Everything you need to know about menswear's original smart-casual uniform
Ivy League style: the original smart-casual uniform. This collegiate-born aesthetic revolves around pieces and brands that blend style and sophistication, favouring clean lines, texture, colour and timelessness over anything overly trend driven.
The look originated in the 1940s and 1950s, and is still very much anchored in that time period in terms of the styling, garments and fits. That being said, Ivy League style has been having something of a resurgence lately. A new crop of brands, including the likes of Aimé Leon Dore and Noah, have swept in, filtering the classic Ivy look through a streetwear lens, and introducing the aesthetic to a new, younger audience.
With that in mind, now would be as good a time as any to get acquainted with the look, including the key pieces to know and the brands doing them best. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Ivy League style?
Ivy League style, often referred to as "preppy," originated on the campuses of the prestigious Ivy League universities in the northeastern United States. It blends casual elegance with classic tailoring, emphasising timeless, high-quality pieces. Think button-down Oxford shirts, chinos, loafers, and knit sweaters… or, for a quick visual summary, Carlton Banks.
Popularised in the mid-20th century, men’s Ivy League style draws on a mix of collegiate sportswear and traditional menswear. Key elements include neutral tones (albeit with the odd bold colour thrown in here or there), clean lines, and natural fabrics like cotton, wool, and leather. Accessories, such as ties, pocket squares bring the look together. Brands like Brooks Brothers, J. Press, and Gant have become synonymous with the Ivy look.
Ultimately, Ivy League style is all about blending comfort with class.
Key Ivy League style pieces
Polo Shirt
The polo shirt was first designed by tennis star René Lacoste in the 1930s, and since then, it’s evolved into a preppy staple. Soft collar, breathable piqué fabric, and short sleeves, it’s endlessly versatile, and equally suited to layering under a blazer or pairing with chinos on a weekend. It’s an easy way to bring effortless refinement to casual outfits, which has made it a cornerstone of the Ivy aesthetic.
Chinos
Chinos are the unsung heroes of Ivy League style. A product of military origins, they made their way into preppy circles for their versatility and clean lines. The lightweight cotton fabric keeps things breathable, while the tailored fit ensures they’re always sharp. You can dress them up with an oxford shirt or keep it low-key with a knit, making them a true wardrobe workhorse. Whether you're heading to the office or relaxing at a weekend brunch, chinos add a polished, preppy edge to any outfit.
Oxford Shirt
The oxford shirt has been an Ivy League essential for decades. Its button-down collar and sturdy oxford cloth make it the perfect blend of smart and relaxed. It’s a shirt that looks just as good under a blazer as it does on its own with rolled-up sleeves. With roots in collegiate style, it became a staple of mid-20th-century American campuses, where students embraced its comfort and easy elegance. A true classic, it’s a shirt you’ll turn to for almost any occasion—timeless, versatile, and always stylish.
Textured Blazer
A textured blazer adds instant depth to any outfit. Whether it’s a subtle herringbone or a bolder tweed, it offers a tactile twist on the traditional blazer. This piece is perfect for those who want to elevate their casual Ivy League look without being overly formal. Toss it over a button-down shirt or a fine knit, and you’ve got a look that works from class to cocktails. The textured blazer manages to be both relaxed and refined, making it a preppy essential for any well-rounded wardrobe.
Penny Loafers
You can’t mention Ivy League style without thinking of penny loafers. These iconic shoes, introduced by G.H. Bass in the 1930s, were a hit on college campuses by the '50s. Students famously tucked pennies into the front strap, giving the shoe its name. Easy to slip on and off, they work effortlessly with everything from tailored trousers to weekend jeans. Whether polished and formal or worn sockless for a more relaxed vibe, penny loafers are the ultimate in understated, preppy cool.
Cardigan
Cardigans have long been a favourite in Ivy League circles. Offering both warmth and a layer of sophistication, they’re a flexible option for anyone seeking preppy style. From chunky knits to fine, lightweight versions, a well-chosen cardigan can add depth to any outfit. Originally a collegiate staple, the cardigan was worn by professors and students alike. Layer it over an oxford shirt or even a simple tee for that intellectual, laid-back charm that defines Ivy League style.
Deck Shoes
Deck shoes, or boat shoes as they’re often called, are a cornerstone of the preppy aesthetic. Originally designed for sailors to avoid slipping on deck, they soon found a home in Ivy League wardrobes. With their durable leather uppers and non-slip rubber soles, they’re perfect for weekend wear. Whether you’re pairing them with chinos or shorts, deck shoes bring an effortlessly nautical touch to any outfit. Slip them on, ditch the socks, and embrace the relaxed, coastal vibe that has made them an Ivy League classic.
Key Ivy League style brands
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren is the brand that took Ivy League style global. Founded in 1967, Ralph Lauren’s preppy aesthetic blends collegiate American cool with a dash of aspirational glamour. The Polo shirts, cable knits, and chinos are Ivy staples, but Lauren’s genius was elevating these basics into symbols of status and good taste. Whether you’re channelling the WASPy elegance of The Great Gatsby or simply looking to embody classic campus style, Ralph Lauren remains a cornerstone of the Ivy League wardrobe. Perfect for that understated ‘old money’ vibe—minus the trust fund.
