Ask the expert: How do I make a preppy outfit work for the office?

Fashion editor Lena Kamarudin wants you to maximise your weekend preppy fits for your work days.

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - SEPTEMBER 03: Park Soo bin at Seoul Fashion Week S/S 2025 on September 03, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Tiffany Boubkeur/Getty Images)
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Welcome to our Ask the Expert column where we answer all your fashion conundrums.

Love yourself a little school girl fit but looking to wear it in a more polished way? There are plenty of preppy accents that can be worn with your work blazer, tailored trousers or pencil skirts. Read on to see how you can ace these looks effortlessly!

Good Ol’ Navy 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: A guest is seen wearing a blue jacket, blue top, white skirt and white sandal outside the Carolina Herrera show during New York Fashion Week on September 09, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jade Tillman Belmes/Getty Images)
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As the preppy style is characterised by its distinct colour palette, the best way to incorporate this trend into your work wear is by mixing and matching colours. And, one of the most popular preppy colour combinations is navy blue and white.

Touch and Feel

Credit: Miu Miu

For a more grown-up take on the preppy ensemble, a textured pairing such as an embellished skirt or a pair of brocade print trousers will do the trick.

A Hero Piece

Credit: Miu Miu

Pick one statement preppy piece - a polo shirt, pleated skirt, track jacket - and pair it with anything tailored.

Down to the Details

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - SEPTEMBER 03: Park Soo bin at Seoul Fashion Week S/S 2025 on September 03, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Tiffany Boubkeur/Getty Images)
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The fastest and easiest way to pull off this preppy trend and look office appropriate is to by way of a shirt and tie.

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