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25 Preppy Clothing Brands You'll Be Shopping From All the Time

Blair Waldorf would approve!

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preppy clothing brands
Brooks Bothers/Ann Taylor

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If there's something I stand by, it's that I've always been a preppy fashion lover, through and through. The bright colors, tailored cuts, classic prints, coastal elements, and overall sophisticated style have always been my cup of tea. (Ahem, and not to brag, but I've been wearing boat shoes for more than half my life!) So, it's fair to say that you've come to the right place if you're trying to find the best preppy clothing brands to shop from.

A quick lil 101 about the refined aesthetic to those unfamiliar: wardrobe must-haves include a crisp polo shirt, a blazer tailored to perfection, a cozy, neutral cardigan, and a chic loafer or boat shoe. Think: effortlessly elegant—aka staple pieces you can wear for years to come. And lots of brands like Ralph Lauren, J.Crew, Nautica, Lands' End, and Ann Taylor (to name a few) have got you covered for all your preppy fashion needs.

Scroll on to see a list of 25 preppy clothing brands that deserve a spot in your closet. Whatever you're looking for to complete the *chef's kiss* coastal grandma/quiet luxury look you're trying to achieve, there's something here for you. From chic sweaters to gorgeous dresses and elevated workout clothing (who doesn't love a tennis outfit?!), you're about to be transformed to the Hamptons girl of your dreams!

1
this classic polo dress

Nautica Solid Polo Dress

Solid Polo Dress

Nautica's identity as a coastal preppy brand has been consistent since the brand's inception in the '80s. The brand features lots of preppy styles such as striped blazers, shirts with sailboat graphics, and even classic polo dresses like this one here.

Recreational Habits hopes to make preppy clothing accessible to everyone. They have fun activewear pieces like this tank (and matching skirt!) as well as sweet sweaters and dresses.

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Ralph Lauren is an OG. The brand has been around since the '60s and has become a staple brand for classic preppy pieces like polo shirts, blazers, and of course, an American flag sweater. Just picture yourself on a beach this summer with this layer draped over your shoulders. Très chic!

I've always considered J.Crew a 10/10, go-to brand. They have solid basic tees, jeans, sweaters, jewelry...you name it. Not only that, but J.Crew is also a great place to shop for preppy pieces. This boatneck muscle tee with blue and white stripes radiates a mature and elevated preppy girl look.

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If you want to nail the preppy look this fall and winter, I'd highly recommend looking at pieces from LL Bean! The retailer has an outdoorsy vibe which is perfect for those who like to spend time in nature in the colder months of the year. Pair this Fair Isle sweater with your fave pair of jeans for a modern, casual get-up.

You gotta have some on-theme shoes to go with the whole moment! Enter: These Jack Rogers heels. The iconic round medallion detailing is essential to Jack Rogers' shoes and is an instantly recognizable feature within preppy fashion.

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JSYK, Barbour is a widely known brand that even the English Royals wear! They make great outwear that is fundamental to a year-round preppy wardrobe. Consider this quilted vest a transitional piece to prep-ify your 'fit.

You may see the brand name Brooks Brothers and think of men's suits. However, Brooks Brothers has some really great preppy pieces for women, like this gorgeous v-neck sweater with the classic white stripes around the neck and sleeve endings.

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Women's Linen Sleeveless Midi Dress
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Lands' End actually began as a company that sold sailboat equipment and then transitioned to apparel in the late 1970s. This nautical influence has taken over the style of the brand's clothing, including this lightweight linen dress, which is the perfect piece to wear for a leisurely stroll in a coastal beach town.

10
this chic midi skirt

Vineyard Vines Silky Slip Skirt

Silky Slip Skirt
Credit: KATE LACEY

Vineyard Vines might be the first brand that comes to mind when you think of preppy style. They've seriously solidified their spot in this specific fashion market! This gorge slip skirt paired with a belted cardigan will still give you a preppy look while simultaneously making you look chic as ever.

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Look, I understand that preppy clothes can sometimes come along with steep price tags. However, there are a lot of inexpensive brands that feature pieces that you can style in preppy ways such as this button-down from Old Navy! Pair it with white jeans and a thick headband for a classic preppy look.

Preppy clothing isn't limited to fancy dresses or sweaters. Southern Tide makes great preppy activewear such as this tank with ruffled straps and this printed tennis skirt. This whole 'fit is perfect for playing some pickleball with your fam!

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Lilly Pulitzer has been one of my fave preppy brands since I was young. They carry the most quintessential preppy pieces—from seashell-printed maxi dresses to short sets like the one shown here, Lilly pieces will 100 percent give you the ~look~ you're going for.

English Factory offers several elevated basics and preppy pieces just like this dress. It features a scallop hemline which is a very common feature in preppy clothing!

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Ann Taylor carries plenty of polished and sophisticated styles that can also give you a preppy look. How fab is the tweed and gold-button combo on this jacket?

Tommy Hilfiger is another classic brand in this fashion realm. The brand started in the '80s and features preppy staples like polo shirts, dresses, and blazers. This gingham blazer and shorts set can be worn together or separately to make you look preppy any day.

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17
this quintessential preppy shoe

Sperry Authentic Original™ Boat Shoe

Authentic Original™ Boat Shoe

You must have a boat shoe to really lean into the trend. I don't make the rules! But more specifically, Sperry Top-Siders. Sperry shoes were developed as boating shoes in the early 20th century and have transformed into one of the most well-known symbols of preppy fashion.

18
these versatile white shorts

Tuckernuck Milana Shorts

Milana Shorts

Tuckernuck is a retailer that carries lots of brands as well as clothing that they produce under their eponymous label. The brand name comes from the tiny island off the coast of Cape Cod, a town known for its preppy fashion. So go ahead and get yourself some Tuckernuck pieces like these classic white shorts that are perfect for a summer on a boat in the Cape. I can see the Instagram pictures already!

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19
this stunning two-piece silhouette

Eloquii Yarn Dye Striped Straight Leg Pant

Yarn Dye Striped Straight Leg Pant
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Like a few of the brands on our list, Eloquii doesn't outwardly present itself as a preppy brand. However, they have several pieces that radiate that vibe. Check out these striped straight-leg pants that could definitely enhance your preppy style, especially paired with the matching top!

20
this darling maxi skirt

Posse Harvey Skirt

Harvey Skirt

During her wedding weekend last year, Sofia Richie Grainge wore a two-piece set from the elegant and classic brand Posse. This brand is the definition of sophisticated and subtle preppy vibes, IMO. Style this sleek white maxi skirt with a striped shirt for the ultimate quiet luxury look.

Lettermark

Devin Toolen is the Fashion Assistant at Cosmopolitan where she’s responsible for anything and everything that comes through the fashion closet doors. She preps ready-to-wear, accessories, and shoes for Cosmo photoshoots and assists on set. Devin also writes fashion stories for the Cosmopolitan website. Prior to Cosmo, Devin received her BA from Villanova University and her MA from Parsons in Paris, France. While she is passionate about fashion trends and current styles, she has a deep love for fashion history, heritage and archives. Follow her fashion journey on insta: @devintoolen.

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