What makes a costume look 'preppy'?

The preppy aesthetic relies on clean lines, pastel colors (especially pink, white, and baby blue), pleated skirts, collared shirts, and collegiate details like sweaters tied over the shoulders.

How do I make a preppy costume last-minute?

Simply wear a skirt or khaki pants, tuck in any collared shirt, and tie a sweater or sweatshirt around your shoulders. Add a hair ribbon to complete the look instantly.

What shoes should I wear?

Clean white tennis shoes, canvas sneakers, or leather loafers paired with white crew socks are the best choices.

AI-generated example

Preppy Costumes

Classic pleated skirts, pastel polos, and effortless Ivy League style.

Preppy costumes are a massive trend, blending classic collegiate style, pastel aesthetics, and country club fashion into easy-to-wear outfits. People choose this look because it is comfortable, highly customizable, and uses pieces you might already have in your closet. The signature look revolves around pleated skirts, cable-knit sweaters, polo shirts, and coordinated hair accessories.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~15 min
Budget: $20–75

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40 Preppy costume ideas

Ranked by how many people are searching for them this season. Open any one for the full guide and to try it on.

What you need for a Preppy Costumes costume

Pleated tennis skirt
A high-waisted pleated skirt in solid white, pastel pink, or a classic plaid pattern.
DIY: Use any structured A-line skirt or a pastel skater skirt from your closet.
Amazon
Polo shirt or collared blouse
A fitted short-sleeve polo shirt in white, light pink, or baby blue.
DIY: Wear a white button-down shirt with the collar popped slightly.
Amazon
Cable-knit sweater or vest
A cream or pastel cable-knit sweater, worn draped over the shoulders and tied loosely in front.
DIY: Any light-colored cardigan tied around your neck works perfectly.
Amazon
White crew socks
Classic mid-calf white athletic socks, worn pulled up.
Amazon
Clean white sneakers
Minimalist white canvas or leather tennis shoes.
DIY: Any clean, light-colored sneakers or classic loafers.
Amazon
Hair bow or headband
A large satin hair bow or a thick padded headband in a matching pastel shade.
DIY: Tie a silk scarf or ribbon around a ponytail.
Amazon

How to put it together

1
Put on the pleated tennis skirt and tuck in your fitted polo shirt or collared blouse.
2
Drape the cable-knit sweater over your shoulders, letting the sleeves hang over your chest, and tie them in a loose, neat knot.
3
Pull on the white crew socks, ensuring they are pulled straight up to mid-calf height.
4
Lace up your clean white sneakers or slip on a pair of classic leather loafers.
5
Style your hair half-up, half-down, securing it with a large satin bow, or slide on a thick padded headband.
6
Accessorize with simple jewelry like pearl stud earrings or a delicate gold chain necklace.

Makeup & hair

Keep makeup fresh and natural with a touch of pink blush, groomed brows, and a swipe of glossy pink lip balm. Hair should be styled in neat waves, a sleek ponytail, or a half-up style secured with a bow.

Preppy Costumes for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair a tennis-skirt look with a partner wearing khaki chinos, a polo shirt, and a sweater tied over their shoulders.
group: Go as a country club tennis team or a private school clique with matching pastel color schemes.
kids: A pink vintage-style baseball dress or a mini pleated skirt with a tiny cardigan.
Plus size: A high-waisted pleated skirt with an elastic waistband paired with a structured, comfortable polo.
pet: A small pastel pink or blue polo shirt or a simple preppy bandana.

Tips

Keep your sneakers spotless; use a quick wipe to clean any scuffs before heading out.
If the weather is cool, swap the tennis skirt for khaki trousers or wear skin-toned fleece-lined tights underneath.
For photos, pose on a tennis court, a manicured lawn, or in front of brick collegiate architecture.
Shop thrift stores first; they are filled with vintage cable-knit sweaters, polos, and pleated skirts.

Preppy Costumes costume FAQ

What makes a costume look 'preppy'?: The preppy aesthetic relies on clean lines, pastel colors (especially pink, white, and baby blue), pleated skirts, collared shirts, and collegiate details like sweaters tied over the shoulders.
How do I make a preppy costume last-minute?: Simply wear a skirt or khaki pants, tuck in any collared shirt, and tie a sweater or sweatshirt around your shoulders. Add a hair ribbon to complete the look instantly.
What shoes should I wear?: Clean white tennis shoes, canvas sneakers, or leather loafers paired with white crew socks are the best choices.

Did you know? The preppy style originated in the early 20th century, inspired by the fashion worn by students at elite Ivy League preparatory schools and universities.