Prep in your step: 10 perfect pieces for an effortless summer wardrobe

Once reserved for Ivy League legacies and summers on the Vineyard, preppy style has taken a fresh turn.For Gen Z (and the fashion-savvy among us), it’s no longer just polos and pleated skirts — it’s playful, pastel, and TikTok-approved.

Think: tennis-core meets coquette-core with a side of vintage Ralph.At its roots, preppy fashion still channels that polished, East Coast ease — crisp collars, tailored shorts, and breezy button-downs that whispers old money energy.But in 2025, it’s less about old rules and more about reimagining tradition with personality — and just the right amount of pink.So, whether you’re heading to the Hamptons or just dressing like you are, we’ve rounded up 10 summer-perfect pieces that deliver on style, quality, and, yes, serious prep appeal.Trust me — you don’t need a trust fund to dress like you have one. The Nulu Bow-Detail Tank Top and matching Mini Skirt check every preppy box — clean lines, a crisp silhouette, and that effortless I’m-so-put-together vibe only a matching set can deliver.

The sweet bow detail adds a flirty, feminine twist, while the breathable Nulu fabric keeps things cool when the temps (and your plans) heat up.It’s tennis club meets TikTok — and yes, we’re obsessed.Lightweight, tailored, and available in a rainbow of colors and patterns, it’s the kind of versatile staple you’ll wear on repeat.The Button-Down Shirt comes in regular, petite, and tall sizes — plus a range of fits from classic to slim — so you can style it oversized with bike shorts or tucked into a pleated mini for that ultra-clean, ultra-prep look.The white version is a best-seller (and for good reason — it nails that “borrowed-from-my-boarding-school-boyfriend” energy), but we’re also loving the playful stripes and pastel patterns for a more personality-packed twist.Oh — and it’s on sale for $25.

Total no-brainer.Tailored yet playful, this dress features a crisp pleated skirt, chic gold buttons, and a...