How to Dress in Southern Preppy Style

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: January 21, 2022

Preppy style originated in the Northeast and was limited to old money, Ivy League circles. The clean-cut style has now spread to the Southern United States. By following basic preppy rules and accenting your wardrobe with masculine or feminine style, you can be an expert in dressing in southern preppy style.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Following Basic Preppy Rules

1
Shop for high-quality clothing at preppy stores. Southern preppy dressers know where they like to shop. Shop at J. Crew, L.L. Bean, Southern Tide, Brooks Brothers, Southern Marsh, Ralph Lauren, Sperry, Lilly Pulitzer, Lacoste, and Vineyard Vines, just to name a few.
- If these brands are too expensive, try to find clothes that look similar to those sold by these brands instead.
- Whether or not you choose to buy clothes from these stores, looking at their catalogues can give you great ideas for putting together your own preppy outfits.
2
Wear clothing that fits you. You won’t catch preppy dressers in drooping pants or oversized sweats. Clothes don’t have to be expensive, but they do have to fit you properly.^{[1]
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Research source} That means your shirt sleeves are the right length, your pant legs don’t drag on the ground, and the shoulders of your blazer are the size of your actual shoulders.
- Getting your clothing professionally tailored is a great option that can really polish your look. Plus, clothing is generally more comfortable when it fits properly.
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3
Buy preppy colors, prints and fabric. Preps love pastels, white, nautical themes, college colors, seersucker, madras, and argyle.^{[2]
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Research source} Whenever possible, wear clothes and accessories that show off these colors and fabrics.
- Pastel-colored t-shirts are great basic items to have in your preppy wardrobe. Pair them with chinos for an easy, laid-back look.
- Wearing white between Memorial Day and Labor Day is a rule of thumb for southern preppy style.^{[3]
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  Research source} When you wear white, make sure it is crisp and clean.
- Whether it’s an anchor bracelet or blue khaki shorts with lobsters embroidered on them, items with a nautical theme are always a great addition to a preppy outfit.
- Preppy people wear their college colors whenever possible.^{[4]
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  Research source} Try a scarf in your college colors, or a sweater or crew neck sweatshirt.
4
Own a versatile blazer. Every prep owns at least one blazer.^{[5]
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Research source} Navy blue is a classic color that will never go out of style. Navy blazers also work with many different types of outfits.
- Pair your blazer with chinos (pants or shorts) for a tried and true preppy look.
- Add a blazer over a dress to make a look more professional.
5
Wear button-down shirts. Preppy dressers love Oxford button-down shirts.Get Oxfords in as many colors as possible so you can wear a button-down on any occasion.
- Wear a sport coat or blazer over your button-down and you’ll be ready to go.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Accessorizing Feminine Style

1
Wear pearl earrings with everything. Owning a great pair of pearl earrings makes choosing jewelry for the day a breeze. Pearls go with everything, whether they’re real or not.^{[6]
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Research source} Pearl earrings are a great finishing touch on a classy and preppy outfit.
2
Utilize colorful belts. If you want to give a lift to an otherwise bland outfit, look no further than a colorful belt.Add one to any outfit to give it a burst of color and preppy style.
- For women, skinny colorful belts are great choice.
3
Carry a tote bag. Southern preppy girls love to carry tote bags.^{[7]
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Research source} Look for a tote bag in a preppy print like madras. You can put whatever you need for the day in it and look stylish in the process.
4
Wear wedge shoes. As soon as it gets warm enough to wear a sundress, it’s time to wear wedges as well.^{[8]
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Research source} Wedge shoes and sundresses are staples of southern preppy style.
- If you’re uncomfortable in heels or wedges, you might want to practice walking in them at home so you feel comfortable and confident when you go out.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Accessorizing Masculine Style

1
Wear croakies. Preppy men love having their sunglasses around their necks with croakies.^{[9]
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Research source} This handy accessory makes it easy to access your shades at any moment.
- Invest in a few pairs of croakies so you can match them to any outfit.
2
Own at least one bowtie. Bowties are a preppy man’s staple for dressy occasions.^{[10]
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Research source} Buy bowties in fun colors and prints - the bolder the better. Bowties are a unique way to display your personality and style through an accessory.
- Whenever possible, choose to tie your own bowtie rather than wear a clip-on.
3
Wear boat shoes and loafers. For preps, boat shoes and loafers work for most occasions.Own at least a pair of each so you always have the perfect pair of shoes to slip on.