Preppy Boho: a dual look that satisfies two contradictory tastes

Are you a nice girl with a dreamy and mysterious side and a love of art and music? Do you have the need to fit in but stand out? If you are like many women, you have a fragmented personality with conflicting ideas and tastes. But don’t let this stop you from forming a signature look! One of the most popular looks, both elegant and rebellious, is called Preppy Boho; combines elements of high society Old Money fashion and the spirit and spontaneity of flower children. Here are a few ways you can pull off this enviably elegant combination with finesse:

* Splurge on scarves!

Nothing gives an outfit more floral power than a scarf. Wear it in your hair as a headband or tie it over your ponytail holder. Wrap it around your neck for a more poetic look or wear it as a belt. Consider purchasing scarves with quaint vintage designs in pastel or jewelry-like colors, or shop for bright scarves. Paisley and floral designs are the most flattering, but experiment with other patterns as well if you’d like. Solid colored scarves work great with patterned tops.

*Stock up on earth-toned polo shirts and rich wines.

Polo shirts are the ultimate preppy staple, but Boho’s signature color scheme tones down the country club vibe. Look for polo shirts in beige, burgundy, camel, forest green, burnt orange, brick red, mustard yellow, pale grey, purple, pine green, magenta, and fuchsia. Pair your polo with a pair of distressed jeans, cute leather sandals, a cashmere scarf in your hair, and a subtle pearl necklace.

*Look for pretty bracelets in feminine colors that you can stack on your arms when wearing short-sleeved or sleeved tops.

The more bracelets the better, but balance your outfit with minimal jewelry elsewhere. Try wearing lots of bangles with a three-quarter-sleeve top, simple plaid skirt, girlish Mary Janes, and colorful tights or a funky headband.

*Shop the best tiered prairie skirts in soft cottons or luxurious velvet.

Combine the shorter ones with polo shirts or cashmere sweaters and the longer ones with dreamy camisoles. Try on a lace camisole with a mid-calf length skirt, pearl earrings, a pearl necklace and understated gold or silver metallic sandals. Cover it with a scarf or headband.

*Find stylish sunglasses in round John Lennon styles or glamorous aviator cuts.

For added sparkle, consider applying small rhinestones to the sides. The sunglasses can be worn over the eyes (as you’d expect!), or simply over the hair for a Malibu vacation look. Try a polo shirt with a printed prairie skirt, cute sandals, a pair of bracelets on each wrist, and a pair of sunglasses.

* Shop for statement earrings – they enhance any outfit.

You can buy large gypsy earrings in metallic (silver, gold, copper) or wood, either plain or dyed. Also look for gem-encrusted chandelier earrings or bead clusters.

*Clogs are Boho staples, but can be tailored based on shape and material.

Gem-encrusted or intricately beaded high-heeled clogs are perfect for a night out, while smooth leather clogs are great for casual days. Look for clogs made of denim or with velvet covers for a more unique look. Try pairing clogs with jeans, a polo shirt, a scarf worn as a belt, sunglasses, and chandelier earrings.

The Preppy Boho look allows you to stay true to your wardrobe classics while expressing your most 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.