What do you think of when you hear the word prep? Candy colored polos with popped collars and cable-knit sweaters, right? Like everything else in life, the trends have circled back around and prep is back with an updated, modern sensibility. Button-down shirts have a borrowed from the boys feel, while our trusty chinos have gotten oversized and structured with sleek sandals and cozy sweaters.
Striped Shirt: A step up from the usual white, there’s something so beautifully beachy about a striped shirt. COS’s concealed pocket shirt works with white jeans or with trousers, and I love the thick, cabana-y stripe on this Frank & Eileen shirt. Alex Mill’s classic shirt is oversized in all the ways you want – long and structured but not bulky.
Chinos: Ah chinos, one of the great loves of my sartorial life. This year, they’re skewing a little bit bigger and even pleated in a throwback to the 80s. Banana Republic’s Barrel pant, and AYR’s Recess pants are perfect examples of the new silhouette. Frances Valentine’s Boyfriend khaki is a little bit bigger and cropped, just like J.Crew’s immediate new classic Sailor Chino.
Cotton Sweater: A cotton sweater is a summer staple for all those cool nights in backyards or on beaches, and you can’t go wrong with Ralph Lauren’s signature American Flag sweater in white. I like to size up for an oversized fit! This Lauren Ralph Lauren cable knit sweater looks like something right off the polo field.A cardigan is usually a great warm weather sweater because it tends to be thinner and more fitted. J.Crew’s ribbed Jackie sweater has some 90s vibes in bright colors like blue and Kelly green , and I love this v-neck cream-and-black cardigan for throwing on over a tank top.
T-Strap Sandals: A braided sandal has a Bottega Veneta vibe, and I love the tan color for summer. For a barely there sandal, this Bernando black thong is as minimalist as it gets.
Gold Chain Bracelet: While pearls used to be the go-to, a thick gold chain feels a little more modern but just as elegant. Kenneth Jay Lane makes gorgeous fashion bracelets, like this curb chain bracelet, or this rope-y twisted chain.
Shop our favorite new prep pieces below:
All of our recommendations are curated by Susan & the In The Groove editorial team. In some, but not all cases, we receive a small commission for leading you to what, how and where to buy all this wonderful stuff.
