A GUIDE TO CLASSIC PREPPY STYLE

WHAT IS PREPPY STYLE? 
Born on elite university campuses, from Oxbridge to Harvard and Yale, the preppy style is characterised by the playful combination of tailored cuts, vintage pieces, and classic sportswear. 

A symbol of modernity, preppy style sought to subvert the suit-and-tie aesthetic of the white-collar class by pairing traditionally tailored clothing with casual sporty attire, finding influence in college sports from polo to tennis, rugby to rowing and so on. 

The fact that, since its inception on the college campuses of the 1950s, preppy style remains a mainstay of the ever-changing sartorial climate is an indication of its innate versatility and timelessness. As far as smart casual goes, preppy style can hardly be beaten.

The essentials for preppy style? Think bold varsity jackets, tell-tale logos, button-down shirts and, of course, the ultimate foundations for your preppy wardrobe: the shoes. 

From penny loafers and sports-inspired sneaker for him, to chunky heeled loafers and Mary Janes for her, get prepped for any smart-casual occasion with our curated collection of preppy classics. 

HOW TO WEAR MEN'S LOAFERS?

A social chameleon, the loafer takes the top spot as the most straightforward smart-casual player in this line-up.

A pair of black leather loafers or deep burgundy will rarely steer you wrong when it comes to preppy style. Choose a chunky silhouette, such as our Daodao loafers, for a modern update.

To wear with confidence, opt for socks and loafers to maintain the quirky side of preppy style, and pair with straight-leg chinos, plus a varsity jacket for a touch of nostalgia.  

To wear with confidence, opt for socks and loafers to maintain the quirky side of preppy style, and pair with straight-leg chinos, plus a varsity jacket for a touch of nostalgia.  

CHUNKY LACE-UP

Be it a brogue or our Daodao lace-up shoes, a chunky lace-up is a non-negotiable when it comes to building out your preppy style. Crafted in suede, Daodao is structured with a piped toe seam and dual eyelet lacing.

A chunky sole will add definition and weight to your look. Don’t be afraid to experiment with matching and contrasting clothing textures.

A preppy wardrobe simply wouldn’t be complete without the addition of a sole sneaker

FOR HER

MODERN MARY JANES

When we say preppy, you’d be forgiven for thinking back to your old school uniform shirt, skirt, and Mary Jane shoes. Recently, however, Mary Janes have experienced a renaissance, now presented in chic silhouettes suited to the modern woman and the pace of modern life.