One simply doesn’t go to the country club without dressing the part. Preppy fashion is all about looking classic, chic, and conservative.
Although it started in the 1800s, this style is still alive and well.
If you’re interested in leveling up your wardrobe, the preppy trendy is the way to go. Not only does it look professional, but it uses more durable and high-quality fabrics. These are designs that will last a lifetime.
Not sure where to start shopping first? Here are the top 11 best preppy brands for men’s, women’s, and children’s fashion.
1. Coach
Starting with a bang, the top luxury preppy brand is Coach. Known for its signature monogrammed handbags, this brand has much more to offer.
Its runway couture sometimes strays from the crisp, clean preppy staples. But, by using collars, buttons, and high-neck lines, it nods to this historic fashion trend.
Notable items: The Kitt Messenger Bag in Jacquared Signature or the Soft Trifold Wallet in Black.
2. Vineyard Vines
When you want classic basics on a budget, head to Vineyard Vines. You can find every pastel and printed polo under the sun in this yacht-club approved brand.
This preppy store has captured the collared hearts of Americans everywhere. They sell casual day clothes and nightwear, as well as accessories and kids’ apparel.
Notable items: The Men’s 8-inch Performance Breaker Shorts in Lobster Reef or the 17-inch Scallop Skort in Deep Bay.
3. Ralph Lauren
What started as a men’s tie fashion line in 1967 grew into a design empire. Ralph Lauren is a staple name in preppy fashion and mid-luxury range home goods.
The first full collection created was in honor of Lauren’s love of sports. He named it “Polo” which also coined the name of the infamous preppy collared casual tops.
Notable items: the Men’s Fair Isle Wool Sweater or the Women’s Glen Plaid Tweed Dress.
4. Kate Spade New York
Any woman who’s ever desired a designer handbag has heard of Kate Spade New York. This quirky yet sophisticated preppy brand is known for its classic handbags and garments.
If there’s a woman in your life with a birthday coming up, wow her with a Kate Spade gift. The jewelry is to die for, as are the matching blazer-cord sets. They even do customization and monogramming!
Notable items: the Taylor Large Diaper Bag in black or the Francois French Bulldog Earrings.
5. J. Crew
This store had its beginnings on the streets of Manhattan in the 1980s. Describing their garments as “classic with a twist”, J. Crew cornered the market of affordable, yet chic apparel.
Today, J. Crew is especially popular with college-aged consumers looking to stay sharp on campus. It’s also a popular brand for business wear and casual weekend clothes.
Notable items: the Girls’ Maxi Dress in Rugby Stripe or the Men’s 250 Skinny-fit Pant in Stretch Chino.
6. Lacoste
Few brands have such a memorable logo as Lacoste. Wear one of their polos with the green alligator and you get an immediate status boost.
That clout was hard-earned; it began in 1933 with tennis shirts designed by Rene Lacoste. The French designer wanted to make sportswear more fashionable. He basically created “athleisure”.
Notable items: the Men’s SPORT Print Breathable Stretch Jersey Golf Polo or the Men’s SPORT Mesh Panel Cotton Hat in red.
7. Tommy Hilfiger
Although this designer has been part of many controversies over the years, nothing can diminish the value of his classic garments. Tommy Hilfiger is an American-prep staple.
His signature red, blue, and white pieces became popular in the 1970s among the rich. Today, you can find TH garments in every department store and as well as many vintage consignment stores.
Notable items: the Women’s Flag LOGO V-Neck Sweater in sky captain blue or the Kids Reversible Hooded Jacket in black iris.
8. Brooks Brothers
This preppy brand is the oldest men’s clothier in the United States. Brooks Brothers is was a family-owned business founded in 1818.
While they design both men’s and women’s clothing today, they’re known for creating preppy staples for men. Customers rave about the dress shirts and classic tuxedos.
Notable items: the Regent Fit One-Button Navy Tuxedo or the Non-Iron Milano Fit Heathered Stripe Sport Shirt in ivy green.
9. Kent & Curwen
This British brand has taken the American fashion market by storm. Kent & Curwen, owned in part by David Beckham, brings English schoolboy prep to American ivy league kids.
One of their top sellers is their men’s messenger bags. Preppy students don’t need a tacky backpack when there are timeless bags from Kent & Curwen.
Notable items: the Canvas and Leather Messenger Bag in navy/black or the Cashmere Crewneck Sweater in red.
10. Country Club Prep
This brand is for anyone who values high-quality, well-made garments that never go out of style. Whether you’re hopping on the family yacht or heading to the derby, Country Club Prep has the perfect outfit for you.
These products range from derby dresses to men’s golf attire to home wear. You can get sophisticated handbags, dresses, and flasks all in the same place.
Notable items: the Piazza Jersey Corset Dress by Gretchen Scott Designs or the Cocktail Party Needlepoint Flask in Dark Navy by Smathers & Bronson.
11. L.L. Bean
The final preppy fashion brand on this list is an American classic. L.L. Bean was started in 1912 and only sold quality duck hunting boots. It grew to sell timeless outdoor attire for both genders.
Whether you’re going to the cottage in the Hamptons or on a hunting expedition, L.L. Bean has durable and affordable clothing for you.
Notable items: the Scotch Plaid Flannel Shirt in Lindsay or the women’s Sweater Fleece Full-Zip Jacket in evening blue.
Interested in Learning More About the Best Preppy Brands in America?
The preppy fashion trend is about wearing garments that can last forever. They’re durable and high-quality while never going out of style.
This style is perfect for the whole family. It especially makes your kiddos look clean and put-together. Start building your wardrobe by shopping at the best preppy brands in America.
To learn how to style different garments and tips for saving money on clothes, check out our shopping section!
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