Stumped by the eternal mystery of smart-casual dress codes (who isn’t)? You might want to enrol in preppy style for a semester or two. Okay, it’s synonymous as the Sloaney Pony uniform of choice but now fashion has rightly reclaimed preppy as a nonchalant way to do smart-casual in the 21st century. And there’s not a red chino in sight…

Preppy style evolved from quintessentially Ivy League origins, first sported by America’s East Coast elite in the early 1900s. More formal than the preppy looks we often see today, it became a way of dress for students attending prestigious universities like Harvard, Yale and Princeton.

The preppy aesthetic reached its mainstream heyday in the late 1950s – adopted (with a twist) by Hollywood hipsters like Steve McQueen and Paul Newman, collegiate style suddenly became iconic off-duty clothing that anybody could wear.

“Today, preppy is a look referenced and modernised as classic American style,” says Olie Arnold, style director at Mr Porter. “For me, preppy style can simply be tailored basics with hints of colour to add a bit of flair to your outfit. A great way to interpret it now is with a varsity jacket, combined with chinos and a pair of loafers.”

For a masterclass in modern preppy style, look to the likes of David Gandy, out-there André 3000, and Eddie Redmayne when the tux is at the dry cleaners. Here’s how to do preppy, well (Ivy League major not essential).

The Rules Of Preppy Style

Whether you’re a fashion freshman or senior prep pro, follow these styling pointers to look more modern-day JFK, less Made in Chelsea reject…

Collar Etiquette

No poppin’ here, thanks. Keep it down.

Try One Statement

Never, ever several – unless you are actually André 3000. “Build the preppy look around a staple piece, like a varsity jacket or madras check shirt,” says Arnold. “This is always easier if you keep your outfit’s colour palette to a minimum.”