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A re-imagining and re-interpretation of classic styling for FW 24/25 drives the preppy trend this season, with novel and sentimental iterations of known favorites like rugby shirts, fisherman sweaters, and tailored separates combined with maximalist color palettes and detail-driven design.
TRADITIONAL MEETS UNEXPECTED
For brands and buyers at MAGIC New York, Northeast-influenced chic preppy dressing gets a refreshing new look this season. From perennial prep favorites like plaids and argyles being colored in bright, non-traditional shades to evergreen but now-trending silhouettes, like cardigans, denim separates, and blazers getting “novelty updates ranging from patchwork and spacedye techniques to ornamental embellishments,” even the most classic pieces are statement-making and ready to be paired back to core styles to create an “eclectic mix” (as noted in our FW 24/25 Womens Contemporary Buyers’ Guide.)
Jordan Rudow, MAGIC Vice President, states the same: it’s not just the design details that make preppy style feel new this season, it’s in the styling. “Consumers will be mixing classic staples with the standout styles of the season – polo shirts, oxfords, sweater vests, and in accessories platform loafers, Mary Janes, and schoolgirl socks – to get the look. Think country club girl chic.”
“Consumers will be mixing classic staples with the standout styles of the season – polo shirts, oxfords, sweater vests, and in accessories platform loafers, Mary Janes, and schoolgirl socks – to get the look. Think country club girl chic.”
-Jordan Rudow, Vice President, MAGIC
“Our Autumn 2024 collections simply would not be as powerful without our preppy-inspired pieces. Pair that warm hue with the textured jacket; that bold color with the chunky knit; or that wear-to-work blouse with a classic trench,” says Caroline Taylor, Sales Manager at b. young. Noting stand-out key details and hero items including pleats, monochrome tailoring, trans-seasonal loose blazers, trouser pants, and structured blouses, she also called out the importance of balancing the traditional with the unexpected into styling this trend, with emphasis on the ultimate preppy staple: the classic trench. “As the crisp autumn breeze sets in, it’s time to indulge in layered looks that marry style with functionality. This season, outerwear is your trusty companion, ensuring you stride through the brisk days with confidence and flair. The New York fashionista is bold, and we love to see everyone’s impeccably styled and layered looks.”
Rudow also highlighted the importance of thoughtful layered styling, topped with statement outerwear as a driver of this aesthetic. "We will see silhouette play, like oversized tailored separates, paired with sweaters, collared shirts, and clean loafers as a key look for fall. Layering will be essential, and consumers will be looking to finish this look with a beautiful coat for fashion as well as for warmth, so look for fuzzy and cozy textures in classic styles like a peacoat.”
TIMELESS STAPLES
The timeless appeal of preppy style lies in its foundation of polished ease; effortless essentials that always look pulled together. Brands like Sisu note that leaning into this aesthetic for fall means that buyers should have a balance of carefully edited wardrobe staples that serve as basics against the new prep of the season. “In this era of mindful wardrobe curation, women are carefully selecting pieces that stand the test of time,” said Alisa Rose, Founder of Sisu. “Our designs embody a fusion of minimalism, heightened functionality, and an everlasting quality, ensuring they remain as chic and contemporary in the future as they are today.” She reiterated the importance of the key tenets of preppy dressing, highlighting “casual, laid-back” essentials as the styling heroes of shopping this trend.
INVESTING IN STATEMENT
With brands offering a new take on classics, buyers express that this novel perspective feels like a natural evolution to quiet style that is a continued commitment to dedicated investment wardrobe curation. “From a preppy trend perspective, I am excited to shop soft minimalism, refined utility, and modern romance; think tailored separates, modern refined knits, femme blouses, and statement investment pieces,” noted Michelle Monzo Prosicki, Buyer, Macy’s. “The customer is responding very well to newness in style, fabrication, and added novelty! She is updating her everyday wardrobe with new must-have essentials with a modern twist and elevating for special occasions with emotional, wow pieces.”
Prep your buy for fall. Register now to shop this trend from brands like b.young, Sisu, All:Row, Mod Ref, and more at MAGIC New York.
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