12 Awesome Preppy Birthday Party Ideas

4. Patterns, prints, and pastels

You can’t go wrong with pastels at a preppy-themed birthday event – but don’t be afraid to embrace the classic prints that preppy fashion adores. Polka dots and checkered patterns are definitively preppy patterns. Or add a splash of plaid or argyle to your scarf, sweater, or blazer – whatever suits your fancy!

5. Contemporary preppy style 

Today’s design breathes fresh life into preppy style while drawing from the same fashionably smart foundations. Stalwart pieces such as collared shirts and fitted capri pants are steadfastly thriving with a juicy added flair of floral prints and patterns. For this look, consider a slick ponytail, side part, or combed-back hairstyle, and add an accessory with a splash of bright color. Headbands are absolutely fantastic for achieving the perfect preppy look.

6. Be a square and sock hop

Let the poodle skirts swirl and channel the 1950s energy of the movies “Grease” or Pleasantville for this preppy birthday party idea. Have guests dress as their favorite 1950s preppy icon, and host it at this fabulously preppy retro diner space in Chicago. With its checkered floor and fabulous red barstools and booths, you’ll be transported back to the height of preppy times. Serve a tower of cupcakes, and have plenty of cat eye and horn-rimmed glasses for your guests to wear.

7. Preppy in the Valley

The fashion of the 1990s is decidedly back! For a super fun preppy birthday party idea, throw a “Clueless”-themed party and invite your guests to come in ’90s Valley preppy fashion. Think blazers and vests, plaid pleated miniskirts, khakis, and don’t forget the shiny lip gloss. Even better, add a hat with a flower. Send your guests home with Cher’s signature pen with a feather pompom on top. As if you had something better to do! 

8. Go nautical

Let the current take you down the yacht rock stream and dip your toe into some 1970s nautical leisure wear for a fun preppy birthday party idea. Try out some white khakis, leave the top shirt buttons undone, throw on an ascot, and kick back to some of that smooth, soft, sultry ’70s rock.

9. Color scheme

You can achieve so much messaging with that perfect color scheme. For a preppy birthday party, you could go for a classic black and white theme or use pastel pink along with teal and black. Choose these colors for the decorations, the cake, even the gift wrap, for a well-rounded and elite prep school look.

The preppy style originated around the turn of the 20th century, partly as a status symbol for preparatory school fellows. With its signature tidy and groomed look, the style really took hold in the 1950s, saw a major comeback in the 1980s, and is still alive and well today! 

Explore the preppy look through the ages using our decades party ideas for all eras guide!