Preppy style is reinvented this spring: | ESDMAGAZINE - Esdemarca Store fashion, footwear and accessories

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From Ivy League to Instagram: the rebirth of preppy

Preppy style, born in America’s elite universities, has for decades been synonymous with polos, boat shoes, Oxford shirts, and sweaters draped over shoulders. Today, however, its revival is brewing in the street style of fashion capitals and on the feeds of the leading voices of style.

Why is preppy making a comeback? The secret lies in its versatility. This aesthetic adapts like few others to today’s wardrobes: it works just as well for an office look as for a casual Sunday brunch. And most importantly: the new preppy is gender-neutral. Pieces like oversized polos, mid-rise chinos, relaxed blazers, or pastel knit sweaters have become shared wardrobe staples, free of labels.

Polos for everyone: from tennis courts to city streets

Polos, probably the most recognizable emblem of preppy style, are no longer exclusive to men’s wardrobes or tennis courts. This season, they are reinterpreted with fluid cuts, softer fabrics, and a color palette ranging from pristine white to delicate lavender.

How to style a polo this spring? One key is contrast: try mixing a classic polo with slouchy jeans or a pleated midi skirt. Or go for a monochromatic look in neutral tones and add a structured blazer. The idea is to play, mix codes, and, above all, make it your own.

Stripes with no regard for gender or season

Stripes, that timeless pattern that always returns, find in the new preppy a second youth. Nautical, varsity or multicolor stripes: this spring, anything goes as long as there’s attitude.
Whether on organic cotton tees, Italian-collar shirts, or unisex shirtdresses, stripes elevate the look effortlessly. The best part? They’re as democratic as they are chic.

Do stripes make you look wider? An eternal myth. It all depends on the garment type, the cut, and how you style it. Vertical stripes, for example, elongate the silhouette and add height. But the most important thing: if you like it, wear it. Style always triumphs over rules.

Details that make the difference

Accessories like braided belts, thick acetate glasses, or classic loafers are making a strong comeback. But now we pair them with white socks or shorts, unafraid of contrast. Fine-knit sweaters also stand out—perfect for tying around the neck or draping over shoulders, with that unmistakable preppy nod.

Preppy style is back, but it’s not what it used to be. Its evolution reflects a more open, freer, and more playful fashion. Today, preppy is not just an aesthetic, it’s an attitude: that of those who blend tradition with contemporaneity, structure with ease, and elegance with irony.
And best of all: it’s a style that suits everyone, regardless of gender. Because fashion, after all, is about expression, play, and feeling good in what you wear. This spring, dare to do it with a polo, some stripes… and a smile.