I know some of you are Vineyard Vines diehards, but maybe you’re looking to expand your wardrobe or find some more affordable options.
Well have I got some recommendations for you!
Let me tell you a little story first about my own preppy clothing journey.
Back in my early 20s when I first entered the corporate world, I didn’t know a polo shirt from a pocket square.
But I quickly learned that if I wanted to fit in with my new coworkers, I needed to up my style game.
So I started building up my collection of preppy staples, mainly from Vineyard Vines because that’s what everyone else was wearing.
But then I realized their stuff was kinda expensive and I got bored with the same old pink whales everywhere.
So I branched out and found some great alternatives that give me the classy preppy style I love, without breaking the bank.
Did you know the first Vineyard Vines store opened in 1998?
So they’ve really cornered the market on that preppy lifestyle branding.
But there are lots of other brands doing it well these days too.
Let me tell you about some of my faves:
Brooks Brothers
This classic American brand has been around since 1818, so they definitely know a thing or two about preppy style.
Brooks Brothers is known for their high-quality, timeless pieces like oxford button-downs, chinos, blazers, and suits.
I’d say they lean more traditional prep than Vineyard Vines – think country club attire rather than laidback coastal vibes.
The men’s dress shirts are crisp, soft cotton with the perfect tailored fit.
My husband swears by their non-iron Madison fit oxfords for work.
They also have great women’s options, like their stretch cotton poplin button down shirts.
The colors and patterns are classic like blue gingham, navy, and of course, pink and green for a preppy pop.
The quality really shows – these investment pieces will last forever with proper care.
Just be prepared to pay those premium heritage brand prices.
Their t-shirts start around $50, oxfords $140, blazers $400+.
Ralph Lauren
You can’t talk preppy style without mentioning
Ralph Lauren
.
This iconic designer has defined so much of the preppy aesthetic since the 60s with his luxury takes on American classics.
While the Purple Label collection veers into serious investment territory, the core Ralph Lauren lines offer plenty of prep staples at more approachable prices.
I’d say Polo Ralph Lauren sits around the same mid-tier pricing as Vineyard Vines.
The men’s custom fit polos are available in every color with the signature pony logo, made from a soft pique cotton/modal blend.
These look great dressed up with chinos or down with
jeans
on the weekends.
For women, the relaxed fit cotton polos are a similar preppy basic that pairs perfectly with skirts and shorts.
The Ralph Lauren cable knit sweaters offer that cozy heritage look in camel, navy, gray and ivory.
I also love their dresses that combine polo collars with fun prints and feminine silhouettes.
The core Ralph Lauren aesthetic definitely aligns with Vineyard Vines’ focus on East Coast country club style.
Lilly Pulitzer
Preppy girls, listen up!
Lilly Pulitzer’s
bright prints and resort wear are a vacation wardrobe staple.
The dresses and accessories epitomize the “pink and green” preppy vibe.
The prices are similar to Vineyard Vines, but Lilly has fun sales too.
The classic Lilly shift dresses are made from cotton or linen with signature Palm Beach inspired prints.
I love how you can dress them up with wedges or
sandals
for summer parties, or throw on flat sandals for a casual beach look.
The colors and patterns are so vibrant – we’re talking bright pinks, greens, corals and lots of fun tropical themes like pineapples, blooming flowers and palm leaves.
They also have great preppy pieces like printed trousers, skirts, tops and blazers that you can easily mix and match.
My favorite accessory is their embroidered linen ponytail hat – it’s perfect for keeping the sun off your face while still looking pulled together.
The price point is comparable to Vineyard Vines, ranging from $50 – $200 for most items.
Patagonia
Patagonia puts an outdoorsy twist on preppy style.
Their fleece vests, pullovers, and outdoor gear check all the preppy boxes while still being sustainable and ethical.
The classic Patagonia fleece vest comes in tonal colors like navy, gray, and khaki for an easy layering piece.
Both their men’s and women’s vests feature easy zip closures, multiple pockets, and the signature Patagonia logo on the chest.
For women they also have some really cute fleece pullovers and jackets in soft pastels and neutrals that work back perfectly to preppy outfits.
And you can’t forget their best-selling Better Sweater – it’s the perfect preppy sweater made from recycled materials.
Patagonia’s prices are reasonable considering their focus on quality and sustainability.
The fleece vests run $120-$150 and the Better Sweater is around $140.
They also have an impressive Worn Wear program where you can buy and sell used Patagonia gear which helps give their products an even longer lifespan.
Definitely browse their website for gear that aligns with Vineyard Vines’ casual, outdoorsy vibe.
J.
Crew
J.
Crew dominated the preppy category long before Vineyard Vines came along, especially with their ’80s and ’90s heyday.
