When the weather warms up in the spring, my style shifts a bit to this classic preppy vibe. Think oversized button downs, baseball caps, canvas bags, linen pants, and a cotton sweater worn over the shoulders. I would also call this classic American style. I think of it as casual, polished, and easy. It’s defined by brands like J.Crew and Ralph Lauren. In this post, I’m giving you a ten piece classic preppy spring capsule wardrobe, twelve outfit ideas, accessories, trends to consider that align with this style, and brands to shop.
Spring Capsule Guide: Classic Preppy Style
Ten Piece Classic Preppy Spring Capsule WardrobeS
Sweater Vest // Is there anything more preppy than the sweater vest? These days, I typically see them styled with a plain tee underneath or on their own as a tank. And while those are my favorite ways to wear it, you can also style them under a button down or blouse to take the preppy vibe a bit more literal. This one from Sézane is also a beautiful option and here’s an affordable alternative.
White Tee // You’ll find a white tee in almost all my spring capsules. They are the foundation of a versatile wardrobe and can be styled a million and one ways. For this classic preppy capsule, you can style it under a trench coat, sweater vest or crewneck sweater as well as with a sweater worn over the shoulders.
Polo Sweater // A polo sweater with a collar is also fitting of the preppy style. Every time I see someone wearing one, I think it looks so chic. For spring, you can style it with jeans and trousers for a polished yet easy look for everyday. Here’s an affordable option from Gap.
Trench Coat // This classic outerwear piece fits so many different styles. I’m always recommending a trench to anyone and everyone. They make any outfit look instantly chic. I’ve linked this affordable option from Gap, but this one from Sézane is my favorite right now and worth the investment.
White Button Down // I love love an oversized button down, but you should choose a style that you like best. You can wear this tucked, untucked, with a sweater over the shoulders, or even unbuttoned with a tee underneath. I chose white to make the most versatile capsule, but I also recommend a striped option for that preppy classic vibe as well (size up in this one.)
Striped Cotton Sweater // This striped sweater leans into the nautical preppy vibes. It’s such an easy option that looks chic and polished but still casual. For this capsule, I’ve styled it on it’s own, with a white tee underneath and worn over the shoulders with a button down or tee. This sweater also transitions well into summer for more beachy vibes. Try pairing it with linen shorts and minimal sandals.
White Pants // White pants, either in cotton or linen material, is a good bottom option if you like this preppy style. They pair well with many different tops, but I particularly like how they look with a striped sweater. This is one of the items on my spring wishlist.
Straight Leg Jeans // There are so many styles of denim on the market right now, but for a classic feel, stick with a straight leg jean. I like these to fit either full length of just grazing the top of my shoe.
Beige Sneakers // For a casual, preppy vibe, a plain pair of sneakers in a lighter shade like white or tan are a good footwear option for spring. These ones from Frēda Salvador are modern but still classic.
Brown Loafers // Another classic shoe choice is a loafer. Try styling them with socks for an updated preppy look. When shopping for loafers, I would go with a more sleek style (as opposed to chunky) which feels more timeless.
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Classic Preppy Accessories For Spring
When thinking about accessories for this particular style, I have a mix of casual and elevated pieces. I think this classic Polo baseball cap defines this style perfectly (I own it!) as well as that classic L.L. Bean canvas tote bag. Other accessories to consider are a pair of classic shaped sunglasses, simple jewelry, a classic belt, and a simple shoulder bag.
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Classic Preppy Spring Outfit Ideas
Pinterest Outfit Inspiration
Trends To Consider
Barn Jackets // This trend was HUGE for the fall and has carried over into spring. These jackets have a corduroy collar, buttons down the front and large pockets at the hips. They are typically found in a more sturdy and structured material like cotton twill that gives the jacket a stiff silhouette. For the fall, we were seeing a lot of styles in darker tans and browns but for spring, I’m seeing a lot of lighter tones like cream and beige. These feel a bit more English countryside vibes as opposed to classic American preppy, but I think they compliment this style nicely.
Vertical Stripes // These were never out of style, but they have been showing up on runways a ton recently. The vertical lines are very elongating (nice if you’re short like me), and they feel very classic and nautical. I’ve linked a few different styles above, mostly tops, but I also found an adorable little preppy striped dress and a great everyday striped tote bag.
Boat Shoes // These are extremely popular right now. Boat shoes are like the casual and comfortable version of a loafer. These shoes are defined by their moccasin toe shape, laces along the sides, and a rubber (nonslip) sole. I would style these in the same way I would style a loafer. I found so many options for you at different price points.
Belts // Belts went away for a while there, but they’ve come back in a big way over the last few years. They are a simple way to add a little polish to an everyday look.
Stores To Shop For Preppy Chic Style
J.Crew // For classic, American preppy style at an affordable price point, J.Crew is my go-to. They have really great sweaters, bags, button downs, and pants. They often have sales, too, so I typically don’t pay full price for anything there.
Ralph Lauren // The OG classic American casual brand. I particularly recommend their Polo line which has really fun preppy styles like this bear sweater. This would be a great brand to snag a classic button down from.
Alex Mill // This brand is known for their sweaters and cardigans, but I actually own of their jumpsuits and highly recommend it. The quality is really nice and it comes in at a mid range price point.
Tory Burch // For investment/designer purchases, the brand Tory Burch has that preppy bohemian vibe with a classic feel. This would be a great brand to shop secondhand on The RealReal.
In case you missed it, here are my first three spring capsule guides:
Minimal Style
Sporty Chic Style
Parisian Chic Style
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