Get the argyle printthat tie or that polo shirt that you previously only wore to the tennis or golf course, but for the day, because preppy is hot (!) this fashion season. Not only spotted on the catwalk at the major fashion houses, but also dominates the street scene preppy style as one of the biggest fashion trends of the moment.
The origins, the best preppy outfits to copy this season to items for your digital shopping cart – all ins and outs You can find out about the fashion trend here.
What is the preppy fashion trend?
Ready for a quick history lesson? Although the preppy style appears on the streets again this summer, it is anything but something new – but we all know by now that sooner or later everything will return.
For the origins of that so-called preppy style, we go back to American Ivy League Universities of the 1950s (we mention Harvard, among other things) where the clothing style made its first advance. Think blazers, cable sweaters, rugby shirts, prints such as checks and stripes, ties and smart trousers that are in review – sporty meets classic.
Over the years, the preppy style has had several big moments (including the ’80s), but today summer of 2026 the preppy look returns once again. Although this year we are less likely to put it in a tight straitjacket, but we are experimenting with the clothing style – exactly what makes fashion so much fun.
Spotted on the catwalk
Where trends often start: the catwalk. Several fashion houses released the preppy look to the catwalk over the years. From Prada, Loewe, Burberry, JW Anderson to Versace (to name just a few) show in 2026 how the preppy style works.
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You’ll want to copy these looks this season
Where the preppy look is also fully represented? On the streets, and these looks are on our radar.
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You will want to add these items to your digital shopping cart this season
H&M Brown cardigan with an argyle print
Mango Striped shirt
Now with 35% discount
Arket Low-waist chino
Ralph Lauren Jersey rugby shirt with stripes
Now with a 20% discount
Arket Silk tie
ASOS DESIGN Mini rugby dress
Now with 60% discount
Lynn Teggeler is a freelance editor at ELLE. She likes to deal with everything that has to do with fashion, films/series or celebrities on a daily basis. When she’s not writing for ELLE, Lynn spends her time at the sewing machine, upcycling clothes and creating new outfits.
