Lisa Blackpink’s Preppy-inspired looks for the Thom Browne 2024 campaign have become a highlight in the fashion world. With outfits blending cardigans, pleated skirts, and Mary Janes, she showcases how the modern Preppy style retains its classic collegiate charm while embracing a youthful and dynamic edge.
What is Preppy style? Originating in the United States, the Preppy look is rooted in the wardrobes of students from prep schools and Ivy League universities (Harvard, Yale, Princeton…) between the 1910s and 1950s. Back then, Preppy fashion reflected both social standing and intellectual prestige. The staples included blazers, wool cardigans, collared shirts, ties, polished leather shoes, and knee-high socks — all exuding refinement and decorum.
From the 1980s onward, however, Preppy evolved with a modern twist: pleated mini skirts replaced longer versions, oversized sweaters were paired with sneakers, and cropped cardigans were styled with mini bags. These updates stripped the look of its “elitist” undertone and made it far more approachable to younger generations.
Its global spread has given rise to fascinating variations:
– United Kingdom: Preppy retains its formality through blazers, cardigans, and loafers, echoing the Oxford and Cambridge spirit.
– France: Fashion houses like Chanel and Dior interpret Preppy with refined tailoring and luxurious fabrics, bringing a feminine sophistication to the style.
– Japan: The look is often blended with seifuku school uniforms, creating a playful and youthful aesthetic.
– South Korea: In K-pop, Preppy has become a trend-defining force — with cropped cardigans, short pleated skirts, sneakers, and mini bags dominating across Asia.
– Vietnam: While not its place of origin, Preppy has gained momentum through K-pop, J-pop, and social media. Students often remix uniforms with cardigans, sweaters, or Mary Janes, making the style both relatable and wearable.
In her collaboration with Thom Browne, Lisa delivers multiple interpretations of Preppy. A tailored plaid suit paired with a gray turtleneck, knee-high socks, and polished shoes channels the disciplined elegance of the Ivy League heritage. Meanwhile, a white floral cardigan styled with a pleated tweed skirt and Mary Janes adds a softer, feminine touch — reminiscent of French, Japanese, and Korean adaptations of the look.
What began as a symbol of America’s upper-class academic culture has now evolved into a global fashion language with endless expressions. Lisa’s Thom Browne campaign at the close of 2024 not only cements Preppy’s place in luxury fashion but also embodies the seamless dialogue between tradition and modernity that is shaping today’s fashion industry.
Lisa’s photo collection with Thom Browne 2024
