For anyone who grew up in the late ’90s/early 2000s, being called “preppy” definitely drummed up a lot of specific images: crisp, pastel polos and pleated skirts, cable-knit sweaters around ...

My InsiderThe newest variant of "preppy," led mostly by Gen Alpha over the last year, refers to bright clothing, lots of pink, and specific accessories like ribbons, bowties, and Stanley water ...

How the new preppy is still related to consumption Preppy, it would seem, is a bit less buttoned up now. But like many current aesthetics, it’s still tied to conspicuous consumption.