Shall We Become 'Autumn Men and Women' with Atmosphere... How to Properly Wear the Preppy Look [Song Seung-yoon's Pa.Al.Bot]

Atmospheric Autumn... 'Preppy Look' is the Trend
Originated from Outfits of Prestigious American High School Students
From Neat and Tidy Vibes to Lively Atmosphere

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] Autumn is a season for setting the mood. As the weather gets chilly in the mornings and evenings, people start reaching for their stored outerwear again. Although autumn passes quickly, it is the best season for dressing up. It is especially suitable for wearing clothes with a classic feel.

For those who want to fully embrace the autumn atmosphere while styling outfits that suit all places and occasions such as school, work, or gatherings, the "Preppy Look" is recommended. The term "Preppy Look" originates from "Preppy," which refers to students of prestigious private schools in the United States. It describes a neat and tidy style of fashion favored by these students and has regained popularity alongside the resurgence of the so-called "Y2K fashion." In fact, an analysis of customer purchase data from January 1 to 25 by Zigzag, a women's fashion platform operated by Kakao Style, showed that the transaction amount for preppy look-related items increased by 217% compared to the same period last month. Compared to the same period in January this year, it also rose by 170%.

In the past, preppy looks were easily spotted on characters in popular American teen dramas like "Gossip Girl" and other high-teen movies or dramas. Nowadays, the preppy look is widely applied not only to business wear but also to casual, sportswear, and even underwear. Representative items include polo shirts, Oxford shirts, cable knit sweaters, pleated skirts, knee socks, neckties, and loafer shoes. Although it resembles a "school look," it generally has a more formal feel. Inspired by the clothes worn by upper-class students during sports or leisure activities, it often features a sporty casual mood and classic patterns such as argyle, Fair Isle, and various checks.

Women's preppy looks are very suitable for expressing cuteness and liveliness. A skirt is an essential item for creating a lively vibe. For a lively yet mature look, a check-patterned skirt is recommended, while a denim skirt works well for a cute and charming feel. Penny loafers are a good choice for shoes, and colorful socks can be used to express individuality. Quilted outerwear, pea coats, or duffle coats also pair well with this style.

For men, the most important aspect of the preppy look is to create a neat appearance. The basic style of men's preppy look is matching chino pants with a shirt and jacket. Adding sweatshirts or cable sweaters can create a richer and softer feel. Layering a brightly colored Oxford shirt with a rugby sweater and pairing it with loose-fitting chino pants completes a trendier preppy look.

Lim Ji-yeon, director of the Samsung Fashion Research Institute, said, "The preppy look is a major trend that consistently appears in fashion shows," adding, "Based on classic styles, the preppy look is widely loved as an alternative that satisfies various TPO (time, place, occasion) requirements."