This September, The Michigan Daily’s fashion team ventured to New York Fashion Week to uncover the season’s most exciting collections and exclusive events. As we scoured the Big Apple for the latest trends in fashion and culture for spring and summer 2025, one style stood out — the preppy look.
On the first Sunday of Fashion Week, I spotted a young boy wearing tan slacks and a red, white, and blue color-blocked shirt. Initially, I mistook him for an adult in a stylish Ralph Lauren Olympic collection, but I quickly realized he was a preteen returning from Little League. The mix-up revealed how powerful fashion trends can be: designers and tastemakers brought preppy aesthetics back in full force this year.
What Defines Preppy Style?
The term “preppy” was first used in 1963 and refers to a neat, classic, and smart look often associated with prestigious prep schools. Key staples include collared polos, boat shoes, blazers, and khaki tones. The 1980 book The Official Preppy Handbook further defined this style, outlining both the lifestyle and clothing choices of East Coast prep-school students. Brands like Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Brooks Brothers, and J. Crew capitalized on this look, which combines traditional and timeless elements with a touch of youthful rebellion.
While prep style has never truly gone out of fashion, it has evolved over time. Miu Miu’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection brought back an Abercrombie & Fitch-inspired version of prep, with plaid patterns, loose shorts, and tailored blazers making a strong comeback.
The Revival of Preppy Trends
Prep style has seen a resurgence in recent years, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Over the past few years, microtrends like “Dark Academia” (featuring uniforms and trench coats), sportswear (with pleated skirts and crewnecks), and “Office Siren” (long hemlines and loafers) have all drawn on preppy influences. In fact, cool streetwear brands such as KITH, Aimé Leon Dore, and Rolling Blazers have revitalized classic preppy items, like chinos and chunky knits, while introducing looser silhouettes and bold, vibrant colors.
Ralph Lauren’s recent partnership with the U.S. Olympic team and his star-studded fashion show highlighted the continued popularity of prep, further elevating the trend. Designers like Willy Chavarria also celebrated vintage sportswear while nodding to prep style with playful and political touches, like placing a pocket constitution on each seat at his show.
New York Men’s Week: Modern Preppy Designs
At New York Men’s Week, two designers stood out for their modern takes on prep. Clara Son incorporated sports-inspired streetwear with a preppy twist, while Sivan showcased genderless suits with a garden-party aesthetic.
Son’s collection featured athletic wear — like hoodies and track pants — but tailored to perfection. The pastel pinks, greens, and blues were complemented by timeless preppy fabrics like tweed and khaki. Her looks balanced streetwear edge with classic prep, offering a fresh take on a style rooted in tradition. Standout pieces included a coral sweater shirt paired with matching khakis and a navy-and-pink combo that blended masculinity with femininity.
Sivan, on the other hand, brought a more refined, formal approach to prep. His Spring/Summer 2025 collection featured flowing yet tailored garments, like pleated skirts and trousers, in natural colors such as soft tans, deep greens, and navy. Known for valuing both functionality and fun, Sivan’s collection included everything from linen suits to voluminous skirts, creating versatile, modern preppy looks.
Preppy in the Streets
Preppy looks were also prevalent on the streets of New York, with people sporting U.S. Open hats, striped button-ups, and loafers. The classic prep style, once confined to East Coast prep schools, is now embraced by all genders and backgrounds, from high-end streetwear to luxury couture. Even as the look continues to evolve, it remains grounded in its timeless, preppy roots.
The current iteration of prep is here to stay. Far from being a passing trend, it is a classic style with room for modern interpretations. Whether through legacy brands or rising designers, preppy style is proving its staying power in both everyday wear and high fashion.
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