How to Dress Preppy & Glamorous

The school uniform is the inspiration for classic preppy style.

Preppy clothing styles generally are very conservative, but many fashion designers like to combine preppy basic with modern details to create a more glamorous look. Cultural influences such as the television show "Gossip Girl" have made the glamorous preppy look trendy for teenage girls and women as well as men. Put together your own glamorous preppy outfits by combining classically tailored blazers and skirts or pants with fashion-forward accessories and designer pieces.

Basic Preppy Outfits for Women

Since preppy style is rooted in the world of private prep schools, any outfit that resembles a school uniform is a good base for a preppy look. You can go for a literal take on the look by choosing pleated skirts and blazers in plaid tweed or selecting plainer but similarly structured pieces such as fitted jackets, peacoats and well-tailored trousers. Look for clothes that inspire images of country clubs, Ivy League colleges and equestrian events. Most classic preppy clothing is neutral in color and conservative in style.

Glamorous Trends

The trick to creating a glamorous preppy style is to add a few tweaks to basic preppy wardrobe staples. Look for school uniform-inspired separates, but choose pieces that are brighter in color or have a metallic thread running through the plaid stripes. Many high-end fashion designers are using preppy styles as inspiration but adding cutting-edge details such as leather or metal buckles, shorter hemlines, mismatched prints and feminine frills. Look for luxurious fabrics and impeccable craftsmanship when selecting garments for a more glamorous look.

Women's Accessories

Take your glamorous preppy look to the next level with the addition of interesting accessories. Shoes are one key to finishing your look. Choose classic penny loafers to make an outfit look typically preppy or add glamorous heels or leather boots to otherwise plain preppy garments. An adorned headband or a feathered fascinator also adds glamour to a preppy outfit. Transform preppy clothes with other glam touches such as brightly colored tights, chunky watches, sparkly jewelry, sexy hosiery, waist-cinching belts, metallic scarves and oversized designer handbags.

Preppy Glamour For Men

Men also can aim for a glamorous preppy style, though the look is more understated for them. Similar to women, men should build a preppy base with well-tailored suits, tweed blazers, overcoats and loafers. Preppy men can add a little bit of glamour to their outfit with cashmere sweaters and scarves, designer silk ties, high-end watches and jaunty hats.

References

• Become Gorgeous.com: Fall/Winter 2010 School Girl Preppy Fashion Trend
• Seventeen.com: Create Your Own Gossip Girl Look at Charlotte Russe
• College Fashion: How to Dress Like Blair Waldorf
• Glamour Fashion: Preppy Style: the American Classics Stealing My Heart Read More http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2011/06/yp-preppy-style-the-american-clas.html#ixzz1djHTNjbY