I am big into feminine florals and bows at the moment but recognize those are not everyone’s cup of tea, and thought today I’d feature some of the classic, tailored, preppy pieces that make it into my wardrobe season after season. Chalk it up to my East Coast roots, but I will often slip into a boxy striped tee (I love the ones by Kule), skinny jeans, and a pair of Chanel espadrilles for every-day errands — and have been doing so since around 2000. Below, a few of my favorite preppy classics for spring:
+This button-shouldered sweater (on sale in select colors here). I own this exact style in a light blue and it is beautifully-made and timeless — a heavier weight than I expected, but in a good way. I know I’ll wear it for decades. Love it as styled on the website, with white jeans. Dress it up with a paired of striped wedges (<<omg).
+Ralph Lauren Striped Oxford. Have this in countless colors and stripes and have worn these since high school. I still love the look of one of these tucked into a pair of perfect-fit jeans. For more of an oversized, beachy fit/look (think Diane Keaton in any of the Nancy Meyers films), I love Everlane’s linen styles paired with white skinnies. (Or, get the look for less with this steal from H&M).
+Speaking of linen, I am swooning (!) over the cut and color of these Miguelina trousers. HOW CHIC?! I like them paired with a boxy linen tank like this. I’m imagining pairing it with this oversized, dramatic straw tote, which looks a lot like the far more expensive Jacquemus “It” bag.
+This knit dress is timeless and ageless (bonus: your mini can kind of twin with you in this, which is startlingly similar). Buy now and wear literally forever. Even in any season — could be worn with black tights and pumps in the winter for a Chanel look, or with neutral sandals in the summer. This Sandro style is similar (and on sale!) but has some fun grosgrain trim if you want something with a little more of a point of view.
+Striped tee dress. I have a couple of variations on this theme and love them with Supergas or Hermes Orans for an easy-chic daytime look.
+The ric rac trim on this dress!!!! I LOVE. Preppy but on-trend.
+An oversized white shirtdress. Love this with brown leather lace-up sandals and substantive gold jewelry, like this pendant.
+Chunky ribbed striped sweater. I have a couple of thick-knit, open-weave “fisherman”-style sweaters like this that I never tire of.
+A linen shirtdress. Endlessly versatile and nearly universally flattering.
+A simple striped tee or sweatshirt — these are under $20! Perfect for layering under joveralls (these are my favorite) or a khaki utility jacket with your favorite jeans.
+Striped duster. This is what I imagine myself wearing on a trip to the beach, curled up with my morning coffee and a pair of white jeans in a perfect little beach cottage.
+Raffia flats. Wear with everything. These give me Chanel vibes. I’d cut off that charm at the toe though.
+Striped headband. You know I can’t resist.
Aaand — a couple of things for minis and micros: this gingham pinafore, peter pan collar top, seersucker shorts, linen dress, washed canvas sneakers, raincoat.
P.S. Did you get into your first-choice school?
P.P.S. A love letter to Mr. Magpie.
P.P.P.S. Clothing basics every woman needs.