In the ever-evolving social media landscape, few trends have captured the zeitgeist like the VSCO phenomenon.
Originating as a photo and video editing app, VSCO transcended its initial purpose to become a cultural touchstone that gave rise to the “VSCO girl.”
Nowadays, “VSCO girl” describes a digital-native persona with a specific lifestyle, aesthetic, and way of dressing known as the VSCO Preppy style.
In this article, we’ll uncover the secrets of this unique fashion style and introduce you to the best clothes, footwear, and accessories to put together perfect VSCO Preppy Style outfits.
What is VSCO Preppy?
VSCO Preppy is a way of dressing that combines the laid-back, beachy aesthetic of the VSCO girl with garments and accessories representative of Preppy fashion.
This fusion results in a unique style that’s both casual and polished, depicting a youthful, modern, and traditional vibe.
In comparison, original VSCO girls wear oversized T-shirts, scrunchies, and Birkenstocks, while VSCO Preppy fashionistas augment their outfits with pleated skirts, button-down shirts, and tailored suit jackets.
Also, the VSCO Preppy style relies on Old Money brands for recognizable garments and accessories that add a touch of luxury to the otherwise relaxed VSCO look.
The Origin of VSCO Preppy Style
VSCO Preppy style is a modern take on the broader VSCO dressing movement that gained popularity in 2019, driven by the high-quality filters of the VSCO photo-editing app.
Initially, pictures of VSCO girls wearing sun-kissed oversized T-shirts, scrunchies, and Hydro Flasks living eco-conscious lifestyles proliferated on Instagram and TikTok.
Over time, people began incorporating clothes and accessories with Preppy patterns into their VSCO-inspired wardrobes for an extra touch of traditional sophistication.
How to Dress VSCO Preppy?
Achieving a perfect VSCO Preppy style look requires mixing casual VSCO clothes and accessories with tailored garments typical of the Preppy style, be it Ivy League, Northern, or Southern variations.
Popular combinations comprise VSCO graphic tees with Ivy League Preppy pleated skirts, white sneakers, pearl necklaces, and designer handbags.
Essential VSCO Preppy Style Clothes
1. White Pleated Frill Mini Skirts or Dresses
With roots in the classic Preppy style, white pleated frill mini skirts are quintessential in the VSCO Preppy wardrobe.
White lends a sense of purity, femininity, and versatility, pairing well with graphic tees or formal tops.
- Recommended Brands: Amanda Uprichard, LoveShackFancy, Lovers & Friends
2. Neon Pink Dolphin Shorts
With roots in the casual, beachy VSCO aesthetic, neon pink dolphin shorts exude youthful energy and are the perfect counterpoint to the tailored Preppy garments.
- Recommended Brands: Lululemon, 7 Days Active, Abercrombie & Fitch
3. White or Pink Slim-fit Jeans
White or pink slim-fit jeans are a versatile foundation to any VSCO Preppy style outfit.
The colors, white for purity and pink for youthful exuberance, complement collared shirts and pearl necklaces typical of the Preppy style.
- Recommended Brands: Levi’s, Madewell, AG Jeans, Boden
4. White and Pink Gingham Dresses
Gingham dresses in white and pink infuse a classic Preppy fashion pattern with a modern, youthful, and relaxed touch characteristic of the VSCO style.
- Recommended Brands: Ralph Lauren, Majorelle, Kate Spade
5. White Bodysuits
The white bodysuit in the VSCO Preppy style serves as a versatile base layer thanks to its monochromatic hue matching the Preppy style’s clean and simple aesthetic.
- Recommended Brands: Aritzia, Calvin Klein, Abercrombie & Fitch
6. Puff Sleeve Tops
Matching well with the Preppy style’s emphasis on structured garments, Puff sleeve tops add playfulness and vintage grace to the VSCO Preppy style.
- Recommended Brands: Kate Spade, For Love & Lemons, Reformation
7. Floral Dresses
Incorporating VSCO’s love for nature, using floral dresses in VSCO Preppy style outfits delivers a feel of casual elegance and classic design.
