Fashion Trends

Preppy for Women

Get cosy with autumn/winter's collegiate trend. Think layers of different textures mixing up wool knits, tweeds, checks, stripes and colours. It's a polished, styled look with tailored pieces like blazers, skirts and dresses but with boho elements thrown in to the mix.

Our top stylist has picked the best pieces and shows you how to wear Ivy League chic...

Relaxed top & embellished skirt

Mix up a relaxed, loose fitting top with a feminine embellished skirt. Cute ankle socks and this season's must-have hiker boots finish it off.

Hat: H&M £4.99
Sweatshirt: River Island £29.99
Skirt: Lipsy £40
Socks: GAP £5
Boots: River Island £89.99

all from Buchanan Galleries.

Checked coat

Embrace your inner Gossip Girl with this look. Layers are key to the preppy look, as are accessories like hats, chunky scarves and satchels.

Hat: Jigsaw at John Lewis £39
Dress: Warehouse £40
Coat: Miss Selfridge £70
Scarf: Mango £29
Brown sheepskin bag: Wallis £30 (just seen)

all from Buchanan Galleries.

Blazer and shorts

Shorts are a key item to have in your preppy wardrobe. Keep the look tailored with a classic tweed blazer layered over a cardigan and shirt. Over the knee socks and boots complete the look.

Tweed jacket: Next £50
Shirt: Miss Selfridge £25
Sleeveless pullover: Soulcal at Republic £26.99
Brown leather shorts: River Island £59.99
Argyle socks: River Island £5.99
Brown suede boots: H&M £69.99

all from Buchanan Galleries.

Denim aviator

A shirt dress is a classic choice for the preppy trend but as the weather gets colder wear this look with this season's must have jacket, the aviator.

Hat: Miss Selfridge £15
Checked dress: Fred Perry £85
Denim aviator jacket: Mango £74.90

all from Buchanan Galleries.

Preppy blazer

An Upper East Side preppy look if ever there was one. Chic style with colour clashing and layering finshed with perfect preppy accessories.

Hat: River Island £16.99
Dog jumper: Whistles at John Lewis £95
Red blazer: H&M £19.99
Scarf: River Island £14.99
Bag: River island £39.99
Jeans: Oasis £45

all from Buchanan Galleries.

Striped dress

Preppy look this season has a strong emphasis on color so with this chunky knit scarf and striped maxi dress you're on to a winner.

Striped knit maxi dress: Next £28
Sheepskin gilet: Oasis £60 
Scarf: H&M £6.99
Belt: Mango £17.90
Ankle boots: Miss Selfridge £40

all at Buchanan Galleries.

Pink cardigan

Layers, layers, layers. Athletic style tops and cardigans mixed with denim and a chunky knit scarf will keep you warm as the weather chills.

Denim dress: Miss Selfridge £35
Pink college cardigan: River Island £34.99
Gloves: Warehouse £12
Long hood scarf: River Island £26.99

all from Buchanan Galleries.

Tartan skirt

A tailored skirt and pearl embellished cardigan make this the perfect Park Avenue Princess look. Hair accessories like this bow hairband build up the preppy look.

Headband: Oasis £14
Black polo shirt: Fred Perry £50
Beaded zip cardigan: River Island £59.99
Tartan mini skirt: Warehouse £40

all from Buchanan Galleries.

Checked shirt

Preppy can even be adapted to a more casual, boyfriend look as shown here with loose fit jeans, checked shirt and relaxed fit t-shirt.

Faux fur trapper hat: Next £15
Red checked shirt: River Island £26.99
T-shirt: Next £12
Belt: tie from Tie Rack £14.99
Ripped boyfriend jeans: River Island £39.99

all from Buchanan Galleries.

Chinos

A more classic preppy look with tailored chinos and a crisp white shirt. Lots of layers add depth to the look and the cute bow belt adds a little bit of fun.

White shirt: Ted Baker at John Lewis £69
Camel and black cardigan: River Island £29.99
Coat: Oasis £90
Chinos: Fred Perry £80
Red bow belt: Oasis £20

all from Buchanan Galleries.

Shot for Buchanan Galleries.
Photographer: Graham Wylie
Stylist: Lindsay Campbell
Hair & makeup: Lynne Gallagher
Model: Amanda at The Look

We checked all the product information at time of writing (November 2010) but, just in case anything has changed, please confirm price and availability with the shop.