Trend Translation- Prep School Chic

Seemingly every fall, fashion designers get as excited about Back to School as the rest of us. There's just something about walking past Target's promo aisle and seeing scores of fresh notebooks, pencils and backpacks that gets me excited about pep rallies and homecoming football games...probably more excited than I was in high school. Luckily, the nostalgia can live on in a more stylish way than stuffing a trapper keeper into my work bag.

Crisp button down shirts, old-fashioned collegiate cardigans, oxford shoes and a little bit of plaid all add up to prep school chic. Yet, as a working professional or anyone not enrolled at the U, how does that trend really become part of a non-costumey wardrobe? As with any trend, pick one piece that you really gravitate towards (say, a pleated plaid skirt) and then pair it with basic wardrobe staples. Think about these combinations and see if you can make them work for your style:

• Knee-length plaid pleated skirt + neutral crewneck sweater + knee-high boots


• Crisp button down shirt + gray collegiate cardigan (with pockets and patches!) + medium wash bootcut jeans


• Soft knit beret + cotton tee shirt + corduroy skirt + heeled oxfords


• Printed hoodie + neutral blazer + casual jeans

Get inspired by these Bombshell versions of prep school pieces:

Product Details:

Hoodie from B and Lu, on sale for $26; multi-gored plaid skirt from Lane Bryant, $39.50; corduroy blazer from Old Navy, $39.50; classic rise "The Flirt" jeans from Old Navy in medium wash, on sale for $29.50; Oxford shoes by Vince Camuto, $129.95.