Their clothes walk the line between classic American style and current trends.
Lots of great basics in preppy cuts, colors and patterns.
The men’s oxford shirts come in colors like salmon, mint, pink, and blue as well as versatile ginghams and plaids.
They’re made from a substantial but breathable cotton.
J.
Crew has different fits like classic, slim and tall.
Their Broken-in tees have a faded vintage feel in preppy stripes and colors.
For women, J.
Crew nails femininity and function, like their best-selling Regent blazer with its flattering silhouette.
Their sleeveless popover shirtdress channels a throwback ’50s housewife look in fun collared styles.
The prices reflect the quality at the mid-tier level, very similar to Vineyard Vines.
But J.
Crew is known for major seasonal sales, especially around the holidays, so signing up for their emails pays off.
Lacoste
Another iconic preppy brand, Lacoste was founded in France in 1933 and is known for their polos with the little embroidered crocodile logo.
The pique cotton polo shirts come in every color from brights to neutrals so you can build a rainbow collection.
I prefer the feminine fit polos for women with a slightly curved hem and sleek zip neck.
The men’s classic fit lacoste polo might be even more recognizable than Vineyard Vines’ whale logo!
They wear it well with the collar popped to complete that prepster look.
Lacoste also offers other prep staples like cotton poplin shirts, sweaters, shorts and skirts.
The price point is definitely cheaper than Vineyard Vines – most of their polos run $50-$90.
I was able to score 2 classic fit polos in the sale section for only $30 each!
They also carry extended sizes which is great for inclusion.
Browse their website or visit one of their standalone boutique stores for quality prep gear at lower prices.
Southern Tide
Founded in 2006, Southern Tide is a newer preppy brand quickly gaining popularity, especially in the South.
Their logo features skipjack tuna rather than pink whales or crocodiles.
The overall style definitely has that laidback, coastal prep vibe.
For men, their button down shirts come in heritage plaids along with fun, coastal inspired prints.
The fabric is a lightweight chambray or oxford cloth.
I love the little anchor embroidered detail on the hem and cuffs.
Their polos are also soft, breathable pique cotton perfect for warmer weather.
The women’s line has cute nautical elements too like anchor buttons and boat prints.
Lots of dresses, rompers, tees and pullovers in pretty pastels and bold colors.
Southern Tide’s price point is right on par with Vineyard Vines.
Button downs around $100, polos $85, dresses $100-$150.
Rowing Blazers
This brand definitely focuses more on retro, vintage Americana rather than the typical preppy icons.
But the overall look still has that playful, slightly kitschy preppy vibe.
They’re known for collaborating with high-end brands to reimagine classics through a preppy lens.
One of my favorite pieces is the Rowing Blazers × Sperry Authentic Original boat shoe.
It has a 3D embroidered golden retriever on the side!
For women, their collab with Keds offers low-top sneakers with fun embroidered patterns like flowers and strawberries.
The prices definitely reach luxury levels, with most collaborations around $150-$300.
But if you want a unique statement piece to incorporate into your regular preppy wardrobe, Rowing Blazers has lots of cool, quirky options to choose from.
Just maybe save them for special occasions rather than everyday!
Tucker Blair
Tucker Blair specializes in menswear, infusing preppy style with heritage Americana vibes.
Lots of great staples like oxford shirts, striped ties, belts, and prints with unique vintage details.
The oxford shirts have personalized options like monograms or choosing your own embroidered critter logo.
The printed belts come in preppy motifs like lobsters, sailboats and golf icons.
For casual looks, their t-shirts and sweatshirts offer wink-and-nod takes on classics with sayings like “Athletic Deptartment” and “Country Club Member”.
Tucker Blair’s prices are on par with J.
Crew – oxfords around $125, printed belts $88.
Custom monogramming does add to the price tag too.
Overall, the quality and unique preppy style make it worth investing in a few signature Tucker Blair pieces to incorporate into your regular wardrobe rotation.
Vineyard Vines
Of course I still love Vineyard Vines too!
Their fun color palettes and focus on laidback coastal living created such a recognizable preppy style.
The button downs and polos offer that signature happy whale logo we all know and love.
The men’s button downs come in classic oxford cloth, ginghams, and coastal motifs like lobsters and anchors.
For women, the Shep Shirts have cute feminine details like tie front closures and puffed sleeves.
Beyond just the tops, they have great shorts, pants, dresses, ties, belts and accessories for full preppy looks.
The prices do tend to be on the higher end – button downs around $100, polos $85-90, dresses $130+.
But the quality is decent and pieces will last if properly cared for.
The classic whale pieces never really go out of style either.
