As preppy work outfits feature lots of casual and formal staples to create a stylish and timeless capsule wardrobe, you should definitely include those in your business casual wear.
Preppy work outfits typically consist of a classic button down shirt as a unisex staple as well as some elegant pants. Layer this outfit with v neck sweaters and choose some stylish shoes like loafers. Keep it rather patternless besides some stripes or checks and add tasteful accessories.
To get a better overview of any work clothing that represents the preppy aesthetic, I advise you to follow us as we dive deeper into this article about preppy, workwear, and business casual. We will start off with descriptions of clothes you may wear as well as links and tips on how to style them properly.
Definition of preppy workwear
Preppy work outfits can be put together using a variety of classics whilst laying the focus on elegant and neutral attire. You will not want to get to an appointment and all they do is make fun of your outfit.
Why should I wear a preppy style to work then, you might ask. Well, unlike hardly any other, preppy style is a blend of contemporary and timeless though sophisticated fashion. With attention to detail and the right mixture, preppy work outfits will be great staples for a chic appeal.
Preppy Clothes that are suitable for the office
So now, let’s look at some preppy clothing you can wear in the office:
- Skirts
- Blazers
- Dresses
- Button-down shirts
- Oxford shirts
- Sweater vests
- Chinos
- Polo shirts
- Jeans
- Elegant sweaters
- Blouses
- T-shirts
- Tops
- Suit
Whilst some of those pieces may be suited for women only, the majority can be worn by men too. As the preppy style is one of the classic styles, you will find lots of timeless and easily combinable stuff to wear. Nevertheless, we will not want to look boring, so add those colorful touches and play with some patterns or materials.
X Preppy work outfits for a business casual style
After we’ve seen the essential garments necessary to put together a nice preppy work outfit, let’s now take a look at some specific combinations of preppy workwear.
Oxford Chino combination
The classic combination of an Oxford shirt along with some chinos or khaki pants offers a great and business-worthy fit for a preppy appearance. Optimally, you will want to add neutral colors and go for some loafers, elegant sneakers, or pumps here. Additionally, you may tuck a sweater over your shoulders.
Timeless Blazer outfit
A combination of a timeless and neutral-colored blazer along with a pair of chinos and a button-down or blouse can look great on a man and woman. Whilst you could experiment with some bolder colors like seen in this one image, often times the neutral version is the more versatile and office-suitable one.
Elegant sweater outfit
This combination of a timeless cable knit or turtleneck sweater paired with some chinos or khaki pants makes up a unique and timeless preppy work outfit. With a blend of neutral colors and some bold finetuning, this outfit is one of the most versatile ones out there.
Chic skirt ensemble
Whilst the pleated skirt is not typically reserved for a business casual outfit, the right combination with an elegant top can make it a unique blend of cheeky and playful elegance. Make sure it is not too short though.
Elegant dress outfit
An elegant dress with some unique patterns and a little blazer above or a button-down underneath makes a great appearance in this list of preppy workwear. The patterns also set this outfit apart from plain and neutral old money outfits and makes it a more playful look.
Preppy business casual shoes
Coming to footwear that represents the preppy style at work, we have a list to show you which one is a great fit for your wardrobe:
- Heels
- Loafers
- Ballet flats
- Boots
- Oxford shoes
- Brogues
- Boat shoes
Either, you will want to match the colorful blazer with your footwear or opt for a neutral option. Also, try to dress according to the occasion and outfit. The shoe should always complement your preppy work outfit not be the dominant part.
For a more in-depth guide on preppy style footwear, check out my article about preppy shoes.
Preppy accessories
To enhance your preppy work outfit even more, try adding sophisticated accessories like:
- Jewelry (Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings)
- Bags
- Watches
- Scarfs
- Glasses
- Leather belts
- Purse
- Silk ties
These accessories combined will give your outfit a sophisticated yet elegant touch. Consider to shop gold and pearls for jewelry, and opt for high-quality leather for belts, bags, and purses. Also, you may want to opt for silk scarfs, silk ties, and glasses matching your face shape.
For a more in-depth guide, read this article about preppy accessories.
Brands if you love a preppy business casual style
To make sure you always shop at the right store, here is a list of brands and stores where you can find elegant and timeless clothes for your preppy work outfits:
- Tory Burch (Bags, jewelry, ballet flats)
- Brooks Brothers (Suits, ties, blazers)
- Ralph Lauren (Oxford shirts, polo shirts, chinos)
- J. Crew (Jacket, button-downs, khaki pants)
- L.L.Bean (Outerwear, boots, flannel shirts)
- Tommy Hilfiger (Sweaters, jeans, skirts)
- Vineyard Vines (Dresses, accessories, footwear)
If you invest in some of those wardrobe staples, you will represent your preppy style personality perfectly at work. Combine, match, and try out clothes to achieve that preppy business casual look.
Final thoughts on preppy work outfits
As we can see from this article, preppy work outfits consist of a tone of timeless, versatile, and elegant clothes. To look professional but still a little playful, let your preppy style personality come out from time to time.
To stand apart, master the art of matching, combining, and layering and people will turn their heads when they see you.