8 Best Preppy Hairstyles: The Best Styles For A Classic Look

Rich, sophisticated, and fun, you can’t go wrong with these Ivy League looks!

Reviewed by Tuera A. Jacobs, Licenced Cosmetologist Tuera A. Jacobs Tuera A. JacobsLicenced Cosmetologist insta_icon
Written by Pahul Nanra, BA (English Hons) Pahul Nanra BA (English Hons) linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Edited by Anjali Sayee, BTech Anjali Sayee BTech linkedin_icon Experience: 7 years
Fact-checked by Manjari Uppal, MSc Manjari Uppal MSc linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Last Updated on

Preppy hairstyles have been around since the late 18th and early 19th centuries. These hairdos are so chic and pretty that they never go out of style. If you aren’t sure of what a preppy hairstyle is, think Blair Waldorf at the Upper West Side or Rory Gilmore going to Chilton. These hairstyles basically pair well with that rich Ivy League school vibe.They can be both simple and complex depending on the hairstyle you chose. They match every outfit and give a classy vibe. Explore some of the most popular preppy hairstyles that you can easily try yourself in this article. Scroll down for more!

Overview Of Preppy Hairstyles

Preppy hairstyles are classic and timeless hairdos. They reflect the clean-cut aesthetic style often associated with Ivy League looks. These hairstyles emphasize neatness with common styles including bobs, side-parted hair, and even ponytails. They also commonly feature hair accessories like headbands, ribbons, scarves, or barrettes. While most of these hairstyles are ideal for medium to long hair lengths, they can be tailored to also suit short hair. Preppy hairstyles exude elegance and timeless charm, appealing to all generations. Whether you choose a polished ponytail or an intricate braid, these looks elevate your everyday style.

You can get any hair length or texture styled perfectly with these hairstyles and they will make sure you are always in the spotlight.

Top 8 Preppy Hairstyles

Here are some cute and preppy hairdos that will make you look fabulous and ensure that your photos get all the likes! Keep reading.

1. Cute Preppy Hairstyle For School

Woman with a cute preppy hairstyle for school
Image: Shutterstock

If you want something simple and easy, this hairstyle will never let you down. The simplicity of this hairdo is what we like best. The hairband and loose waves pair well with almost any attire and can be flaunted at formal events like the prom or homecoming. And the best part? This hairstyle can be tried on any hair length.

2. Easy Preppy Hairstyle

Woman with a preppy hairstyle for short hair
Image: Shutterstock

This hairdo is perfect for all hair lengths and it takes very little time to achieve. If you want to keep your hair open and still make it look different, just braid the first few sections of your hair. Pair it with a middle parting to ensure both the braids are of the same length. If you have hair highlights, this hairdo will bring out the best of your hair color. If your hair doesn’t curl naturally, add a few big braids the night before and let them set. When you undo your braids the next morning, you will have the perfect beach waves to achieve this look.

3. Preppy Hairstyle For Short Hair

Woman with a preppy hairstyle for short hair
Image: Shutterstock

If you have short hair and want to do something other than leave your hair open, you can try this hassle-free yet classy hairdo. A simple high ponytail is made chic with a scarf. This hairstyle, paired with the bangs, helps you flaunt your neckline beautifully. You can also wear a headband and long earrings with it.

4. Long Preppy Hairstyle

Woman with a preppy braided hairstyle for long hair
Image: Shutterstock

Shout out to the girls with long wavy hair! This hairdo, comprising a central fishtail braid and regular three-strand side braids, sure takes time but the results are worth it! It is a showstopper and you can have this hairdo for a party or a day out. You simply have to pancake the side braids here and there to add in the heart-shape. This is also the perfect hairdo for a beach. This way you can flaunt the length of your hair without

5. Classic Preppy Haircut

Actor Leighton Meester flaunting Blair Waldorf’s classic preppy hairstyle
Image: Shutterstock

OG preppy hair queen Blair Waldorf, from Gossip Girl, gave us the classiest hairstyle of all time. Not only is this hairstyle easy to achieve, but there are slight variations you can add to it that change up your look always. All you need is a hairband and a deep-side parting! You can add curls or waves mid-way down to volumize your locks. Inside tucking your bands under the hairband, you can also let them fall out.

6. Preppy Hairstyle For Curly Hair

Woman with a preppy ponytail hairstyle for curly hair
Image: Shutterstock

Curly hair gives you the gift of volume. This hairstyle, though simple, is a timeless classic! And it pairs well with literally anything in your wardrobe. It is perfect for work, a day out, and even parties. You can get a scarf to accessorize the hairdo. A matching one with your dress or shoes is recommended. If you have highlights, it will help you flaunt the color in the best way.

7. Preppy Brown Hair Girl

Woman with a preppy space bun hairstyle for mid-length hair
Image: Shutterstock

If you have pretty hair, flaunt it girl! Space buns are in, and they are perfect for mid-length hair. You need to have a thin comb and tight rubber bands for this hairdo. If you have a lot of flyaways, you can tame them with hairspray or gel. Style your hair in bangs to take this hairdo up a few notches.

8. Preppy Braid Hairstyle

Woman with a preppy braid hairstyle for long hair
Image: Shutterstock

This hairstyle is perfect for anyone with medium-to-long hair. It gives you a lot of volume and can be loosened, tightened, or even pinned-up per your preference. You can pull this off for a number of occasions from parties to a chill girls-day-out look. You can even add an aesthetic vibe to it by adding floral clips or rhinestone hair accessories. Even on its own, this hairdo is very feminine and goes very well with dresses and skirts.

There is no end to how creative you can get with preppy hairstyles. The best part about these looks is that you can play around with different hair accessories to achieve that ‘rich girl’ vibe effortlessly. There is a preppy hairdo for every hair color and length. So explore and experiment till you get the hairstyle that matches your vibe!

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Tuera A. Jacobs
Tuera A. JacobsLicenced Cosmetologist
Tuera A. Jacobs is a licensed cosmetologist with over 20 years of experience in makeup, wardrobe styling, branding, creative directing, and overall style coaching. She is also the owner of Studio Hush 4:14 Image Consulting Firm, Creative Director of Christina Michelle Branding Agency, Beauty Director of Columbia Fashion Week, mother of three, and grandmother of one.

Read full bio of Tuera A. Jacobs
Pahul Nanra
Pahul NanraBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Pahul Nanra is a content writer with a penchant for all things fashion and beauty. She has two years of experience in writing across beauty and lifestyle genres. She is an English Honors graduate from Delhi University with a diploma in Fashion Designing from YMCA.

Read full bio of Pahul Nanra
Anjali Sayee
Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor
Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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Manjari Uppal
Manjari Uppal Beauty & Lifestyle Writer
Manjari is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over three years of experience in writing across different niches, including beauty, health, wellness, and technology. She first discovered her passion for writing in school and has since honed her craft to perfection.

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