The New Academic
The New Academic: A Modern Guide to Preppy, Polished Style
With the "back to school" feeling that permeates the late August air, there's a natural pull towards a more polished, structured, and thoughtful way of dressing. The enduring appeal of preppy, academic-inspired style lies in its timeless charm and effortless sophistication. At Elevate & Adorn, we believe in taking these classic ideas and reimagining them for the contemporary woman.
Our Tailored & Structured collection is a sophisticated, grown-up take on the academic aesthetic. This is your guide to styling these classic forms in new, modern ways.
The Foundation: The Pleated Skirt & Skort
The cornerstone of any modern preppy look is the sharp, clean line of a pleat. A pleated skirt or skort offers a sense of polish and a touch of playful charm that is simply timeless.
For a classic fall look, style our Rider Mini Skort. As the weather cools, pair it with a set of opaque tights and some chunky loafers or classic ankle boots. Top the look with a cozy, fine-knit sweater for an ensemble that is the very definition of a smart, put-together, and comfortable academic style.
The Centerpiece: The Collared Shirt
No preppy-inspired wardrobe is complete without a crisp, collared shirt. It is one of the most versatile pieces you can own, capable of looking sharp on its own or acting as the perfect layering piece.
Our Button Down Shirt With Contrasted Collar showcases this versatility beautifully. For a sharp, classic look, wear it tucked into the pleated skirt. For a more textural, cozy approach, layer it under a simple crewneck sweater, allowing the sharp, contrasting collar to pop out at the neckline for a touch of intentional polish.
The Unexpected Twist: The Layered Corset
The true art of modern styling lies in playing with classic forms in new and unexpected ways. For a high-fashion take on the academic trend, consider layering a structured corset over your classic button-down.
Showcase your style confidence by layering our Denim Corset Top With Rosette Detail over the button-down shirt. This creates a unique, structured silhouette that is both bold and incredibly chic. It’s a contemporary twist that takes the classic preppy look from timeless to trend-setting.
Modern preppy style is all about creativity. It's about taking the classic, enduring forms that we love and playing with them in new ways to create a look that feels intelligent, polished, and uniquely you. It is a celebration of smart, confident style.
Now, we'd love to hear from you. How do you put a modern twist on classic preppy style? Do you have a favorite piece that you love to style in unexpected ways? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
For more guides to building a life of effortless elegance, be sure to follow Elevate & Adorn.
This article is part of our Modern Classics series, where we explore contemporary takes on timeless style.