I just freshened up my Nantucket travel guide for the summer months ahead and linked a few classic styles that I pack in my bag year after year. I know the definition of preppy clothing is ever-changing these days but for our purposes here, I think of preppy summer outfits as including pieces like button-down shirts, Ralph Lauren sweaters, a great pair of white denim… truly timeless items that look as classic today as they did 20 years ago. I like to keep the color palette simple (especially when I’m packing for a trip!) with lots of navy, different shades of blue, and white. If any of this rings true to your personal style, I hope these preppy staples help you prepare your own wardrobe for the warmer weather ahead!
Preppy summer staples
I just ordered this Polo Ralph Lauren cable-knit sweater to tuck into navy linen shorts or throw over button-down shirts with a white pair of jeans on cooler evenings. And if you don’t already own their classic flag sweater, it’s a great way to feel instantly festive on Memorial Day or Fourth of July and looks just as cute on moms as it does on little kids!
I bought this Mark & Graham basket bag earlier in the season and love the classic look either with or without a monogram depending on your personal style. I also cannot stop staring at this bag… extremely tempted to make it mine before we head to Nantucket next month.
Shirtdresses are preppy style staples for good reason and this flattering Ralph Lauren style comes in two more colors here and here. Admittedly less timeless since they were created much more recently, but you can’t walk a block on Nantucket without bumping into one or two Hill House nap dresses, and this navy one in particular has certainly earned a spot in my closet as a wardrobe staple the past several summers that I’ve been pregnant or breastfeeding.
In terms of shoes for preppy summer outfits… I live in Castaner espadrilles (I have a navy pair and an off white pair that see equal use in the spring and summer months) and no matter how many footwear trends come and go, Jack Rogers sandals remain a constant in my own personal style. I also have a white pair of Tretorn sneakers that look equally great with everything from white jeans (love this pair if you’re looking to branch ever-so-slightly out of skinny jean territory) to tennis skirts.
Not pictured here, but no preppy wardrobe is complete without a striped t-shirt (I like Kule or Saint James) and a crisp white button-down (and one in blue or blue and white stripes for good measure). If you need a rec, lately I find myself favoring a slightly more oversized style like these AYR button-down shirts and the Sézane Max style. I’ve also been getting a lot of wear out of this white pair of linen pants that would look great with either shirt!
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