Channel Your Inner School Girl: Preppy Style Is Gonna Be BIG This Fall
Sure, Alexander Wang sent gorgeous goths stomping down the runway, but not all the designers at New York Fashion Week are making us want to go to the dark side come this fall. Just like in high school, for every brooding lunch table dressed in all-black everything, there’s one beaming with spunk and spirit. Whether it’s because we’re currently over dressing in predictable cold-weather darks or because it fits in perfectly with the season’s back-to-school vibes, we’re choosing to hang with the preppy kids this fall. Below, you’ll see just how easy NYFW’s finest are making it to channel the poshest elements of the loafer-soled, polo-topped look. Scroll through to see the top ways to be a preppy girl this fall. (Spoiler alert: your first move = dig up your old plaid skirts).
1. School Girl Cool at Rachel Antonoff: Set against a Rookie magazine–meets-science fair diorama backdrop, Rachel Antonoff’s sugary-sweet ode to prep school style brought back the school girl look in all its plaid + pleated glory. We found ourselves eyeing her collared blouses and shiny oxfords, which could fit into our weekly workwear rotation like that. Rachel’s retro-tinged tartan and quirky sweaters promoting Phys. Ed (+ Sex Ed) stole the show. (Photo via Grant Lamos IV/ Getty)
2. Jeweled Loafers at Kate Spade New York: We can always rely on Kate Spade New York for spunky styles constructed from uber luxe materials, and these jeweled loafers fit the bill. Elegant yet easygoing (just slip ’em on, socks or barefoot), this is the way to wear menswear-inspired shoes like a lady. And best yet, its a look that’s totally DIY-able. Thrift store loafers, here we come! (Photos via Cindy Ord/Getty)
3. Jumpers at Creatures of the Wind: Boarding school layers are ready for their moment off campus. And at Creatures of the Wind, it’s all about putting a modern grown-up twist on the jumper. Over a crisp button up (collar tucked in) and paired with chunky oxfords, the pull-over adds untouchable feminine sophistication. (Photo via Arun Nevader/Getty Images)
4. Headbands + Tights at Honor: Here’s how to make covering up from head to toe feel free-spirited. A thick-banded headband adds softness to trendy slicked-back locks while a pair of pop-of-color tights, as if we have to tell you, turns up the fun factor whether you’re rocking an LBD or heeled sandals. (Photo via JP Yim/Getty)
5. Polos at Adam Selman: Adam Selman showed us what happens when bad girls dress like goodie goodies. The results? A Happy-Days-meets-John-Waters mashup that’s almost too cool for school. Follow suit by wearing ’50s-style tops in modern fall hues (3D appliques are a plus) and with grungy hair and makeup. (Photo via Ron Adar/Getty)
6. Retro Gym Uniforms at CG: The sporty ’70s vibes of this striped matching set stood out on the CG runway, especially when so effortlessly paired with slouchy socks and tan boat shoes. The colors are key here, with weathered, worn and rusty hues giving everyday pieces like tees, sweaters and A-line skirts a retro feel. (Photo via Neilson Barnard/Getty)
What runway trends are you most excited to wear in the real world? Tell us in the comments below.