Preppy style is largely linked to those who have attended or graduated from Ivy League schools and preparatory academies in the Northeast United States. But while Ivy League schools may be exclusive, Preppy Style isn’t–and remains a wonderful subset of classic style that’s available to anyone who’s interested!

What Does “Preppy Style” Mean? Old (Ivy League) Money!

Traditionally the terms “prep,” “preppy,” “prepster” or any other variation were historically used to describe a subculture of the upper-class youth born into old money in the Northeastern United States. They would attend their family’s alma mater, typically one of the eight schools classified as “Ivy League:” Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University.

Ivy League School Flags. Image credit: Columbia Alumni Association

Is Preppy Style Just for Ivy League Schools?

Today, the term “preppy” is far looser and is regularly used in high schools across North America and parts of Europe. It still accurately describes the subculture of those who have adopted a manner of speech, vocabulary, dress, manners, and etiquette which is reflective of the traditions adopted from those historic upper-class Northeastern families.

Nowadays, the prep style is far more accessible to a greater range of people. Just as many other elements of fashion originating in wealthier wardrobes, preppy style icons such as salmon-pink trousers, cable knit sweaters, and the humble button-down shirt have all become more affordable to a greater range of classic style enthusiasts.

History of Preppy Style

J. Press & Brooks Brothers Kickstart Preppy Style. Preppy style actually started around 1910-1912 before becoming popularly known as Ivy Style in the mid-1940s. One of the first and most iconic preppy brands, J. Press, began to develop fashions that were sold exclusively to the various Northeastern collegiate and many believe that it was J.Press that helped to shape the preppy subculture we know today.

The Original J Press Storefront. Image credit: Sorrentolens

Brooks Brothers have always had a collegiate style. Image credit: Pinterest

By the mid-twentieth century, the two most iconic preppy haberdasheries had developed storefronts on campus at Harvard, Princeton, and Yale. It was Brooks Brothers and J.Press that started the trends, giving affluent Ivy League students onsite shopping, which resulted in much of the campus wearing their clothing.

Preppy Style Becomes Perfect Leisure Wear

Since students often spent much of their off-campus time together, many of them traveled with their families to Palm Beach, Florida, which really became the quintessential preppy vacation hotspot. It was here that many of the companies outfitting these Ivy Leaguers were inspired to begin using the bright colors found in Palm Beach in their clothing, a contributing factor to why preps are so well known today for wearing such brightly colored attire.

Sporting Influences

With the popularity of traditional New England sporting activities such as sailing, fencing, rowing, tennis, golf, and polo, many of the fashions that were designed for sale on campus were reflective of these leisurely pastimes. Since much of the clothing sold was influenced by these activities, it stood to reason that students on campus began wearing the clothing to those respective events, matches, and games.

Preppy Style Grows in the 60s and 70s