How to Be Stylish and Preppy (for Girls)

Author Info

Last Updated: October 18, 2025

Preppy is often misconstrued with people using it to label the fashionable clothes that they wear. This is not true. Preppy is not just a style. It's an attitude, a way of life. It's being overly optimistic while being sweet and fancy. This article will tell you how to be truly stylish and preppy.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Getting the Look

Download Article

This isn't needed as you can have a plain leather bag or a bag with a nautical style. The brand doesn't matter.
2
Get the makeup. Wear lip gloss and curl your eyelashes. Wear concealer or read how to get clear skin to better bring out your face. Don't overuse makeup. Keep it natural.

Advertisement
3
Get the nails. Get a subtle French manicure or paint your nails pale pink, navy, or any other preppy color. If you get fake nails make sure that they are not too long and look real. Keep your cuticles in good condition. If you have fake nails, light pinks, purples, and pastel colors are best.
4
Get the hair. Straighten your hair, but ensure that it looks natural. If you don't wish to leave your hair down, wear low pigtails (with the elastic at least below your ear), a ponytail, a half-up (keep it casual though) or opt for a solid or plaid headband. Small, subtle bows and flower hair clips are good too.
5
Keep things like a cell phone, small hairbrush, mirror, sunglasses (Jackie O. style or Wayfarer style) in your bag or purse. Some good purse brands are: Kate Spade New York, Dooney and Bourke, Coach, STAUD, and DeMellier.
6
Get the clothes. You can opt for clean-cut preppy (i.e. a fitted polo and sweater vest in coordinating colors with a cute plaid skirt, a quilted bag, and basic flats) or Sloaney distressed preppy (i.e. an oversized cardigan over a basic tee with ripped jeans, a vintage bag, and battered Chanel style flats). Wear flip-flops or sandals in the summer. Opt for pink, green, or navy Havaianas. Do not wear white flip flops. They will get dirty. Some other good shoes: Sperry, Jack Rogers, Birkenstock, Converse, Sketchers, and Ralph Lauren
- Preppy brands are: Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Dooney & Bourke, Coach, Lacoste, and some Louis Vuitton bags.
7
Get the jewelry. Wear a simple pearl necklace (faux is okay). Wear an oversize men's watch or a delicate feminine one. In betweens are dull. Wear simple pearl earrings and accessorize with cute necklaces and bracelets. Wear a charm bracelet. Wear friendship bracelets

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Get the poise

Download Article

1
Walk tall and upright. Keep your head up at all times.
2
Talk clearly, and use preppy words like "slay" "pookie" and "yas". Also remember to be polite, and not be snobby.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Get the accessories

Download Article

1
Get a nice water bottle. Stanleys used to be all the rage, but Owalas' are making a comeback. They don't spill easily, and come in nice colors.
2
Get a purse or bag. See above for purse and bag brands
3
Get Skincare. This is very important. Some preppy skincare brands are: Cheap/Affordable Brands: CeraVe, E.L.F, Garnier, and Simple. Medium Brands: Glow Recipe, Laneige, and The Ordinary. Luxury Brands: La Roche-Posay, Dr. Barbara Sturm, and Rose Inc.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Being Popular

Download Article

1
Join a few clubs. Choir, Theater, Fashion, and Creative Writing can be good for indoor clubs, and Lacrosse, Cheer, Swim, Crotchet, Volleyball, and Golf can be good for sports.
2
Hang out at a Country Club. Get a membership if you don't have one. They can have Tennis, Golf, a Pool, and other fun things to do.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Wear properly fitted clothing.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Avoid frosted lip gloss, or heavy black eyeliner encircling the eyes. Also avoid Makeup that is overly bold

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Stay away from clothing like Abercrombie and Fitch, American Eagle and Hollister. Showing off labels of inexpensive stores is distasteful.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Invest in good quality jewelry (i.e. 24k gold, pearls, small diamonds or cubic zirconium) and clothing made of fine fabrics (cashmere, good quality denim à la Earnest Sewn, leather for handbags)

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Don't overdo the preppiness. You can be Preppy without being a snob.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0