As women size 14 and up, we’ve generally had to use just one phrase to describe our style: plus size. Though there’s always work to do to make fashion more inclusive, options are now more widely available than ever before for women’s plus size clothing, giving us the opportunity to define our style more precisely. We’re here to help you break down different plus size style categories so you can better describe your preferences and nail down exactly what it is that you love. Are you someone who loves stripes, collars, and playful pops of bold colors? Then you might just define yourself as someone with preppy style!
The word “preppy” originates from the classic style that prep schools on the East Coast are known for. While these schools traditionally have had strict dress codes and uniforms, over the years, students have made their own individual style out of the pieces they were told to wear. Today, preppy style has infiltrated the plus size fashion sphere on a huge scale. Preppy style is most similar to classic style, but with more pops of color and bold prints. While boho style leans towards earth tones and billowy silhouettes, preppy style features bolder and cleaner colors and structured silhouettes.
Here is an example of a Dia Style Box handpicked for a customer with preppy style.
To help you decide if preppy is a good descriptor of your style, here are some good rules of thumb. As always, remember that fashion rules are meant to be broken, so take them with a grain of salt!
You probably enjoy preppy style if:
- You appreciate clean-cut styles much more than worn or distressed styles.
- You have an affinity for nautical-inspired fashion.
- You love to watch TV shows about prep school teenagers if only for the outfit inspiration.
- You prefer bright, saturated colors or pretty pastels to natural earth tones or muted hues.
- New England style has a special place in your heart.
- Stripes and plaids are ever-present in your closet.
- Instead of flowy silhouettes, you prefer tailored and structured pieces, like plus size skinny jeans
You probably do not have preppy style if:
- You like to look effortless and laid-back with distressed denim and easy tees.
- You prefer a plus size moto jacket to a collared blazer.
- You have never owned a pair of khakis, polos, or boat shoes.
- You prefer studs to pearls.
- California’s laid-back style is more appealing to you than New England’s structured style.
- You find basics boring, and you always prefer shopping for statement pieces.
More of a visual learner? Here are some more plus size preppy outfits so you can get a feel for this style profile.
A striped tee tucked into a denim skirt makes for a perfect spring and summer look. Punch up the prep with a hot pink clutch and subtle jewelry.
Navy and white stripes give this dress a nautical feel. Go for some print-mixing with a printed pair of heels and a chic handbag to dress up any of our plus size dresses for women.
Pink and green are a classic preppy color combo. Let this printed dress or any. of your favorite plus size dresses stand out with understated accessories and slides.
This classic silhouette is perfectly preppy and gets a beach update with a straw bag and sandals. Hamptons, anyone?
Printed pants are office-appropriate when paired with kitten heels, a work bag, and a solid blouse.
Navy skinny jeans or trousers are a staple in any preppy wardrobe, but they get a spring update with a lemon-printed shirt.
Not every rainy day is a grey day—if you have the right gear! A trench coat in soft pink is the perfect preppy complement to a navy-striped dress. Add it to your collection of your favorite plus size coats.
Like stripes, gingham is an innately preppy print. A trench in a gingham print is a great way to bring a preppy punch to jeans and a sweatshirt, and it’s a great way to spice up your selection of plus size outerwear.
Do these outfits belong in your wardrobe? If so, make sure you update your style preferences and let your Dia Stylist know that you’re looking to fill your wardrobe with plus size preppy styles so that your next Dia Style Box is the best one yet. You can also shop our collection directly to find your next wardrobe favorite!
Not the right styles for you? That’s okay, it’s often just as important to know what you don’t like as it is to know what you do like. Check out the rest of the posts in our “What’s My Style?” blog series to see if these other styles speak to you more—classic style, casual style, boho style.
Take the personalized quiz to learn your body shape, and our stylists will help you discover styles you’ll love.
Exclusive designs to fit all shapes in sizes 14-32.