G.H. Bass
Founded in 1876, G.H. Bass is the maker of the original penny loafer – a shoe that’s as Ivy League as rowing blazers and cricket sweaters. Named the “Weejun”, after the Norwegian angler’s moccasins on which the style is based, the shoe gained a cult following on college campuses in the 1950s, and has remained a preppy icon ever since. Slip a penny into the loafer strap (people did this to ensure they always had change for payphones back in the day) and you’ve completed one of the most enduring Ivy style traditions. Bass Weejuns offer the kind of timeless charm that makes you feel like you belong at a Yale reunion, even if you went to Hull.
Lacoste
Lacoste’s crocodile logo might be French, but the brand’s polo shirts have East Coast Ivy League heritage written all over them. Founded by tennis legend René Lacoste in the 1930s, the brand quickly became a hit with East Coast prepsters. Known for its lightweight cotton piqué fabric, Lacoste's polos were the go-to choice for upper-crust students hitting the court or chilling at the country club. It's the uniform of choice for anyone trying to say, “I’m relaxed… but probably have a yacht.”
Gloverall
Gloverall is a name synonymous with duffle coats – those rugged, hooded wonders that have long been a staple of Ivy League outerwear. Founded in the early 1950s, the British brand made its name by transforming military surplus coats into stylish, functional garments for civilians. But what really makes the brand stand out is the way it has preserved the classic silhouette of the duffle coat while updating it with contemporary tailoring and premium materials. Worn over a blazer or layered with a chunky knit, the duffle coat embodies that blend of utilitarian function and preppy elegance that defines Ivy League style.
J.Crew
J.Crew is the label made preppy style accessible. Launched in 1983, it borrowed from traditional Ivy League attire – oxford shirts, chinos, and loafers – but gave it a modern, casual twist. The brand’s catalogues of the ’80s and ’90s defined laid-back, aspirational dressing for a whole generation of college-bound Americans. The brand took the buttoned-up sensibilities of Ivy style and loosened the tie, making it approachable without losing that all-important sense of effortless polish.
Brooks Brothers
If you’re talking Ivy League style, Brooks Brothers is the godfather. Established in 1818, it’s the oldest men’s clothier in the U.S. and the brand that practically invented Ivy dressing. Known for introducing the button-down collar, the sack suit, and the classic oxford shirt, Brooks Brothers has dressed generations of students at Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. It’s the brand of choice for anyone wanting to look like they’ve spent weekends sailing or debating philosophy at the country club.
Aurélien
Aurélien might be a newer player on the scene, but it’s quickly carved out a niche for those who appreciate understated luxury with a distinctly Ivy League feel. Known for its sleek, versatile designs, the brand specialises in what it calls "smart luxury"—think timeless essentials crafted from premium materials without the hefty price tag. While its loafers and cashmere knits often steal the spotlight, Aurélien’s outerwear, including its refined take on the pea coat, has a classic preppy edge. It's the perfect complement to an Ivy League wardrobe, where quality and tradition meet modern, effortless style.
Sebago
Sebago’s docksides are to boat shoes what Weejuns are to loafers. Founded in 1946 in Maine, Sebago became the go-to brand for preppy deck shoes, particularly among the East Coast set. Their leather moccasins, designed to be worn sockless with rolled-up chinos, became synonymous with coastal, country-club life. Whether you're on a yacht (or just pretending you have one), Sebago is essential for completing that polished, off-duty Ivy look.
Aubin
Founded in 2008, Aubin & Wills draws inspiration from classic British heritage and Ivy League style. The range combines timeless designs with a modern twist, resulting in a collection of versatile pieces that embody that casually sophisticated preppy look.
Garments often feature quality fabrics and tailored fits, reflecting a commitment to craftsmanship, while the overall aesthetic is neat, clean and conservative. With roots in both academia and tradition, Aubin & Wills has positioned itself as a go-to for those who appreciate the understated elegance of collegiate-inspired style.
Levi’s
Levi’s and Ivy League style? Absolutely. While best known for its rugged denim, Levi’s 501s became a staple for campus rebels as well as blue-collar workers in the ’60s, when Ivy students started pairing their button-downs and crewneck sweaters with jeans. The contrast of refined collegiate wear and workwear denim gave Ivy style a laid-back edge that still holds strong today. A pair of Levi’s is the democratic addition to an otherwise exclusive aesthetic.
Luca Faloni
Luca Faloni is an Italian brand, but it’s found favour with the Ivy League crowd thanks to its timeless elegance and quality craftsmanship. Known for luxurious knitwear and impeccably made staples, Faloni's cashmere sweaters and linen shirts fit right into the Ivy tradition of understated luxury. It’s perfect for the discerning prepster who’s graduated from rugby shirts and wants something with a little more European flair.
Gant
Born in New Haven, Connecticut – home of Yale University – Gant has Ivy League in its DNA. Established in 1949, the brand became synonymous with the Ivy look through its perfectly cut oxford shirts. Gant was the first to introduce the button-down collar to a wider American audience and is a pioneer in preppy staples. It’s the brand for anyone looking to channel authentic Ivy League heritage without veering into costume territory.
