The preppy aesthetic is all about crisp collars, pleated skirts, and polished charm. This aesthetic is making a major comeback, but not the way you remember it. Formerly, a symbol of Ivy League privilege and 2000s Gossip Girl glamour, the style is now receiving a colourful Bollywood twist.
Bollywood celebrities like Khushi Kapoor, Suhana Khan, and Ananya Panday are taking the concept to the next level for a generation that is fond of nostalgia but has its own unique way of doing things.
The style that combines the structured silhouettes with a certain effortless sophistication has resurfaced in both runway shows and red-carpet events. It is a timeless mix of old-school polished style and youthful energy from miniskirts to loafers.
Khushi Kapoor is the icon of the Indian preppy revival that she has been, and her blazers, plaid skirts, and corsets are perfectly vintage and yet modern at the same time. Suhana Khan’s fascination with trench coats and classic skirts reflects the chic and confident character of Blair Waldorf, whereas Ananya Panday is the one who brings a playful side in the trend by mixing long socks with mini skirts and thus adding the youthful spin indispensable for the genre.
Instagram-@ananyapanday
Janhvi Kapoor and Shanaya Kapoor are not shying away from the delicate aspects of preppy and are heavily investing in the same. Think knits, pastels, and tailored jackets that hint at quiet luxury rather than dishing out loud labels. Tara Sutaria’s looks are no different, as they also draw attention to prep-school chic- the focus on crisp lines and muted tones that marry sophistication with simplicity.
The factor that makes this comeback of the preppy style authentically Indian is the inside story. We are not presented with heavy tweeds or wools; rather, there are lighter materials and more delicate cuts, typically suited for the Indian climate, and often accessorized with traditional pieces or glamorous makeup. The outcome? A preppy style that is polished but not prim, classic but still hip.
Preppy fashion is undergoing a renaissance, and this time, it’s global, diverse, and entirely reimagined. The essence of being “posh” is no longer there; instead, the focus is on being fashionable, confident, composed, and stylish.
