If you haven’t heard, modern prep has taken over, reinvigorating the classic preppy staples of the 80s. So we found some incredible modern prep staples for your spring and summer wardrobe, all updated beautifully for 2024 — and even better, they’re all on sale. Like deeply on sale.
For those of you who lived through the Preppy Handbook phase of alligators and whale motifs, don’t worry — this isn’t that. And you don’t have to pair these cute pretty separates with boat shoes, sweater vests or a strand of pearls. Unless you want to.
Here are some deals on some amazing preppy looks for spring and summer that are worth grabbing now.
Some links may generate a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
At Top: J. McLaughlin, Michael Kors
The modern preppy polo shirt
Brooks Brothers Women’s Linen Blend Cap-Sleeved Tee
Was $108, Now $27.99
Let’s start with a preppy classic: The button-up polo tee. Brooks Brothers (prep icon!) has reinvented with more feminine cap sleeves and a less sporty linen-blend fabric in 2 great colors. It gets high marks as “the perfect shirt for summer.” Dress it up with a swingy skirt and cute sandals, or just pair with jeans or shorts to run around town in something cuter than a logo tee.
The modern preppy Oxford
Michael Kors Stretch Organic Poplin Cropped Shirt
Was $155, Now $99
Nothing says preppy quite like a poplin cotton top with a crisp collar, but Michael Kors updates the look with a boxier silhouette and a not-too-high crop that’s perfect for moms on the go. It’s such a workhorse shirt, we’d probably grab it in black too, which is also on sale.
The modern preppy cardigan
Lucky Brand Relaxed Fit Cardigan
Was $89.50, Now $34.99
A classic button-up cardigan is the ultimate in preppy must-haves, and we happened to find a modern update on sale from, of all places, Lucky Brand. The soft, slouchy fit makes it a lot more 2024, especially if you style it like the model here, with a longer Oxford unbuttoned at the top and bottom, then pair it with jeans, a skirt, or Bermuda-length shorts. They even carry the penny loafers she’s wearing.
The modern preppy tennis skirt
Tory Burch Pleated Laser Cut Tennis Skirt in Pink or White
Was $168, Now $99 (Plus an extra 15% off with purchases over $200_
When is a tennis skirt not a tennis skirt? When it’s updated with an eyelet-inspired laser-cut pattern and paired with anything but a tennis shirt. While it’s made for performance, with a moisture-wicking stretch fabric (and a ball pocket!), it’s perfectly cute off the court. It even has a built-in boy short so you don’t have to worry about windy days. (PS If you love it, find that printed ruffle windbreaker here.)
The modern preppy printed Oxford
J. McLaughlin Carnivale Ruffle Top in 3 Patterns
Was $178, Now $119.90 (though get an extra 15% off if you sign up for emails)
J. McLaughlin has been a longtime go-to brand for fans of the preppy look with a sophisticated modern twist, and styling that always outlasts trends. In other words, the investment is worth it with this piece. That ruffled placket turns a basic button-down into something special, doesn’t it? While this blue and white is just beautiful, check out the coffee/orange option too, which brings a little 60s mod to your wardrobe.
The modern preppy top-sider boat shoe
Sperry Top-Sider Crest Vibe Women’s Sneaker
Was $69.95, Now $52.46 at Shoe Mall (use code SMSPRING for 25% off)
Leave it to Sperry to reinvent their own classic preppy top-sider, right down to the essential funky knot that true preps had to learn to tie on their own boat shoes back in the day. The canvas upper comes in 5 neutral shades from oat to black, with a thick sole that makes it contemporary and versatile. You know you’ll wear this with everything, right?
