NEW SCHOOL PREP
With the predictable announcement of Gossip Girl 2.0 getting the axe prior to its sophomore season finale, many within the fashion industry have been left to question Gen Z’s loyalty to the classic “prep” aesthetic. Is prep dead? Or perhaps better addressed, what happened to our love for the ol’ bowtie blouse, and plaid mini-skirt? Simple answer: it got stale…really stale. Although fashion is cyclical, those of us born in the late nineties/early two-thousands were old enough to participate in the first yuppie-style reconnaissance triggered by the original Gossip Girl series.
Follow the diagram. If our chart is shaped like a circle, and we have four equidistant points labeled clockwise around it as peak trendy (i.e. when the aesthetic is scooped up by the mainstream and is receiving the highest praise), in style (or the norm), out of fashion (regarded as gross, tacky, and overdone), and then largely forgotten (the silent period prior to a possible resurgence), we are not due to fall in love with boat shoes again for some time. Our marker is hanging out between points three and four, and as we have seen, no television saga is going to speed it up anytime soon.
With that said, there are elements of the trend that we can pepper into what we wear today. It won’t grab headlines, but it will look cohesive, and give you a chance to incorporate some older items that have since been banned to your storage box. Scroll below for some inspiration on how to revive elements of your old-school wardrobe, combining current trends to master a subtle hybrid.
CORE COLORS
Plaid is married to prep like peanut butter to jelly, so the use of it in your ensemble anywhere is enough to allude to #campuscore. Navy blue, velvet green, and crimson—if done right—can also harken back to academia if it can appear in universally recognized pieces within the genre like lapel-collared blazers, and thin-knit tights.
“Although fashion is cyclical, those of us born in the late nineties/early two-thousands were old enough to participate in the first yuppie-style reconnaissance triggered by the original Gossip Girl series.”
CRICKET SWEATERS AND COLLARS
Those drastic V-neck cricket sweaters can still help you in 2023. Wearing over a **basic button** down, or sporting an oversized as a dress saves you time, and keeps you looking put-together. Streetwear sightings have also shared the trick of layering sweaters over sweaters this season, and I am surprisingly okay with it. It’s warm, cozy, and makes you look like the main character of a Nicholas Sparks adaptation.
PATCHES AND LETTERING
Why not try your hand at some bold lettering detail? Although the thought may seem slightly juvenile, with the public’s attraction to fun, “girlie” brands this past season, it might grant you some creative brownie points on your next outing. Patch-up your outfit by adding statement logos or type to your tote, coat, or even footwear to add some life to your look.
FEATURED
FRAME
Long Sleeve Bowtie BlouseA soft bow tie knots the neck of this silk blouse that's stunning in its simplicity.
A.L.C.
Rylee Mini Plaid SkirtA.L.C. "Rylee" Glen plaid mini skirt accentuated with a cutaway front slit.
MISOOK
Plaid Knit Midi A-Line SkirtA rich plaid pattern this a-line midi skirt crafted from a wrinkle-resistant knit that effortlessly (and stylishly) takes your look from day to night.
VERONICA BEARD
Miller Dickey Jacket Our Miller jacket is a best-seller season after season, and this version, in transitional suiting fabric with decorative crest buttons, is sure to be a timeless classic. A slight stretch allows for a comfortable and flexible fit, while the slim tailoring delivers a polished look every time. Pair with the Renzo Pant for a matching suiting look.
VERONICA BEARD
Lloyd Button-Down ShirtThe perfect white button-down does exist. Meet Lloyd, a tunic-length cotton shirt with slight stretch. A patch pocket at the chest completes the look of this classic-meets-cool style. Wear with jeans and stilettos, or try it as a swim coverup—it's always chic.
WOLFORD
Pure 10 TightsThese black Pure 10 tights from Wolford are developed with an innovative combination of materials and feel like a second skin.
RALPH LAUREN
Cable-Knit Cotton Cricket SweaterCrafted with chunky cotton yarn, our classic cricket sweater gets a Polo update with our signature cable-knit construction and a boxy silhouette.
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