- Recommended Brands: Reformation, Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade
8. Pastel Crewneck Sweaters
Pastel crewneck sweaters align with VSCO’s choice of understated colors and contribute to the VSCO Preppy style by delivering a classy appearance.
- Recommended Brands: American Eagle, Paul Smith, Abercrombie & Fitch
9. Pink Quilted Jackets
Pink quilted jackets offer a unique twist to a cornerstone garment in Country Club, Old Money, Sloane Ranger, and French BCBG styles.
Traditionally in earthy colors, pink contemporizes the jacket, making it a perfect fit for the VSCO Preppy style.
- Recommended Brands: Moncler, Barbour, Paul Smith
10. Animal Print Pijama Sets
While animal prints are associated with luxury and exclusivity, incorporating them into pajama sets grants the VSCO Preppy style a unique feel of formal casualness.
- Recommended Brands: Roller Rabbit, Desmond & Dempsey
1. White Super-Star Sneakers
White Super-Star sneakers harmonize well with VSCO-style graphic tees and structured Preppy pleated skirts for a perfect hybrid style.
- Recommended Brands: Golden Goose, Converse Chuck Taylor
2. Birkenstock Sandals
Originating from the German ‘health shoe’ tradition, Birkenstock sandals symbolize eco-conscious living, aligning well with VSCO’s ethos.
- Recommended Brands: Birkenstock
3. Smiley Face Slippers
Originating from the casual loungewear trend, smiley face slippers inject a dose of youthful exuberance into the VSCO Preppy style, acting as a relaxed counterpoint to any structured Preppy clothes.
- Recommended Brands: UGG, Happy Feet, Steve Madden
Essential VSCO Preppy Style Accessories
1. Neon Pink Baseball Caps
Neon pink baseball caps complement Preppy’s earthy colors by providing a pop of color and youthful energy.
- Recommended Brands: Lululemon, Polo Ralph Lauren, New Era
2. Pink Cowboy Hats
Pink cowboy hats are an unconventional but very fitting addition to the VSCO Preppy style, disrupting the formality of Old Money looks with a youthful and adventurous flair.
- Recommended Brands: Stetson, Resistol
3. Designer Handbags
Designer handbags, particularly from Louis Vuitton, confer any VSCO Preppy style outfits a touch of luxury and sophistication.
- Recommended Brands: Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, Kate Spade
4. Pinky Love Rings in Gold
Associated with refinement and sophistication, gold pinky love rings incorporate the elegance of Preppy fashion into the relaxed vibe of VSCO style.
- Recommended Brands: Cartier, David Yurman
5. Pearl and Gold Necklaces
The natural origin of pearl and gold necklaces resonates with VSCO’s eco-conscious ethos and Preppy style’s demand for timeless luxury and sophistication.
- Recommended Brands: Tiffany & Co., Mikimoto
6. Pink Scrunchies
Pink scrunchies are a unifying accessory in the VSCO Preppy style. Pink encapsulates the youthful VSCO aesthetic, while the functional design aligns with the Preppy style’s emphasis on practical accessories.
- Recommended Brands: Scunci, Goody, Kitsch
3 Key Takeaways
- VSCO Preppy look is a hybrid fashion style that combines VSCO-inspired youthful clothing and accessories with classic traditional aesthetics from Preppy fashion.
- Achieving a perfect VSCO Preppy look involves a curated selection of garments and accessories, ranging from white pleated frill mini skirts to neon pink baseball caps, each contributing specific aesthetics and patterns to the overall style.
- Shop relevant brands like J.Crew, Lululemon, and Scunci, which offer products that align well with the VSCO Preppy style.
Similar Styles to VSCO Preppy
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After years of managing hundreds of fashion brands from London’s office of a global retailer, Mandy has ventured into freelancing. Connected with several fashion retailers and media platforms in the US, Australia, and the UK, Mandy uses her expertise to consult for emerging fashion brands create top-notch content as an editorial strategist for several online publications.