Bonobos
Bonobos puts a modern spin on preppy style with tailored fits and stretch fabrics – think prep 2.
0.
Lots of great men’s pants, shirts, shorts and suiting in heritage inspired colors, prints and fabrics.
The signature men’s chinos come in slim, straight and athletic fits with lots of colors and fun preppy prints.
Made from a cotton/poly stretch blend, they’re designed specifically for comfort and mobility.
I always notice how the fabrics move naturally with the body.
For both men and women, their short sleeve shirts and polos offer a tailored fit in soft, breathable materials.
Prints include gingham, florals, and an awesome lobster pattern – very Vineyard Vines!
Bonobos’ prices are super reasonable considering the innovative fabrics and contemporary fits.
Chinos around $80, short sleeve button ups $70-$90, polos around $60.
Polo Ralph Lauren
The more affordable range from the iconic Ralph Lauren still delivers on preppy style.
Lots of staple layers, shoes, accessories featuring that signature pony logo.
For men, the custom fit mesh polo shirt is perfect for casual Fridays or weekends.
It comes in every color and stripes, made from a breathable cotton mesh material.
Very similar vibe to the Vineyard Vines whale polos at around $50-60 each.
Their vintage chino pants offer a relaxed fit in chambray, white denim, and khaki – great for pairing with the polos or oxfords.
For women, I love their relaxed fit cotton polo dress made from a supersoft jersey knit.
It comes in solids from navy to pink, with the pony logo on the chest.
At $100 it’s a preppy sweater dress alternative.
Lots of their iconic logo sweatshirts and tees for layering too.
The quality is a tier below mainline Ralph Lauren but still classic pieces at budget-friendly prices.
Banana Republic
has really embraced the coastal New England, nautical side of preppy style in recent years.
Lots of great tailored clothing and basics in heritage colors and patterns.
For men, their rapid movement chino shorts offer stretch and ventilation in navy, khaki, bright coral and pretty light pink.
They hit right at the knee with room through the leg – perfect for summertime activities!
Pair them with one of their soft washed button down shirts.
For women, their tie-waist shirtdress nails that breezy, nautical look in gingham or striped cotton.
I also love their linen blends that capture the casual sophistication of coastal vacations.
Their tunic, wide leg pants, and wrap dresses work perfectly for evenings out during beach vacations or summer Fridays at home.
Banana Republic’s prices are super affordable, with most items under $100.
Madewell
Madewell is like the trendier, younger sister brand to J.
Crew.
Their clothes definitely have that carefree, vintage inspired preppy vibe.
Lots of great wardrobe basics like jeans, tees, dresses and leather goods in classic silhouettes and fabrics.
Their slim straight vintage jeans come in a few elongating washes like coastline blue or bright white – perfect for casual summer prep looks.
I love their curved hem tees made from substantial cotton – grab one in nautical stripes or a solid pop of color.
For shoes, their classic leather lattice sandals are my go-to, coming in cognac, ivory and black.
I also appreciate how most of their collection is styled in a way that would pair seamlessly with Vineyard Vines favorites already in your closet.
Price-wise, Madewell is similar to J.
Crew – jeans around $130, tees $25-$40, dresses $100-$150.
They run great promotional discounts too, so never pay full price!
Everlane
For a minimalist, modern take on prep style, check out Everlane.
Their clothes have a casual simplicity that still exudes refined taste, and they’re all about ethical, sustainable manufacturing.
Lots of great wardrobe basics like their box cut cotton tee that comes in every color.
It has a relaxed unisex fit and super soft supima cotton that makes it perfect for weekends and layering.
Their wide leg crop chino is a prep staple made from lightweight, breathable cotton with a button closure.
Wear it with a tee and sneakers or
blouse
and loafers.
I’m also a huge fan of Everlane’s accessories like their modern leather slides and large tote
bags
– very chic and polished.
Their price point is so reasonable for the quality and manufacturing standards.
Tees $18, pants $68, leather slides $88, totes $98.
Definitely browse their easy, minimalist take on prep style.
Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger may have peaked in the 90s, but still delivers on classic American prep style.
The nautical ropes and stripe motifs offer a fun, heritage take on prep.
For men, their 1/4 zip pullover comes in navy, red and blue with contrasting striped trim – perfect for layering over an oxford.
I also love the color-blocked polos that put a fresh spin on a prep staple.
For women, their long sweater tank dresses have that breezy, resort-ready vibe in bright colors and stripes.
And you can’t forget the signature flag logo pieces!
Their sweatshirts, tees and polos prominently featuring navy, white and red color blocks and the “Tommy” logo capture youthful prep spirit.
Pricing lands around J.
Crew/Madewell level with 1/4 zips $90, polos $70, pullover dresses $130.