by taylordavies, Source: EatSleepDenim

It must be obvious by now, but  my style almost always takes a serious lean towards the preppier side. I love the East Coast aesthetic of tailored cuts, tucked-in shirts, pearls, gingham and cable knit sweaters.

In part thanks to this beautiful thing known as the Internet, we all have access to style from across the country (and around the globe) in an instant, so what were once very localized ways of dressing have become trendy and accessible to just about anyone. The preppy aesthetic has had a major resurgence of late, from coast to coast and blog to blog.

Infusing your denim wardrobe with a little Ivy League appeal doesn’t have to feel stuffy or dated – in fact it’s all about playful colors, plaids, stripes, chambray and polished accessories (all very au currant).

Get the look by tucking in a bright, sleeveless plaid top like this one from IRO into skinny mid-wash or white jeans, then maybe fold up the hem to show just the right amount of ankle with a dainty slingback like these Sam Edelman pumps or espadrille wedges. I love how Sarah Vickers of Classy Girls Wear Pearls has paired her medium wash jeans and madras shirt.

Rachel of Pink Peonies (one of my new favorites) paired her chambray shirt and bright baubles with a long, lanky maxi-skirt which gives a nice balance to her look. Krystal of This Time Tomorrow is a style chameleon, but I love how she’s paired her pastel skinny jeans with delicate heels, a trench and a menswear-inspired silk button down.

Do you like the polished prep aesthetic paired with denim?