Prep in your step: 10 perfect pieces for an effortless summer wardrobe

New York Post

4 hours ago

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Once reserved for Ivy League legacies and summers on the Vineyard, preppy style has taken a fresh turn. For Gen Z (and the fashion-savvy among us), it's no longer just polos and pleated skirts — it's playful, pastel, and TikTok-approved. Think: tennis-core meets coquette-core with a side of vintage Ralph.
At its roots, preppy fashion still channels that polished, East Coast ease — crisp collars, tailored shorts, and breezy button-downs that whispers old money energy. But in 2025, it's less about old rules and more about reimagining tradition with personality — and just the right amount of pink.
So, whether you're heading to the Hamptons or just dressing like you are, we've rounded up 10 summer-perfect pieces that deliver on style, quality, and, yes, serious prep appeal.
Trust me — you don't need a trust fund to dress like you have one.
A crisp white button-down is the backbone of any preppy wardrobe — and this one from Old Navy is shockingly good
Lightweight, tailored, and available in a rainbow of colors and patterns, it's the kind of versatile staple you'll wear on repeat. The Button-Down Shirt comes in regular, petite, and tall sizes — plus a range of fits from classic to slim — so you can style it oversized with bike shorts or tucked into a pleated mini for that ultra-clean, ultra-prep look.
The white version is a best-seller (and for good reason — it nails that 'borrowed-from-my-boarding-school-boyfriend' energy), but we're also loving the playful stripes and pastel patterns for a more personality-packed twist.
Oh — and it's on sale for $25. Total no-brainer.
The Oaklynn Belted Mini Shirtdress from En Saison is your new summer MVP — perfect for everything from white parties to weekend wanderings
Tailored yet playful, this dress features a crisp pleated skirt, chic gold buttons, and a subtle bow belt that cinches the waist just right. The clean, classic color keeps things fresh and effortlessly polished, making it equally office-appropriate or perfect for a long stroll through SoHo or the Upper East Side.
It's the kind of dress that looks like you meant to dress up — but also like you didn't try too hard.
Loafers are the ultimate preppy power move — and this pair from Vertundy delivers major old-money energy without the old-money price tag
We all know the classic prep shoe is a clean white sneaker, but here's how you can level it up: With a sleek, low-heel silhouette and classic slip-on design, these black loafers are a wardrobe staple that can take you just about anywhere — from the office to dinner and a show, or from the Jitney straight onto a boat for happy hour. They're polished enough for a client meeting, but comfortable enough for a long city stroll (or a yacht deck, naturally).
Go for the black for that timeless, East Coast boarding school vibe, or branch out with one of the other neutral or pastel shades — they pair effortlessly with every outfit on this list (and probably half the ones already in your closet).
Timeless, versatile, and unapologetically prep — these are your go-to loafers for the season.
For Love & Lemons always serves luxury-prep fantasy — and this flirty, feminine top fits the aesthetic and happens to be on sale
With its delicate lace trim, subtle frills, and soft horizontal block stripes, this dreamy blouse feels like it was made for sipping something sparkling on a sailboat. The classic boat neckline and cap sleeves keep it polished, while a tiny bow detail seals the deal on peak preppy romance.
It's equal parts Upper East Side tea party and French Riviera daydream — and yes, the price tag is as pretty as the top itself (for now).
Scoop it up before it sets sail.
Consider this our ode to the original prep-girl staple: the cropped pant
These aren't your grandma's capris — but they are a nod to that timeless, flirty ankle moment. With a breezy, wide-leg silhouette, tailored front pockets, and a crisp cropped cut, they're made to show off your summer loafers, your favorite white sneakers, or just a touch more of that golden tan.
Available in a range of inclusive fits, colors, and styles, these pants strike the perfect balance between classic and current. Dress them up with a structured blazer or down with a tucked-in tee — either way, they're the kind of elevated basic that makes your whole wardrobe feel more intentional.
Chic, comfortable, and unapologetically prep — the perfect pair of jeans is always a smart investment.
No preppy look is complete without the perfect carry-all — and this quilted BAGSMART tote nails the assignment.
Whether you're trekking to a friend's place, catching a train out East, or just pretending your iced latte is headed to the Hamptons, this Lightweight Puffy Tote delivers on both style and practicality. With its pillowy quilting and clean silhouette, it leans into that effortless, quiet luxury look that's dominating prep-adjacent trends right now.
Inside, it's all function: multiple compartments (yes, it fits a full-sized laptop), zip pockets for your essentials, and just enough room for a book, sunscreen, and an emergency sweater — aka your summer survival kit.
It's polished enough to take to work, relaxed enough for weekend escapes, and totally on-theme with today's updated prep: crisp, classic, and intentionally unfussy.
Of course, we couldn't leave off another lululemon gem — because sometimes, prep meets athleisure just right
This dress is the ultimate summer staple: a sleek high-neck silhouette crafted from the famously buttery-soft Align fabric you already know and love. It's perfect for all your tennis whites moments — even if your only match is a brunch date. Bonus: it also comes in black for that Pilates-princess-meets-prep vibe that's both sophisticated and sporty.
AND — wait for it — it's on sale. Yes, lululemon on sale. Pinch yourself.
Need a little more support? No worries. The Wunder Under Smoothcover Dress offers the same luxe material in a similarly chic cut with extra hold, so you can prep up with confidence, no matter your play.
Pajama sets are having a major moment — and honestly, why wouldn't you want to look put-together even while you sleep?
These affordable Amazon finds are perfect for adding a little preppy polish to your nighttime routine. The lightweight, breathable fabric keeps you cool during steamy summer nights, while the matching sets give you that main character energy from the second you crawl into bed to the moment you reach for your iced coffee.
With tons of patterns — think florals, gingham, animal print, and beyond — you can find the perfect vibe to match your personality (or your Pinterest board).
Prep never sleeps — and now, you won't have to sacrifice style when you do either.
Yes, it's hot. Yes, this trench will probably sit pretty in your closet until fall. But at 60% off? It's a no-brainer
This classic, Ivy-inspired trench coat is the definition of timeless prep — crisp lines, a neutral palette, and that effortlessly polished silhouette that never goes out of style. It's the kind of piece that elevates anything you throw on underneath, from tailored trousers to tennis skirts and crewnecks.
Preppy girls layer, too — and this is the piece that will carry your look seamlessly from summer storms to crisp fall mornings. Get it now, thank yourself later.
You don't need old money to master timeless style.
Whether you're channeling tennis-core charm or leaning into old-school East Coast polish, today's preppy style is all about mixing tradition with a twist. From bow-detailed tanks to breezy shirtdresses and yacht-ready stripes, these ten pieces prove you don't need a country club membership to master the look. So go ahead — embrace the pastels, lean into the polish, and dress like your summer itinerary includes at least one lobster roll in the Hamptons.
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