19 casual preppy outfits for a collegiate style

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When embracing the preppy style, you’ll find that many outfits effortlessly suit various occasions. Let’s delve into some casual preppy outfits, offering you a better perspective on what to wear for a laid-back hangout with friends or similar occasions.

As a general rule, casual preppy outfits embody a relaxed yet refined aesthetic, blending classic elements with a laid-back charm. Therefore, men often choose well-fitted khakis or chinos with a crisp button-down shirt, while women may go for a casual dress or a skirt paired with a neatly layered sweater.

In the course of this article, we will first take a look at 3 essentials of casual preppy outfits and later on look at some examples for men and women so you can create your own outfits.

3 essentials of casual preppy outfits

Now, let’s take a quick look at 3 essentials of casual preppy outfits so you can more easily recreate them yourself.

1. Mix classic and casual

Whilst it says casual preppy outfits, you will certainly not want to walk around in yoga pants all day long and look like a sack of potatoes. So, let’s wrap up and combine some classic items like:

  • Casual Polo Shirt
  • Timeless blazers
  • Slim-Fit Chinos or Khakis
  • Pleated skirts
  • Boat Shoes or Loafers
  • Preppy Sweater (e.g., Cable Knit)
  • Bermuda Shorts

With casual ones like 

  • Leggings
  • Jeans 
  • Simple T-shirts
  • Tops
  • Summer dresses
  • Linen pants

2. Choose minimalistic accessories

A selection of minimalistic preppy accessories like small necklaces, a pearl or golden bracelet, and a timeless watch will suit any preppy outfit perfectly. For casual preppy outfits, you will want to keep it a little simpler and don’t over-accessorize and instead just choose one or two accessories and pair them with a timeless purse or some shades.

3. Embrace a neutral color scheme with colorful sparks

To put together and match your outfits accordingly, a combination of neutral colors with some colorful sparks is the best bet. For neutral colors, pick:

  • Beige
  • White
  • Navy
  • Brown
  • Black
  • Forrest Green
  • Grey

Whereas for the colorful sparks, some nantucked red, bold blue, pink, or a gingham or plaidpattern will be perfect.

19 Preppy casual outfits for men and women

Now, let’s take a look at some casual preppy outfits for men and women so you can get a little more inspiration on how to style your outfits!

Plaid skirt look

You can’t go wrong with a casual combination of a plaid or checkered skirt and a simple top or sweater. This look will always represent preppy style at its best and gives it a casual note. To add a little something to this outfits, incorporate another layer in form of a jackets or coat.

Casual sweater look

This look is the perfect match for a casual occasion in the colder months. Either worn with a sweater or hoodie, you can find bottoms like a tennis skirts or some chinos or khaki pants to be worn underneath it to round up the look.

Sporty tennis skirt

For a laid-back and versatile style, go for a sporty outfit. Try a tennis skirt with a sports or plain top for a unique and casual look. No matter if used on a boat, on the court, or at a simple hangout, a combination of a tennis skirt and a simple top or sweater will look great on any woman!

Find more sporty preppy outfits here.

Casual polo/rugby shirt

A polo or rugby shirt offer a great base to style any casual outfit the preppy way. Held in neutral colors, you will often find them to match sporty outfits for men especially. Paired with some chinos or khaki pants, as well as some preppy jeans will make a great appearance!

Other noteworthy mentions

Final thoughts on casual preppy outfits

As you can see from this article, casual preppy outfits often contain flowy clothes and generally carry a sporty vibe. With their vibrant colors and a sense of understatement, you will find them to match a unique aesthetic of timeless elegance.

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