The Haute Heel
Fashion

HOW TO DO PREPPY THE RIGHT WAY

 

Dressing preppy is one of those things that are always in fashion, even if it’s not actually on trend. If you know what I mean, I feel we could go get a coffee some time. If not, keep reading. Think about it – navy sports blazers, white shirts, the odd ruffle and classic brogues and loafers – it suits almost everyone. Back to how to dress preppy right, these are the three things everyone needs and the three to avoid at all costs – 0r else you’ll look like the fan of the Dubai polo team that scored a place at LSE and frequents West End clubs every week. And before this starts to get way too judgemental… let’s begin:

1 . Keep it edgy

You’re going to look like you want to be in Brideshead Revisited if you don’t bring your own flavour to the preppy style. I found this incredible leather Nike x Parra varsity bomber in a ‘charity’ shop – except it had tags on and everything and it went for £100, nearly 5x less than it’s listed on eBay! I also scored these Gucci Chelsea boots for £180, which believe it or not was the full retail price. Preppy doesn’t always mean expensive, it usually involves good quality, timeless pieces.

Haute tip: Keep accessories simple and to a minimum. The preppy look is constantly associated with pearl stud earrings but it doesn’t need to be so boring. Here I’ve gone for a simple bow tie and left the entire look to speak for itself because layering is everything.

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2. Colour blocking

Yup, it’s not just for the street style fashionistas. Go for a one-colour look with a contrast piece or trimming and there’s no going wrong.

Haute tip: Textures are key here, I went for lace, cable knit and tweed. A lot of the time, people think doing preppy means polo shirts and Oxfords (just, no) – if you can truly pull of this style, you’ll be unafraid to experiment and sometimes get it wrong. Just avoid bright colours or anything that looks like it would’ve been in the costume wardrobe of White Chicks.

How to dress preppy day and night inspiration looks on the haute heel lifestyle luxury blog

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3. Be inspired by old movies

So as long as you don’t have an A1 print of her in your bedroom, you can safely admit to loving Audrey Hepburn without being accused of being basic. Taking cues from that classic LBD and oversized glasses from Breakfast At Tiffany’s, a great evening look is a simple dress with some serious statement pieces because the party don’t start ’til you walk in .

Haute tip: Yes, I did die a little writing that last sentence but also, I’m hoping that in a year or two I might find it funny. My tip for a preppy evening look is to keep hair and makeup simple and elbow length gloves may be too bold for you but I’m also unafraid of spiders so, whatever.

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First look:

Nike X Parra jacket
Ralph Lauren shirt
Whistles belt
Gucci boots
Second look:
Ralph Lauren top and waistcoat
Zara skirt

Third look:

Zara dress

Ferragamo sunglasses

Jimmy Choo shoes

Prada gloves

Louis Vuitton bag

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51 Comments

  1. Veronica P.
    7th January 2012 / 8:32 PM

    love the first photo !

  2. Anonymous
    7th January 2012 / 11:09 PM

    Your boyfriend clearly has exquisite taste.

  6. Catherine
    8th January 2012 / 8:35 PM

    These are lovely, I really like this outfit. hope you had a good holiday.. 🙂

  8. Johanna
    9th January 2012 / 1:00 AM

    So stylish! I love this 🙂 ♥ xoxo

  9. Janiece
    9th January 2012 / 2:56 AM

    MMMM I love the ruffles!

  10. Tiffany
    9th January 2012 / 2:59 AM

    great outfit!! I love your ruffle shirt and bowtie a lot 😀

  11. derek
    9th January 2012 / 3:53 AM

    love this look and i'm dying over that varsity jacket!!!

  12. Chloe
    9th January 2012 / 4:45 AM

    In your last outfit you look like you have stepped out of a scene from the early days of gossip girl. This outfit has Blair Waldolf written all over it. Adorable!

    SOCIAL EMISSIONS

  14. xs
    9th January 2012 / 5:13 AM

    don't you love when your bf (claims he)picks out one of your favorite wardrobe items? it just makes the love even stronger 😉

  15. Ivy Sie
    9th January 2012 / 5:12 PM

    Love your ruffle shirt <3 xx

  18. Camilla
    9th January 2012 / 7:36 PM

    Great photos, your outfit is amazing!

    Have a sweet week!
    X Camilla

  20. wobblinbetty
    9th January 2012 / 11:46 PM

    that jacket is quite amazing and unique!
    xx

  21. Tiffany
    10th January 2012 / 1:04 AM

    thanks for the comment! my boots are from Rachel Roy

  22. Becky
    10th January 2012 / 2:28 AM

    Happy new year!
    Love the photos and your outfits! The red shorts especially are really cute!

  25. jamie
    10th January 2012 / 4:48 AM

    adore with all my heart

    x, jamie

  28. RaspberryBlonde
    10th January 2012 / 4:36 PM

    Thanks for your wonderful comment! My friend really is an amazing photgrapher!
    Nice blog, looks so professionel! And congrats on the dior ring, you must have been excited for days after getting this 😉
    Greets from brussels,
    Natalie

    http://www.raspberryblonde.blogspot.com

  31. Emmy
    10th January 2012 / 8:54 PM

    Ooooo….bf has great taste:P Love the boots!

  34. Flutra
    11th January 2012 / 1:34 AM

    You really have a great style and also a nice blog;)
    Hugs from Flutra

    flutrafashion.blogspot.com

  35. Kimberly Capeto
    11th January 2012 / 1:00 PM

    Hey !
    I'm obsessed with your jacket ! It's so awesome 🙂

    xoxo

  36. Mitha Komala
    11th January 2012 / 3:38 PM

    i really love your jacket and boots dear, they are so stunning. you look so so gorgeous. everything works well <3

    follow me if you love to, and i’ll follow you back 🙂

    http://mithakomala.blogspot.com/

  37. Marisa Noelle
    11th January 2012 / 6:15 PM

    Oh my I really couldn't even to begin saying enough about how much I am adoring this outfit right now:) Both the jacket and the cardi are such special pieces to have. You look like a doll my dear. Surely following:) xx Marisa

  38. Mani
    11th January 2012 / 9:53 PM

    Awesome combination! I really enjoy reding your blog!

    :*

  46. Simona
    16th January 2012 / 5:44 PM

    Hi darling!
    What a great blog you have! And these photos are unbelievable great!
    Would you like to follow us each others? I´ll be really happy 🙂
    Simona
    http://www.simimaus.blogspot.com

  47. The Chic Sheet
    17th January 2012 / 10:53 PM

    I am really loven this…The perfect combo of boy meets girl 😉

    XX,
    Miranda

  48. The Chic Sheet
    17th January 2012 / 10:54 PM

    Ps- Thanks for your lovely comments…I am now following you on Bloglovin 😉

  49. INES A.
    22nd January 2012 / 2:17 PM

    I love your jacket !

  50. Noëlie
    25th April 2012 / 7:08 AM

    Très stylé. 😉

  51. pretty affairs
    13th August 2013 / 4:18 PM

    you look amazing!! such a pretty face! 🙂

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