Prep Revival: The Ivy League Style Comeback

There’s a new wave rolling through men’s fashion right now, though calling it new is a bit cheeky, considering it’s been around since the 1950s. We’re talking crested blazers, crisp Oxford shirts, bold rugby stripes, and enough tartan to upholster an entire country pub. That’s right: Ivy League style is back.

But don’t worry, you don’t need to row for Cambridge or smoke a pipe to get involved. This isn’t about elitism, it’s about heritage menswear done right. Timeless, tidy, and just a little bit smug (in the best way). And this time around, the look has a bit more swagger and a lot less Latin.

The Ivy League look was born on the campuses of America’s most prestigious universities, think Harvard, Princeton, Yale, where academic rigour met sideline style. It was a blend of British tailoring and American ease: Oxford button-downs worn with knit ties, varsity jackets slung over chinos, and rugby shirts reimagined as casual wear long before streetwear was a thing.

It wasn’t just a dress code, it was a cultural identity. The vibe? Smart but nonchalant. Rich, but not flashy. You looked like you cared, but not too much. Less “fashion statement”, more “my dad owns a yacht and I might protest something on Tuesday”.

As the years went on, Ivy style evolved into what we now know as preppy fashion, still collegiate at its core, but with a broader audience and a more relaxed attitude. And like all good things, it’s come back around. In a world obsessed with quiet luxury, timeless style, and that sweet spot between effort and elegance, Ivy’s moment has returned.

Fashion is cyclical, and heritage-inspired menswear always finds its way back to the front row. But there are a few reasons why Ivy style, in particular, is back in the cultural conversation:

• Quiet luxury is in. People are moving away from shouty logos and leaning into quality, fit and subtle details, Ivy League dressing delivers all three.
  
  
• Nostalgia sells. Y2K prep is trending again. If you wore a polo shirt with a popped collar in 2007, congratulations, you were ahead of your time.
  
  
• It’s easy to wear. Ivy style sits comfortably between smart and casual, meaning you can wear it to brunch, work, or a country pub without looking like you’ve overdone it.
  
  

Best of all, it’s adaptable. Whether you lean sporty or scholarly, modern Ivy style is about remixing classic pieces with your own spin. And that’s where EQVVS comes in.

At EQVVS, we’re all about menswear that lasts, not just in durability, but in relevance. And when it comes to Ivy League-inspired clothing, we’ve got the cheat sheet. Whether you're going full varsity captain or just adding a touch of prep to your weekend wardrobe, our selection brings heritage fashion into the here and now.

Nothing says preppy menswear quite like a crisp Oxford shirt. It’s smart without trying, structured without stiffness, and perfect under a jumper, over a tee, or flying solo. If your wardrobe doesn’t have one yet, we’re not mad, just disappointed… Thank god for our selection of Polo Ralph Lauren shirts for you to make it all better.

A good polo shirt is Ivy gold: sporty, refined, and ready for anything from a tennis court - hello Fred Perry and Lacoste - to a beer garden. With neat collars, embroidered chest logos, and that unmistakable preppy cut, it’s the cornerstone of smart-casual menswear, especially in warmer weather.

A splash of tartan. A waxed jacket. A quilted liner. These aren’t just countryside clichés, they’re British heritage fashion staples by the unmistakable Barbour that align perfectly with the Ivy mindset. Rugged, reliable and more polished than your dad’s Range Rover.

Few pieces strike the smart-meets-sport balance like the rugby shirt. Bold horizontal stripes, heavyweight cotton, and a stiff collar that says “I clean up well.” It’s weekend wear for men who want comfort and credibility.

Shoes matter. And if you’re building a prep-inspired wardrobe, you can’t skip the footwear. With silhouettes like the Desert Boot and Wallabee, Clarks nails that sweet spot between bookish charm and streetwear edge. Clean, comfortable, and unmistakably classic.

The beauty of Ivy style is its versatility. You can go all-in or just add a few nods, and still get the effect.Here’s how to keep it looking current:

• Mix eras: Pair a heritage rugby shirt with modern trainers. Tuck an Oxford shirt into relaxed denim. Keep it balanced.
  
  
• Avoid costume territory: Skip the crests and school ties unless you’ve got the alumni card to match.
  
  
• Embrace layering: Ivy style thrives in transitional weather, shirts under knits, jackets over polos, a scarf that accidentally matches your socks.
  
  
• Stick to the classics: Navy, cream, forest green, burgundy. They’re timeless for a reason.
  
  

And don’t forget: confidence goes a long way. Even if you’re faking the prep life, you might as well dress the part like you’ve got term fees due.

Ivy League style isn’t about being posh, it’s about being put-together. It’s about investing in quality, respecting the classics, and making them your own. Whether it’s a rugby shirt with edge, a waxed jacket with pedigree, or a well-cut polo that just gets you, this is menswear that’s built to last, in fabric and in relevance.

And at EQVVS, we’ve curated the best of it. Heritage clothing, smart-casual staples, and all the understated swagger of an Ivy grad with zero student debt.

No campus required. Just great clothes.