo shirts, slipovers, knitted jumpers, blazers and ties.</strong> Of course, there are other garments that lend themselves to the look and not all of these pieces are used for one outfit either - but they are the basics that are best suited to putting together a preppy outfit. Just pull out the pieces you already have in your wardrobe and see what you can create with them.</p>

<h4><span style="font-weight: 400;">The colours</span></h4>
<p>A colour that is great for the preppy look <a href="https://www.lofficiel.at/en/menswear/harry-styles-gucci-shows-us-a-new-playful-world-for-men">for men</a> is dark blue. <strong>Dark blue</strong> is understated, elegant and tasteful. The best way to combine dark blue is with <strong>beige and white</strong>, or possibly with lighter shades of <strong>grey</strong> or blue. Only lighter colours such as beige/ <strong>camel</strong> and white together can also work well and look particularly elegant and modern. A touch of colour also works very well, such as <strong>dark red</strong> or green. However, it is better to keep your hands off too many dark brown tones, as they can quickly look old-fashioned in this context.</p>

<h4><span style="font-weight: 400;">Style a preppy look, then loosen it up again.&nbsp;</span></h4>
<p>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 <strong>it's better to be a little more casual than too preppy or stuffy.</strong> You can do this by taking another look at the finished <a href="https://www.lofficiel.at/en/menswear/editorial-winter-tale-by-julian-freyberg">outfit</a> and deciding how you could loosen up the look if it seems too strict. For example, undo the top buttons of the shirt or put on a cool cap to give it a street style touch. You can also leave out the tie, which can quickly make the whole thing look too formal. <strong>As a reminder, the aim is not to copy the preppy look from the past 1:1, but to create something of your own (and something modern!).</strong></p>

<h4><span style="font-weight: 400;">"The Vibe"</span></h4>
<p>On the cue of "making it your own" comes the next principle. A modern interpretation of the look requires a vibe. For example, the outfit can have a cool vibe (cap + sneakers), a sexy vibe (button up the shirt) or a weird (style break) vibe. <strong>If you want to be on the safe side, opt for a casual vibe - it looks modern, style-conscious and not at all conservative.</strong></p>

<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">The most important things to finish</span></h3>
<p><strong>It's always the details that make a look stylish and modern:</strong> like a cricket jumper (100% preppy chic) which is worn oversized (like @lepetitarnd - photo above), a loose shirt and cap (as seen on @itsalessandrochessa - photo above) or trainers instead of classic shoes (@moritzhau - photo below).&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>The non-plus-ultra when it comes to style questions is to rely on your own sense of style.</strong> That, combined with our tips, is quite a guarantee to experience a (dapper) fashion success!</p>

How to Look Preppy - The Ultimate (and Modern) Guide for Men

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