Thanks to social media and fashion’s rapidly changing cycle, it feels like there’s a new trend to take note of every week. While this means there is something for everyone and plenty of niche styling avenues to explore, there are a handful of trends that have stood out as key staples this summer: all-white outfits, longline shorts, sheer fabrics and, unsurprisingly, the preppy aesthetic – also known as collegiate style in fashion circles.

Solidifying it as a true standout, Miu Miu made a strong case for the back-to-college look with its spring-summer runway – imagine rolled-up shirt sleeves, long-sleeved polos and plenty of blazers. Adding a more masculine spin, longline shorts were layered up, giving a boxer short-like look, peeking out above waistbands for an added punch of personality.

Anna Sui and Bora Aksu showcased more feminine versions of the style for their spring-summer campaigns, combining sequins, stripes and a few florals to create a youthful feel. Plus, the cute-meets-kitsch bag charm trend leans into the look and is proving popular right now. Clearly there are multiple ways to play with the look, no matter your personal preference when it comes to colour palettes, skirt lengths, prints or patterns. Just keep reading to see the four style tweaks we’ll be making. 

Blazers are one of the easiest items to add to your outfit for a collegiate feel. However, there are a few styling tweaks that will give them a more youthful vibe rather than looking like classic office attire.

Roll up the sleeves for a more laidback look or simply turn up the cuff to let a printed or more colourful lining peek through. Oversized fits will also add a more fashion-forward silhouette, especially when paired with shorts, dresses or skirts as Miu Miu showed above. Adding extra personality through pin badges and accessories will also help to solidify the look. 

Extra-large stripes are a surefire way to achieve the collegiate aesthetic, especially if they’re on a rugby shirt or polo or come with a sporting crest embellished on the front. While these work well with jeans and leggings, creating a contrast with a mini skirt or sequins, as shown above in Anna Sui’s collection, is sure to elevate the style. 

We started to see the bag charm trend trickle in earlier this season thanks, in part, to Anya Hindmarch’s retro designs. So while this isn’t necessarily a clothing style statement it is an incredibly easy accessory elevation and will help to allow your personality to shine through. To lean more into the collegiate style, we’d recommend charms with bright pops of colour such as the Anya Hindmarch lovehearts chain (£175) or Bimbya Y Lola bold hearts (£52). 

While plenty of preppy aesthetics lean into the laidback look with tracksuit bottoms, rugby shirts and boxer shorts, there is a version that’s a little more prim and proper that Bora Aksu portrays just perfectly. Sweater vests, blazers, shirts, ties and waistcoats all work as layering pieces to create a look with a more is more mindset. Plus, don’t be afraid of colours or prints that let your personal style seep through. 

Images: courtesy of Getty; Miu Miu; Anna Sui; Bora Aksu