Before the first day of classes, lean into Fall’s hot preppy trend with these Florida-friendly styles for male and female students.
Among the most thrilling trends of the Fall 2022 season is the return of preppy clothes, those polished pieces that blend clean lines with sometimes bright colors to create a look that feels relaxed and tailored at once.
Most parents of college-age students will remember the widespread popularity of preppy styles in the 1980s, but chief in the did-you-know department: Preppy, also known as Ivy League style, first gained popularity in 1912 thanks to the prevalence of brands like Brooks Brothers, and likewise enjoyed a resurgence in the post-World War II 1940s. But the era in which prep-inspired clothes experienced high-wattage attention was indeed the 1980s, when brands like Ralph Lauren and Lacoste created a frenzy for polo shirts, khaki pants and other classic pieces that always felt crisp, fresh and upscale.
With the first day of classes fast approaching, now is the time to explore the hottest preppy-inspired styles that have just arrived in Aventura boutiques. We’re spotlighting four brands that excel in the trend — Ralph Lauren, Scotch & Soda, BOSS and Lacoste — with head-to-toe looks from each for both male and female students. So, pop your collar, tie a sweater around your shoulders, and explore the latest looks to suit this South Florida-friendly trend.
Paired with flowing, wide-leg pants and a snakeskin loafer for a touch of exotic texture, a cropped polo shirt gets a shimmering update with an embellishment of sequins. From left: Polo Ralph Lauren Sequined Crop Mesh Polo Shirt, $268; Polo Ralph Lauren Wide-Leg Hemp Pant in Natural, $328; and Ralph Lauren Collection Avah Welington Ayers Snakeskin Loafer, $795; all at Ralph Lauren
An always-classic stripped shirt pairs perfectly with an ombré sweater tied around the shoulders, crisp khakis and white sneakers that highlight Ralph Lauren’s iconic Polo insignia. Featured above: Classic Fit Jersey Pocket T-Shirt in Classic Oxford White Multi, $75; Polo Ralph Lauren Ombré Cable-Knit Cotton Sweater, $198; Polo Ralph Lauren Whitman Relaxed Fit Pleated Chino Pant in Burmese Tan, $168; and Polo Ralph Lauren Heritage Court II Leather Sneaker, $98; all at Ralph Lauren
Tweed feels playful, relaxed and youthful when paired with a stylish, feminine sweatshirt and a colorful sneaker. From left: Loose-fit sweatshirt with puff sleeves in rose, $128; Short tweed skirt, $148; and women’s sneaker in Cranberry/Cream, $128; all at Scotch & Soda
A crisp plaid vest adds that perfect element of tailoring to a classic T-shirt, denim jeans and suede sneakers. Featured above: Yarn-dyed plaid vest, $128; Two-tone T-shirt in 100% organic cotton, $78; Men’s jeans in Right of Blue, $188; and Plakka suede sneaker in sand, $128; all at Scotch & Soda
Few pieces feel more preppy than a cardigan, updated in bright color blocking for a touch of modernity — pair with washed denim jeans and strappy sandals for classroom-perfect style. From left: Colour-Blocked Cardigan in Cotton and Silk, $298; Relaxed-Fit Jeans in Pure-Cotton Bleached Denim, $228; and Italian-Leather Sandals in Yellow, $199; all at BOSS
Shades of blue feels equal parts tailored, preppy and casually elegant for the classroom or that summer internship. From left: Slim-Fit Shirt in Leaf-Print Stretch Jersey in Pink, $178; Slim-Fit Chinos in Structured Stretch Cotton in Dark Blue, $178; and Mixed-Material Low-Profile Trainers with Logo Counter in Dark Blue, $170; all at BOSS
A polo dress is a must-have for a preppy wardrobe, especially when paired with a sweater chicly tied around the shoulders or waist, while a classic sneaker keeps the look relaxed. From left: Women’s Stretch Cotton Piqué Polo Dress in Bordeaux, $155; Women’s V-neck Wool Sweater in Beige, $195; and Women’s Perf-Shot Leather Sneakers in White & Off-White, $115; all at Lacoste
Preppy style means having fun with bright colors that seem tailor-made for South Florida life. From left: Men’s SPORT Seamless Open Collar Jacquard Polo, $110; Men’s Slim Fit Stretch Gabardine Pants in Blue, $135; and Men’s Gripshot Leather and Synthetic Sneakers in White & Navy, $95; all at Lacoste.
For more preppy-inspired choices newly arrived in stores, explore the boutiques at Aventura Mall; call 305-935-1110 for information or log on to aventuramall.com
