How To Master The Schoolgirl Ensemble

The days of prep school uniforms may be far behind you, but as a busy college gal, waking up every day for an early morning class after a night full of studying (or extracurricular activities) makes the nostalgic idea of a ready-to-wear uniform seem that much more appealing.

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Even if you weren’t forced into itchy plaid skirts by your grade school’s dress code, you have probably encountered the concept elsewhere: short pleated skirts, Peter Pan collared shirts and a bow or tie, if your school was fancy.

It’s been rehashed by every form of media and has outlived many other trends. Yet, we’re still not entirely over it, and probably never will be.

The schoolgirl ensemble will always be a timeless style both in and out of the classroom due to the simplicity of the uniform, which allows you to appear casual yet sophisticated without having to get too complicated.

A classic prepster look highlights the fashion hallmarks of sharp tailoring, with a dash of androgyny, and the buttoned-up air of danger resulting in a formidable balance of polish and unspoken tease that’s hard to conquer with many other styles.

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This approach is timeless and never fails to make the statement of style, class, intellect and elegance. So the next time that you find yourself in a sartorial quandary, try reverting to your childhood academic roots and create an oh-so-polished prep school inspired throwback outfit by piecing together a few basic items.

The Pleated Skater Skirt

The skater skirt has experienced a serious comeback this year, making itself a staple piece for girls on and off the runway.

At its most basic level, the simple school skirt is a very versatile garment – you can make it mini, knee, or midi length; pleated with buckles, plaid with a belt, plain wool, or leather.

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Not only is this skirt adorable and incredibly stylish, its functionality provides an endless amount of opportunities for mixing and matching. It can take your look from flirty cheerleader to intellectual librarian with simply the change of a blouse.

Mix it up with a crew neck sweater layered over a button up or with a structured blouse, add some high socks and boots and you have a look that’s both scholarly and autumnal.

Blazer 

The quintessential item in a preppy girl’s wardrobe has to be the monochromatic blazer that easily adds a dose of sophistication to any ensemble.

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The functionality of a blazer is that it adds form and structure, while instantly creating a polished appearance. Opt for a navy blue or black blazer and then soften its strict lines with a feminine detailed blouse, such as a high neck top with a bow, or a flirty plaid skirt.

Collared Shirt

Neckwear is a top priority for the fashionable schoolgirl. From ties to bows, no prepster outfit is complete without adding a little collar flair.

Not only does it instantly increase the lady-like factor of your ensemble, it appears cleaned up and puritanical while still evoking a vibe of trendiness.

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Whether it’s a button up oxford, a polo layered under a sweater, or a peter pan collared shirt, you can easily step up your prep game with some chic neckwear. Pair your collared tops with slacks, a pleated skirt, or even layer it over a structured dress for a casually sophisticated approach.

Tailored Dress

A tailored dress is a feminine take on the typical schoolgirl style aesthetic. Ladylike yet sharp and restrained, a tailored dress boasts the ultimate multi-occasion silhouette for the perfect classroom to dinnertime look.

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This style of dress provides a bold outfit within itself and can easily be vamped up with a blazer or removable collar. Opt for solid colored structured dresses made with high-quality materials, and touched up with girly details such as ruffles or a high waist belt.

Color

Although the schoolgirl look is rooted in subdued dark solid hues and conservative plaids, it never hurts to modernize your outfit with some splashes of bright colors.

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Whether it’s a bright red trench coat over a navy dress, a technicolor bag, or orange leggings under a skirt or structured dress, incorporating some primaries into your ensemble allows you to have fun with what is considered to be a strict and rigid sartorial approach.

Hair Accessories 

A feminine headband adds a flirty touch to the structured crisp lines, which are typically associated with the prepster aesthetic.

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A satin headband or a ladylike bow looks polished while adding a playful feel to your locks. Wear one of these accessories with your hair let loose or pull a headband over a sleek ponytail, braid, or bun.