How To: The Perfect Preppy Chic a la Blair Waldorf

Hello ladies and gents,

How are you? It feels strange publishing a fashion post after recent events...maybe all of us fashion enthusiasts can use fashion as a healing method. I know, it sounds ridiculous to some, but I think whichever way one chooses in order to cope is absolutely fine by my books. For some people it's lighting a candle, for others it's listening to music and for some of us it's putting our best look forward. Sometimes bravery and confidence and strength need a little boost, which can start from the outside. Put your lipstick on, put a smile on and you will get through the day.

Fashion and beauty are definitely not the panacea to the world's problems but they can be helpful to those who find refuge in them in order to feel strong again. That's not a bad thing, and it should not be demonized. So yeah, Blair Waldorf's looks are hardly relevant to what's been happening but they're something to help me take my mind off things for now. Just for now.

I know this isn't how you would expect this post to start but then again, I couldn't not acknowledge what's happened and how it has affected me because it has. I don't want to pretend it didn't and I don't want to feel ashamed for posting today. I'm sure most of you would understand. You're here too reading this, after all.

Introduction made. Now we can move on:

I know what you're probably thinking right now: Blair Waldorf was a character that was created in 2007, so how can we relate to her now, 8 years later? Well, Blair's style was so classic, in a way it was timeless. Many of her looks would be just as acceptable in the 60s as well as the 90s and the early 00s. Preppy chic isn't exactly new and oddly enough, it's more hip and on-trend than ever.

The evidence is clear in the collage below that features some of the hottest preppy looks for Fall 2015:

top: Delpozo / Tommy Hilfiger / Michael Kors
bottom: Carven / Louis Vuitton / Miu Miu

So in light of the revival of this trend, I thought about my beloved B. I mean, come on, she's the mistress of that look.

Thankfully you have me to help break it down for you. Just kidding (or am I?)

You can combine all the different counterparts of the preppy look, or you can tone it down by adding one or two pieces to your wardrobe without changing your personal style. The Blair looks are mere suggestions, and they're definitely not necessarily how you should dress.

CAPES

In my opinion, this is the definitive BW look. The cape, the matchy-matchy accessories, the tights, the color blocking. This was Blair at her best. And that finale was probably one of the best in GG history (or dare I say TV Drama history?) Capes are a staple piece in a prepster's closet. They're cute, girly and fun. But to wear them well, you need to balance out the volume with skinny pants or tights. Baggy clothing is a huge no-no with this look. Elbow-long gloves are the ideal addition to this adorable ensemble.

The Perfect Preppy: Capes by fashionistalooks on polyvore.com

PLAID

Let me start this by expressing how utterly unimpressed I am by the abundance of basic flannel shirts everywhere. So no, this post does not endorse looking like a Southern handiman. There's always a chic way to add a bit of a British flair to your look, as in a plaid coat or a plaid accessory. Cues below:

The Perfect Preppy: Plaid by fashionistalooks on polyvore.com

THE TIE-NECK BLOUSE

Blair loved her bows. And so do I. My mom makes fun of me, she says they remind her of my great-grandmother's shirts. And what I said back was: "well, apparently great-grandmother certainly had style!" It is true though, sometimes bow blouses can border on granny territory, but a shorter hem at the skirt, or an unlikely color combination will render the look more youthful. 

The Perfect Preppy: Bows by fashionistalooks on polyvore.com

TWEED

Tweed is as classic as it gets. There's nothing more timeless and elegant and feminine than a Chanel tweed jacket. Tweed is a very luxurious material that has a dear place in my closet because it always adds texture to a look, making it more intresting. I like complex tweeds (like the Warehouse skirt below), they almost give off an impressionistic effect. They look very cohesive from afar, but up close you can see all the different fibres that they comprise of.

The Perfect Preppy: Tweed by fashionistalooks on polyvore.com

LOAFERS & OXFORDS

A classic pair of chic flats is the city girl's best friend. I know I couldn't survive without mine. Comfort and style? Yes please. Opt for a good leather, because you'll be beating them to the max. Choose an animal or a houndstooth print for a bit of a pop to a monochromatic look. Oxford heels add a sexy edge to the so-called librarian chic look.

The Perfect Preppy: Loafers & Oxfords by fashionistalooks on polyvore.com

TIGHTS

I'm sure the show's most popular style element was the tights, mainly during the first two seasons when the girls attended the UES elite prep school, Constance Billard. Tights were central to the preppy look that Blair was famous for. She wore all kinds, but she had a knack for red, white and patterned black ones. Coincidentally, those are my favorite styles too. In the Fall 2015 Tommy Hilfiger show, the models donned pairs of ribbed tights in shades of off-black and burgundy. So if you're feeling less sure about a colorful pair, classic thick knit ones will not dissappoint. But please, I beg of you, steer clear of the translucent shiny kind that flashes back in photos. Horrible.

The Perfect Preppy: Tights by fashionistalooks on polyvore.com

BLAZERS

The blazer... another must-have in a prep's closet. Although I believe a good blazer is must-have in anyone's closet. You don't need to be Blair in order to get yourself one of these. A nicely tailored blazer can pull together an entire look. Just make sure it doesn't look too uptight. Loosen up your shirt, go for a mini skirt, rock those colorful tights we just spoke of. See? It all ties in.

The Perfect Preppy: Blazers by fashionistalooks on polyvore.com

CRISP COLLARS

White collars layered underneath sweaters and cardis are the epitome of preppy chic. In my opinion crisp white shirts shout: "I have my life together". But just like with blazers, you don't want to look too severe, unless well, you're heading to a job interview. I like to pair sharp elements with softer ones for a balanced look: for example, combine a layered collared sweater with a mini flared skirt and a pair of booties. If it were me, I'd add a pop of color and I'd probably wear a pair of statement, colorful earrings (that'd very Miu Miu). Just mix it up, and you won't miss. 

The Perfect Preppy: Crisp Collars by fashionistalooks on polyvore.com

C'est tout pour le moment,