Sharpen your pencils, because prep-school style is getting an A+ this season. Cozy rugby shirts, soft cable knits and classic loafers are heading to the top of our shopping lists, and you don’t need a student ID to see the appeal. They’re comfortable, easy to mix and match and polished enough to make even your most lived-in jeans look pulled together.
But how exactly do you wear collegiate style when your campus days are firmly in the rearview? We tapped a team of fashion experts for their tips on giving these familiar favorites a grown-up spin, including what to shop for and how to work it into your everyday wardrobe. The goal is more Love Story than pep rally. Think rich knits, autumnal shades and just enough Ivy League polish to make a long commute feel like a stroll across the quad. With their advice and a little strategic shopping, you’ll have plenty of contenders for your fall wardrobe’s honor roll.
What is collegiate style?
If your ideal fall wardrobe includes a great blazer, a chunky sweater and loafers you can wear just about anywhere, you’re already halfway there. Collegiate style brings sporty staples and polished tailoring together in a way that feels relaxed but considered. “It’s campus dressing grown up,” explains personal stylist Stephanie Grabow. “Think rugby stripes, oxford shirts, blazers and gorgeous skirts, but the fit is sharper and the fabrics are higher quality and more refined. The result looks intentional, not like you’re headed back to class.”
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“The collegiate style to me incorporates traditional fabrics and styles with a modern lens — making classic styles a bit more fresh and noteworthy,” adds author and fashion expert Donnell Baldwin. “Heritage style is classic and never, ever really goes out of style in my opinion.” That staying power makes a pretty compelling case for grabbing pieces you can build a wardrobe around, then remix as your mood changes.
For women, start with a fine-gauge cable-knit sweater layered over a crisp oxford, a wool midi skirt or a striped rugby knit paired with straight-leg jeans. For men, an unstructured navy blazer, an oxford button-down and chinos make an easy starting lineup, with a fine-knit polo or a merino or cashmere crewneck ready to rotate in.
Key collegiate pieces for women
Key collegiate pieces for men
Trade school colors for rich tones
School spirit has its place, but your outfit doesn’t need to announce who you’re rooting for. A softer, richer palette gives sporty stripes and preppy layers a more sophisticated feel, and makes it easier to mix your new finds with the pieces already in your closet. “Avoid being too matchy-matchy. And no fake family crests. Stick to two or three rich, tonal colors,” says Grabow.
Siobhan Harvey, head of buying and product development at Meshki, agrees, telling us, “Try to steer clear of any classic team colors like red, blue, green — you don’t actually want to be looking like you’re heading to school. Be intentional with chocolate, camel, cream and navy instead.” Think of pieces that would feel right at home in an old-school library, surrounded by warm wood shelves and leather armchairs.
Mix in non-preppy pieces
That rugby shirt you’ve been eyeing? It doesn’t need a whole varsity squad to back it up. “I would steer clear from wearing it as a full set. The fastest way to look like you’re off to class is the blazer, pleated skirt, knee socks and polo all at once. Keep one or two collegiate pieces and pair everything else with something that has a different attitude,” says Harvey.
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For Baldwin, making prep feel more grown-up comes down to “traditional pairings with a slight unexpected twist. Ralph Lauren has used this formula for years.” The idea, he explains, is to take one element and make it the “wild factor” of the overall look.
That doesn’t mean you need to shop for something outrageous. For guys, laid-back joggers give a preppy polo an off-duty feel, while a rugged jacket loosens up an oxford and chinos. For women, Grabow suggests pairing a favorite knit with a leather pencil skirt or satin pants. Suddenly, that campus classic feels much cooler.
Use accessories to elevate the look
Consider this the extra-credit portion of your outfit. A few well-chosen accessories can take your favorite sweater and jeans combo straight to the top of the class. Grabow is a fan of suede loafers, structured leather top-handle bags and minimalist jewelry for women. For the fellas, she recommends penny loafers, a slim leather belt and a simple watch — these classic staples give you plenty of mileage beyond the collegiate look.
Baldwin, meanwhile, makes a strong case for shopping from the neck up. “I enjoy a good tweed baseball cap or newsboy hat — especially during the fall months. And tortoiseshell anything will help to elevate your style game as well. If you wear sunnies or eyeglasses, perhaps it’s time to add some tortoise to your closet.”
