Preppy Fashion Is Back – & It’s Fully A Recession Indicator

We’ve already explored the revival of utilitarian fashion and the quiet luxury trend, both closely linked to consumer behaviours indicative of economic unease. And now, a classic trend driven by similar economic forces is re-emerging with surprising force – meet preppy fashion.

You might wonder, what exactly is preppy fashion? When and how did it first appear? Why is it trending again, and importantly, how can individuals weave it effortlessly into their wardrobes? Fear not, the Stellar team has got your back, diving deep into these stylish queries to help you stay ahead of the curve.

To fully appreciate preppy fashion, let’s take a quick journey back to its origins. Emerging around the late 1890s to early 1900s, preppy style was originally a uniform and a symbol of social status among affluent Ivy League students. Picture this: neatly layered knitwear over crisp shirts, complemented by chinos and sleek loafers. Sounds like an exclusive, posh look reserved for upper-middle-class young men, doesn’t it?

 

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Yet, as society began shifting, thanks to progressive feminist movements, in the middle of the 20^th century, this traditionally masculine and privileged style broke new ground, becoming accessible and appealing to women. Suddenly, fashion became less about rigid formality and more about comfort, practicality, and chic elegance. Think structured woollen twin sets, pleated skirts paired with sporty rugby tops or bowling shirts, and durable denim, all effortlessly championed by iconic figures like Princess Diana and Brooke Shields.

In the 1980s, preppy fashion experienced a full-blown boom, propelled by the rise of more accessible brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein. These labels ushered in a pivotal shift – transforming what was once an exclusive sartorial code for privileged Ivy League men into a democratic blend of streetwear and timeless elegance for the masses.

Another major catalyst for the style’s widespread popularity was the release of The Official Preppy Handbook, edited by Lisa Birnbach. What began as a tongue-in-cheek guide quickly became the definitive manual on how to master the preppy look. Audiences adored it for its straightforward tips on dressing with polished ease, offering a wardrobe formula that worked seamlessly for everything from boardroom meetings to romantic dinners.

As Birnbach herself put it, preppy fashion became a kind of “comfort food” – reliable, refined, and something that doesn’t require lots of effort. And that’s just one of many reasons why we believe preppy fashion saw a 66 percent surge in popularity this past June compared to the previous 12-month average.

 

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In the fashion landscape bursting with choices – from edgy grunge to old money aesthetics – the question of “What should I wear?” can feel overwhelming. Many turn to styles that offer structure and social reassurance. And here preppy fashion becomes a style that communicates quiet confidence, timeless elegance, and practicality. Also, with its foundation of versatile, classic pieces, it allows wearers to mix and match effortlessly without constantly needing to buy something new for every occasion. In uncertain economic times, that’s more than just a fashion choice – it’s a practice of financial literacy.

Classic clothing is also renowned for its high quality, which translates to durability and versatility, echoing the workwear trend. These two qualities deeply resonate with today’s environmentally conscious approach to fashion: buy less, choose well, and make it last. This philosophy of sustainability is championed not only by high-fashion designers and style icons like Vivienne Westwood but also by environmentally concerned Millennials and Gen Z consumers. So, in this case, preppy fashion is a perfect fit into the new era of mindful dressing.

When it comes to fashion icons shaping trends, they don’t always have to be real. In fact, some of the most influential preppy style muses are fictional – think Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf or Sex and the City’s Charlotte York. If either of them caught wind of preppy fashion’s comeback, they’d be giddy with excitement – at least until they found out it’s partially driven by economic pressure and geopolitical instability.

 

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Still, the wave of nostalgia currently sweeping pop culture, with iconic shows and films being rewatched en masse, speaks volumes. It’s not just a longing for retro fashion, but for the emotional comfort of pre-crisis times.

Just like with utilitarian clothing – where logo-mania is often seen as tone-deaf – preppy fashion fans feel the same way. In times of uncertainty, there’s a collective shift toward modesty. That doesn’t mean boring – it means clean, refined silhouettes with thoughtful details and subtle, almost hidden branding. It’s a style that embodies an individual’s  sophistication with a humble grace.

So, if you’re wondering how to nail the preppy look in 2025, the latest collections of Michael Rider at Celine and Jonathan Anderson at Dior offer the perfect blueprint. Their trick lies in mixing tradition with a playful modern twist:

• Layer it up: think outside the usual shirt-and-jumper combo – try a turtleneck under a button-down, or sling a knit over your coat’s shoulders.
• Combine different textures and colours: denim shirts layered under structured wool or cotton blazers. Play with palettes – deep blues, rich reds, sunny yellows, and of course, an elegant sweep of pastels.
• Mix your prints: Try checkered shirts with striped ties, or introduce diamond and rhombic patterns into the mix.
• Blend streetwear and classic staples: Match cargo shorts with loafers, blazers with sporty trainers, or even jelly shoes. Also, it’s a big bonus if you add colourful socks or patterned tights to your outfit.
• Defy gender norms: Add a tie to a femme-coded outfit, or throw floral accents into a more traditionally masculine look – modern style has no gender, after all.

If the aesthetics of preppy fashion resonate with your personality, mindset, and lifestyle – and align with your political views and financial situation – we highly recommend to start embracing the style with brands like Maje or Sandro. You can also discover colourful knitwear jumpers to kickstart your preppy wardrobe from Irish contemporary labels like Pellador. Or, if you’re really on a budget, H&M’s Spring 2025 preppy capsule is surprisingly on point.

Take a look at some of out fav pieces out there at the moment.

Tommy Hilfiger Poplin Oversized Shirt – €71