Preppy Boho: A Look that Caters to Two Conflicting Tastes

Are you a good girl with a dreamy, mysterious side and a love for art and music? Do you have the need to fit in but stand out? If you’re like many women, you have a fragmented personality with conflicting ideas and tastes. But don’t let this prevent you from forming a signature style! One of the most popular looks that’s equally stylish and rebellious is called Preppy Boho; it combines elements from upper-crust Old Money fashion and flower child spiritedness and spontaneity. Here are some ways in which you can achieve this enviously chic combination with finesse:

*Splurge on scarves! Nothing pumps some flower power into an outfit like a scarf. Wear it in your hair like a headband or tie it over your scrunchie. Wrap it around your neck for a more poetic look or use it as a belt. Consider buying scarves with quaint Vintage designs in pastel or jewel-like colors, or buy bright ones. Paisley and floral designs are most flattering, but experiment with other patterns too if you wish. Solid-colored scarves work great with patterned blouses.

*Stock up on polo shirts in earth tones and rich wines. Polo shirts are the ultimate preppy staple, but the trademark Boho color scheme tones down the country club air. Search for polos in beige, burgundy, camel, forest green, burnt orange, brick red, mustard yellow, pale gray, violet, pine green, magenta, and fuchsia. Pair your polo with a pair of distressed jeans, cute leather sandals, a paisley scarf in your hair, and a subtle pearl necklace.

*Look for pretty bangles in feminine colors that you can stack on your arms when wearing short-sleeved or sleeves tops. The more bangles, the better, but balance your outfit out with minimal jewelry everywhere else. Try wearing a bunch of bangles with a ¾ sleeve blouse, a plain plaid skirt, girlish Mary Janes, and colorful tights or a funky headband.

*Buy the best tiered prairie skirts in soft cottons or luxurious velvet. Pair shorter ones with polos or cashmere sweaters, and longer ones with dreamy camisoles. Try a lacy camisole with a skirt that falls mid-calf, pearl earrings, a pearl necklace, and discreet metallic-colored sandals in gold or silver. Top it off with a scarf or headband.

*Find chic sunglasses in round John Lennon styles or glamorous aviator cuts. For extra shine, consider applying tiny rhinestones to the sides. Sunglasses can be worn over your eyes (as expected!), or just up on top of your hair for a vacation in Malibu look. Try a polo with a patterned prairie skirt, cute sandals, a couple of bangles on each wrist, and a pair of sunglasses.

*Shop for loud earrings---they punch up any outfit. You can buy large Gypsy hoops in metallics---silver, gold, copper---or wood, either plain-colored or dyed. Also look for chandelier earrings with encrusted gems or bunches of beads.

*Clogs are Boho staples, but they can be preppied up depending on the shape and material. High-heels clogs with encrusted gems or intricate beading are perfect for nights out, while plain leather clogs are great for casual days. Look for clogs made of denim or with velour shells for a more unique design. Try pairing clogs with jeans, a polo, a scarf used as a belt, sunglasses, and chandelier earrings.

The Preppy Boho look allows you to remain faithful to the classics in your wardrobe while expressing your more romantic side. If you have a slight preference for one look over the other, then shop for the right details to accentuate that side of your personality.