Definition
A style, appearance, or person associated with Ivy League and upper-class aesthetic, featuring polo shirts, khakis, boat shoes, and an emphasis on traditional, formal clothing. The term often implies both a fashion sense and a social attitude rooted in privilege and institutionalism.
Example Usage
Her preppy outfit—complete with a pastel sweater and pearls—screamed boarding school nostalgia.
Origin
From 'prep school' (preparatory school), which originated in the United States in the 19th century to prepare students for Ivy League universities.
Fun Fact
The preppy aesthetic was massively popularized in the 1980s by TV shows like 'The Official Preppy Handbook' (1980), which became a cultural phenomenon.
Related Terms
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