Regardless of our ever-evolving personal styles, there’ll always be a place in our closets for prep. Whether it’s a crisp button-down, a fitted polo, or breezy linen shorts, preppy style is classic and reliable in ways that boho and grunge could never.
Your grandmother wore it, your mother wore it, and so it goes — and will continue to go. What once felt historically collegiate, now feels fresh, nostalgic, and accessible all at the same time. Although it’s evolved, preppy style is, at heart, an ode to dependability. It celebrates timelessness, and champions enduring pieces like blazers, cardigans, and chinos that, while made fresh every year or two, never fade into fashion oblivion.
Even in 2024, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t own an Oxford shirt or rolled-neck sweater. In fact, prep has recently been revived in a way that’s, once again, pushed it to the forefront of fashion relevance. Designers and the fashion set have spoken: Prep is back, and it’s cooler than ever.
While some brands are just entering the chat, Tommy Hilfiger has been a pillar of the preppy movement since its 1985 beginnings. It helped give rise to the Americana aesthetic, ushering prep into an entirely new era marked by denim, stripes, and patriotic themes.
Today, the lifestyle brand is encapsulating authentic American style in a way that’s both laidback and sophisticated. Its summer collection sets the stage with effortless essentials worn by Madelyn Cline, Noah Beck, Michael Rainey Jr., and Madison Bailey in the brand’s campaign imagery. As impressive as that lineup is, perhaps the most notable element of the campaign isn’t one of the brand’s ambassadors at all, but rather a collared shirt.
Versions of these button-downs crafted in lightweight fabrics such as linen and cotton, along with relaxed khaki shorts, are cornerstones of summer style, and, according to Tommy Hilfiger, must-haves. After all, a white Oxford makes one hell of an outfit base. The brand’s summer collection blends elegance and timelessness in a way that feels decidedly approachable. Perhaps it’s the focus on comfort and versatility. Either way, prep is naturally the poster child for this aesthetic, but all it takes is a little creativity to make it your own.
Whether you’re layering an Oxford over your bikini top or pairing breezy shorts with a sports jacket and loafers, today’s iteration of prep is all about unexpected pairings, playing with proportions, and above all, experimentation. What better way to showcase your oversized sweater vest than atop a polo canvas complete with a micro mini skirt, ankle socks, and Mary Janes?
Go ahead and knot your sweaters, toss a cardigan over your shoulders, and double down on plaid. Regardless of your style, there’s comfort in familiar preppy pieces, which is both satisfying and thrilling. At the end of the day, decade after decade, preppy remains something for everyone, and that’s why, in prep we trust.
This advertising content was produced in collaboration between Vox Creative and our sponsor, without involvement from Vox Media editorial staff.