Preppy style was born in American colleges: clean pieces, understated colors and a few sporty details. Today it's worn with denim, which makes it less formal and easier to wear every day. In this guide you'll find the key pieces from the GAS Fall Winter 2026 collection and how to style them.
The key pieces of preppy style
- The varsity cardigan: chunky knit, buttons, striped cuffs and an embroidered letter.
- The long-sleeve polo: plain or with horizontal rugby stripes.
- The striped oxford shirt: buttoned up under a sweater or open over a T-shirt.
- The crew-neck or V-neck sweater: in soft yarns and solid colors.
- College graphics: arched lettering and numbers on T-shirts and sweatshirts.
The colors
This season's preppy palette is built around three colors: Baritone blue, Maroon Banner red and Snow White. Add a touch of Chestnut brown or Olive Night green for a more autumnal look.
Men's looks
1. The varsity cardigan: Niky Card. The signature piece of the season. A chunky cotton-and-wool cardigan with an embroidered G on the front and "GAS IND. 984" on the back in contrast terry stitch. Wear it with a white T-shirt and skinny Sax Zip Plus jeans in a medium wash.
2. Sweater over shirt: Arlo Round W and Kin/S Round. A cotton-cashmere crew neck, available in nine colors, over a light blue striped shirt with the collar showing. With Alex Chino or Albert Simple Rev jeans, the look works for the office too.
3. The long-sleeve polo: Ralph/S M/L HD. A slim stretch piqué polo with a raised logo and a striped band on the collar. Wear it on its own or under the Kol bomber, in silky nylon with a denim-effect printed lining. Shop all polos in the men's polos collection.
4. The college T-shirt: Luc "Stay Real". A heavyweight jersey T-shirt with arched puff-print lettering on the chest and sleeve. Wear it under a cardigan or the Swen Butt button-up sweatshirt, which has the shape of a bomber. Shop all men's T-shirts.
Women's looks
5. The G cardigan: Kate JKT. A soft chunky-knit cardigan with a felt G on the front and the number 984 embroidered on the back. Wear it over a Nami Shirt oxford and the Olivia denim skirt, with knee socks and loafers.
6. The rugby polo: Vilma Polo. A knit with a white polo collar and wide blue and burgundy stripes. It looks great with Star Crop Flare jeans or Zaira chinos.
7. The shirt and tie. The most preppy touch of the season: a striped shirt, like the Nami Shirt or the Kendra Shirt with rhinestone cuffs, worn with a striped tie under a leather jacket.
8. Lightweight knitwear: Arielle Card and Emily Polo. A cropped cardigan and a ribbed polo with a metal "G" charm at the hem. More feminine than the varsity cardigan, they pair with slim Beth jeans.
If you love lettering: the Irin M/C "Stay Real" T-shirt, with an arched print embellished with beads, in white or burgundy.
To find the right jeans to match, read the GAS jeans fit guide or discover how to wear double denim. All the knitwear is in the men's sweaters & sweatshirts and women's sweaters & sweatshirts collections.
Frequently asked questions
What is preppy style?
It's the style of American colleges: oxford shirts, polos, cardigans and sweaters, understated colors and sporty details.
Which jeans go with a preppy look?
Dark or medium denim with a clean cut, such as the slim Albert or the skinny Sax for men, and the Olivia skirt or the Star Crop Flare for women.
How do you wear a varsity cardigan?
Open over a white T-shirt or buttoned over a shirt. Avoid pairing it with other pieces that have lettering: the graphic on the back is enough.
What shoes go with preppy style?
Leather loafers, lace-ups and low-top sneakers in leather or canvas.
