In a Reddit thread entitled “The idea of what is a 'preppy' clothing style slowly changing,” one member of Gen Z shared, “I've noticed more and more younger kids defining the preppy style as Lululemon, Nike, and other athleticwear.” Clearly, the meaning of “preppy” has changed over generations—and if you're as ...
Preppy in its new definition is anything girly and pink and cute according to Gen Z. A far cry from all the 90s girls in my school who were sporting polo t-shirts in pastel tones and wearing plaid skirts or well cut jeans.
Brand #1: Polo Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren has become synonymous with the American preppy style. The brand, founded in 1967, offers everything from polo shirts, caps, perfectly tailored shirts and blouses to elegant evening wear.
This new preppy fashion refers to bright, colorful, and usually pink clothing. It emphasizes “girly” clothing adorned with bows and ribbons. The preppy ensemble is not complete without other trendy items like Lululemon apparel and, of course, the Stanley tumbler.
Gen Alpha's definition of preppy is vastly different from the original meaning of the term. The preppy aesthetic no longer features sweater vests and pleated skirts. Instead, it emphasizes pink, other bright colors, smiley faces, and girly accessories like bows and ribbons.
Ivivva Athletica, styled as ivivva, was a youth brand founded by lululemon athletica in 2009. ivivva was created in order to cater to a younger demographic and focused on creating athletic sportswear for girls ages 6–14.
ELEMENTS: cardigans, tweed blazers, collared tops, Breton tops, sailor shorts, a-line skirts, chinos, shift dresses, scalloped hems, boat shoes, loafers, pumps, structured totes, pearls.
The Official Preppy Handbook, a description of upper-class and upper-middle-class life in America, describes L.L.Bean as "nothing less than Prep mecca."
Crew upended the apparel industry by selling its Hamptons-preppy clothing directly to young shoppers via a sumptuously photographed catalog that sometimes featured celebrities, was pored over in college dorms, and helped shape the '90s reigning casual aesthetic.
Comfortable, relaxed clothes, such as large sweatshirts, baggy pants, and loose-fitting t-shirts, dominate Gen Z fashion. Oversized and baggy designs prioritize comfort and flexibility of movement, representing Gen Z's informal and relaxed lifestyle.
Leading cosmetics brands among Gen Z in the U.S. 2024
According to data from a survey conducted in 2024 in the United States, the leading cosmetics brand among Gen Z Americans in that year was e.l.f, with about 35 percent of consumers choosing this brand.
The newest variant of "preppy," led mostly by Gen Alpha over the last year, refers to bright clothing, lots of pink, and specific accessories like ribbons, bowties, and Stanley water bottles. TikTokers have described the new look as "very girly" and "colorful," involving smiley-face designs and brands like Lululemon.
Cheugy. Cheugy is a term used to describe something that was once fashionable or popular but has now become outdated or appears to be trying too hard. It doesn't necessarily mean that it's uncool or undesirable, but rather that it's slightly out of sync with current trends.
pookie. An endearing nickname for a close friend or lover. Originates from a German term of endearment in the 1900s. Also used as a pet name.
And lots of brands like Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, Nautica, Lands' End, and Ann Taylor (to name a few) have got you covered for all your preppy fashion needs. Scroll on to see a list of 25 preppy clothing brands that deserve a spot in your closet.
Hollister, traditionally, had a more laid back, beachy vibe than Abercrombie. If Abercrombie is all about East Coast, preppy vibes, Hollister was conceived as its laid-back, West Coast, surfer cousin.
#1 in my opinion, Ralph Lauren, the King of Preppy; Tommy Hilfiger, absolutely; J. Crew made their name with the look.
Based on what's being shared, Gen Z is redefining the preppy look as less “New England country club” and more “relaxed and beachy Southern charm.” The outfits are colorful, the patterns and prints are bold and the dresses are frilly.
Traditional preppy fashion stems from mid-20th century Ivy League campus looks, characterized by clean lines, classic silhouettes, and a timeless appeal that refuses to go out of style. The preppy girl's wardrobe includes blazers, button-down shirts, A-line skirts, tailored trousers, and simple dresses.
What Makes Lululemon So Successful? Lululemon has experienced success and growth over the years due to its high-quality products that customers see as exclusive and flattering. Nowadays, cute athletic wear is widely found, but in the early 2000s, the options for women were limited.
Lululemon shared that it would help find job opportunities for affected workers. In a statement emailed to CNBC, Celeste Burgoyne, EVP of Americas and global guest innovation, wrote that the decision to exit its nearly decade-old Ivivva business was made “in order to unlock capacity to support our long-term growth.”
A sibling to its sister company Lululemon, Kit and Ace was founded by Shannon Wilson, the former lead designer for Lululemon, and her stepson JJ Wilson. Much like Lululemon, at its heart Kit and Ace is about innovating apparel and elevating consumer expectations when it comes to their everyday attire.