The Gen Alpha (aka “new”) Preppies hit different. Not only have Gen Alphas redefined the preppy style of previous decades (aka vintage preppies), they also embrace sustainability and bold colors with a heavy digital influence, giving the style a very fresh and authentic vibe. Check out The Preppy Store’s Style Guide to create your preppy glow-up.
Update Classic Staples with a Modern Twist
- Experiment with Patterns and Colors: While classic preppy style leans toward soft pastels, Gen Alpha preppy brings in bold colors like electric blue, hot pink, and neon green. Patterns like oversized plaids, fun stripes, and tie-dye updates give a modern twist to traditional preppy prints. For Spring/Summer 2025 pistachio and butter yellow are trending fashion colors.
- Sustainable Wardrobe Essentials: Opt for high-quality, sustainable materials and brands. Look for recycled fabrics, organic cotton, or thrifted finds that reflect your values while still being polished.
- Modernized Layers: Layering is still key in the new preppy style, but now it includes updated silhouettes. Think oversized sweaters layered over a collared shirt, cropped cardigans, Rugby sweatshirts, or a fitted blazer over a graphic tee. These mix classic preppy with current trends, adding a fresh edge.
- Preppy Basics with a Casual Spin: Essentials like polo shirts, pleated skirts, and chinos are still staples, but Gen Alpha preppy incorporates streetwear elements. Pair classic items with joggers, chunky sneakers, or graphic tees for a laid-back vibe.
Focus on Playful Accessories and Statement Pieces
- Accessorize Boldly: While classic preppy accessories are subtle, Gen Alpha preppy embraces statement jewelry, layered necklaces, and playful rings. Personalized pieces, like initial necklaces or charm bracelets, add a fun, individual touch. Silk scarves and bows are trending for Spring/Summer 2025 as well.
- Eye-Catching Footwear: Chunky sneakers, loafers with unique details, or even colorful high-top sneakers bring a playful edge. Shoes with bold patterns can make an outfit stand out. Adidas Sambas are still very popular and for Spring/Summer 2025 Ballerina Sneakers are trending.
- Digital Nods: Incorporate digital accessories like trendy phone cases, smartwatches with bold bands, and colorful earbuds. These digital accessories have become part of Gen Alpha’s style identity.
Preppy Skincare – Keep it Clean, Classic and Simple
- Clean and Simple: Minimalist routines that focus on maintaining naturally healthy and glowing skin is what defines Gen Alpha preppy skincare. This incudes gentle, non-irritating products with clean ingredients. Check out The Preppy Store Guide to the Perfect Skincare Routine.
- Natural Look: Emphasis is on enhancing natural beauty rather than covering up imperfections. A “no-makeup makeup” aesthetic supported by glowing, healthy skin.
- Classic Packaging and Quality over Quantity: Choose skincare products with elegant, understated, or vintage-inspired packaging; and invest in high-quality brands known for their effectiveness.
- Focus on Lifestyle: Incorporate wellness and self-care rituals like proper hydration, balanced diets, and stress management to complement skincare routines.
- Popular Ingredients in Preppy Skincare: Gentle cleansers like low-foam or creamer cleansers that maintain the skin barrier; Moisturizers that are lightweight but nourishing with a focus on ceramides or hyaluronic acid; Sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF is a non-negotiable; Mild AHAs or enzyme-based exfoliants to promote smoothness without over-stripping; Ingredients like botanicals, vitamins (C, E), niacinamide, and peptides.
- Check out The Preppy Store’s curated list of Preppy Skincare products and Step-by-Step Skincare Routine for the ultimate face card glow up!
Embrace the New Preppy Aesthetic in Your Bedroom or Dorm Room
- A Fresh Take on the Preppy Room: Create a personalized, digital-forward space that blends preppy colors with modern tech. Incorporate bright color accents, fun posters, LED lights, and plants to keep things lively and vibrant. Check out The Preppy Store’s curated selections of trendy room decor items.
- Organized and Minimalist: The new preppy style values a neat, organized setup, but now with a minimalist approach. Invest in multi-functional decor, like LED strip lighting and aesthetic organizers that keep everything visually appealing and efficient.
- Embrace Digital Culture: Gen Alpha preppy is highly influenced by social media. Use apps for style inspiration, follow trendsetters on TikTok, Instagram or Cosmos and share your own unique take on preppy outfits online.
Stay Authentic and Confident
- Embody Individuality: Gen Alpha preppy doesn’t follow strict rules; it’s about blending classic preppy elements with what makes you feel unique. Embrace styles that resonate with you personally and have fun with self-expression. Don’t forget to get familiar with Gen Alpha Slang which is constantly evolving!
- Positive, Inclusive Vibes: The new preppy aesthetic is about friendliness, confidence, and inclusivity. Celebrate diverse styles and show kindness in your interactions both online and offline.
- Showcase Your Interests: Share your hobbies, passions, and causes you care about through your style, from embroidered patches on your bag to eco-friendly choices in your wardrobe. The Preppy Store is working on some great DIY projects that we will be posting soon for you to try at home!
The Gen Alpha evolution of preppy is a refreshing take on a timeless style, blending elements of vintage preppy style with the exciting tech-savvy world of today — in other words, so much aura that your besties will want to know all your style secrets.
Slayyyyy, girl!
The Preppy Store 