PREP IS GOING NOWHERE
For several seasons, fashion’s obsession with prep has been impossible to ignore. FW24 shows proved that the trend is here to stay.
- Photography: Nik Mirus
You only have to take a look back at Dustin Hoffman’s pitch-perfect corduroy blazers, button-down oxford shirts, and varsity ties in the 1967 film The Graduate to understand that what we know as prep has been thriving for the better part of a century now. What started in the twentieth century as regular, everyday style on Ivy League campuses across North America has grown to become one of modern fashion’s biggest obsessions. Whether that comes in the form of authentic re-creations from the likes of Drake’s or Ralph Lauren, or modern takes on the subculture, twisting its core tenets with oversized proportions à la Thom Browne.
And while the energy behind quiet luxury begins to stutter, prep appears to be taking the baton. FW24 men’s shows were characterized by a return to clothes everyone can actually wear. “What’s fun about this moment in men’s fashion, and what we saw in Milan and Paris, is ‘wearable’ clothing is becoming much more interesting,” said Sam Hine, talking to SSENSE’s Steff Yotka about the men’s FW24 shows. Therein lies one of prep’s biggest and most timeless attractions: its versatility and wearability. A relaxed seersucker sports coat will always, for the rest of eternity, look good over a knit polo like this Wales Bonner iteration, just like a pair of tailored pants will always drop effortlessly on freshly polished penny loafers. This rings true across menswear and womenswear. With wearability at the top of the agenda for luxury fashion for the foreseeable, bet big on prep.
Featured In This Image: Thom Browne tie.
Accessories have the power to tie an outfit together, and there’s no mistaking the preppy credentials of a Thom Browne tie. This striped edition takes after classic varsity tradition while subtly working the brand’s four-bar logo in too.
Featured In This Image: HEREU loafers.
Spanish label HEREU offers a collection of men’s loafers characterized by little subversions. The Nombela Loafers, for example, feature a woven toe box to add a refreshing twist to the classic.
Model wears AURALEE skirt.
AURALEE’s FW24 men’s show stood out as a highlight of men’s fashion weeks, proving the Japanese brand’s ability to offer timeless minimalism without falling into the common trap of defaulting to boring tropes. With expert tailoring, textures, and flashes of unexpected color, AURALEE keeps its collection feeling exciting without losing any wearability.
Model wears Burberry cap.
Prep’s character can be derived from a combination of sportswear and tailoring influences. This goes a long way to explaining why the style is so versatile, allowing for both comfort and refinement. Aligning with the sportswear side of the equation are baseball caps, which are an easy way to soften the formality of a blazer or tie.
Model wears Stella McCartney shirt.
While it may be the Italians who are credited with the invention of sprezzatura—the art of sartorial effortlessness—prep is well-acquainted with the concept. A half-untucked, oversized shirt that’s creased to just the right degree is archetypically preppy.
Model wears Dries Van Noten blazer.
While Dries Van Noten is not a regular in conversations about prep, the easygoing nature of his tailoring makes it a natural fit with the style. This unlined, double-breasted blazer boasts subtly dropped shoulders that soften the structure and remove any stuffy formality from the piece. Pair with well-worn jeans and loafers for full effect.
Featured In This Image: Polo Ralph Lauren watch.
If prep was a sports team, Ralph Lauren would be the coach and the brand’s iconic teddy bear would be the mascot. Proving that a pair of faded jeans and a turtleneck is timeless prep, the bear sits on the dial of this classic automatic watch.
Model wears Sunspel polo.
A knit polo is a more casual but no less sophisticated alternative to a shirt. With a spread collar and three-button closure, this pure-cotton Sunspel iteration showcases the brand’s penchant for tradition and quality.
- Photography: Nik Mirus
- Photography Assistant: Mitchell Wright
- undefined: Marc-André Dumas
- Art Direction: Jasmine Lebel
- Date: February 22, 2024
