This summer, preppy style is evolving into “urban preppy”—a more relaxed, modern take on classic Ivy League fashion. Traditional staples like loafers, tailored blazers, cable-knit sweaters, and polos are being reimagined with an effortless, city-inspired aesthetic rather than a polished, formal look.
Luxury brands such as Celine, Prada, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Versace are leading the trend with refined color palettes, sporty tailoring, and soft pastels. According to fashion experts, people are moving away from fast-changing trends and gravitating toward timeless, intentional pieces. The new preppy style breaks old fashion rules by mixing classic tailoring with streetwear, vintage pieces, and grunge influences, creating a look that feels sophisticated yet relaxed.
1. Oversized Belt Buckles
Style Notes: Slightly reminiscent of the logomania days of the 2010s, this trend takes a quieter approach to signalling designer labels, though it still holds a whimsical element, like it’s been pieced together by a teenager collecting trinkets for their charm bracelet. Saccharine and sleek, this style does the heavy lifting for you.
2. Quarter-Zip Knits
Style Notes: It would be remiss to discuss the rise of the urban preppy fashion trend without mentioning Matthieu Blazy’s momentous Métiers d'art 2026 Collection for Chanel. In his sophomore collection for the brand, he made the quotidian setting of a downtown subway station the most glamorous place in the world with a cast of Manhattanites that represented the entire cross-section of city life. Mobsters! Waspy mothers! Columbia students!
One of the standout pieces was none other than the quarter-zip knit styled by Indian supermodel-on-the-rise Bhavitha Mandava. It’s this idea of rendering a truly mundane essential through the most opulent lens that summarises the essence of the urban preppy trend. Or, as Waller puts it, “details that show an understanding of traditional preppy style while giving it a fresh, more personal interpretation”.
3. Loafers, Flats + socks
Style Notes: One of this season’s standout styling tricks is pairing visible socks with loafers, ballet flats, and closed-toe sandals. Crisp white or colorful ribbed crew socks add a playful, collegiate edge while giving classic silhouettes a fresh, fashion-forward feel. For a warm-weather take on the trend, style Espiritu’s suede Todos Santos or Zicatela sandals with lightweight socks, tailored shorts, pleated skirts, or cropped trousers. Finish the look with an oversized button-down or cable-knit sweater for an effortless urban preppy outfit that feels both timeless and modern.
4. Ludicrosuly Capacious Bags
Style Notes:The ludicrously capacious bag is synonymous with the urban preppy set, be it The Row's Margaux or Manu Atelier Le cambon Most likely, you’ll find the Fara Homidi Face Compact, a La Bonne Brosse hairbrush and Bottega Veneta fragrance lurking around the bottom.
