What began as a subtle nod in the womenswear segment has now fully taken form in menswear for the ongoing season. The resurgence of preppy style is anchored in collegiate references and classic sportswear aesthetics that emerged as a defining theme on the International runways. This evolution draws inspiration from both contemporary cultural shifts such as the #ralphcore aesthetic and the global anticipation that surrounded the Paris Olympics. Designers and brands embraced this polished yet playful approach with soft-shouldered linen suits, retro knit polos and striped sweaters that came in a spectrum of colourways ranging from crisp whites and sun-faded creams to heritage neutrals and vivid brights. Fendi, marking its centenary, reintroduced a heritage crest while drawing cues from quintessential British sports like cricket and rugby. At MSGM, Massimo Giorgetti’s tribute to seaside nostalgia surfaced through marine motifs— think sailor trousers, Breton stripes and bucket hats, that were all filtered through a contemporary lens. Prada and Raf Simons added a conceptual layer to the narrative, experimenting with trompe l’oeil effects and sartorial illusions: garments that appeared layered but were, in fact, single constructions, lending a clever twist on traditional prep. From tailored elegance to relaxed weekend styling, the S/S ’25 take on preppy dressing is anything but one-dimensional. Designers and brands can ace this trend by blending nostalgia with innovation, leaning into crisp constructions, collegiate iconography and playful layering while reinterpreting preppy as a global, gender-inclusive code of style.
