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🎀 15 Preppy Hairstyles That Are Making a Huge Comeback

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Okay, let’s talk about it—“preppy” is officially having a glow-up moment.

The clean, polished, private-school aesthetic that once screamed Gossip Girl and Abercrombie catalog is back, and honestly? She’s looking better than ever. Between the TikTok “old money” trend, the return of bow barrettes, and the rise of glossy blowouts, preppy hairstyles are totally dominating 2025.

But these aren’t your grandma’s pearl-and-cardigan looks—they’re updated, elevated, and low-key editorial. Whether you’re going for country club chic or academic cool, here are 15 preppy hairstyles making a massive comeback that’ll have you feeling polished, put-together, and Pinterest-perfect. ✨

1. The Classic Blowout

The holy grail of preppy hair.

You can thank Kate Middleton and the TikTok clean girl aesthetic for keeping the bouncy blowout in rotation. It’s smooth, shiny, and screams “I use heat protectant and a Dyson Airwrap religiously.”

Why it works:

  • Gives effortless elegance with zero drama
  • Perfect for brunches, job interviews, or anytime you want to look like you have your life together

Would I spend an hour blow-drying for this look? Yes. Worth it every time.

2. The Sleek Low Ponytail

Minimalist, but make it rich.

A sleek, low ponytail tied with a ribbon or wrapped with your own hair is the ultimate “I mean business” move. It’s neat, timeless, and pairs perfectly with crisp collars and pearl studs.

Styling tip:

  • Part it in the middle for that “old money” touch
  • Use gloss spray for extra shine

Hot take: If your pony doesn’t look expensive, add a satin bow. Problem solved. 🎀

3. Half-Up Ribbon Bow

The cutest comeback of the year.

Half-up, half-down styles with delicate bows or velvet ribbons are everywhere—especially in coquette-core and preppy fashion circles. It’s sweet but not childish, flirty but still sophisticated.

Where to wear it:

  • Date night
  • Afternoon tea (or pretending you have one)
  • Any day you need a little main character energy

Would I wear this just to get coffee? 100%.

4. Side Part with Barrette Clips

Hello, 2000s revival—but in a good way.

The side part is officially back (Gen Z, don’t fight me on this one), and with it comes the return of sparkly barrettes. Whether it’s pearl pins or minimalist metal clips, it adds that touch of polished prep.

Pro move: Stack two on one side for drama.

This look says: “Yes, I own a planner, and yes, it’s color-coded.”

5. Sleek Headband Hair

Channeling pure Serena van der Woodsen energy here.

A padded or satin headband instantly gives “preppy It-girl” energy. It keeps hair off your face while giving the illusion that you’ve got your life under control. (Even if you’re running on cold brew and chaos.)

Best paired with:

  • Blowout curls or a polished bun
  • Gold hoops or pearl earrings

Low-key tip: Go monochrome for that classy, cohesive look.

6. The Polished Bun

The preppy hairstyle that never misses.

Whether it’s a low chignon, ballet bun, or sleek twist, this look is for the girls who love a little structure in their chaos. It’s timeless, elegant, and literally fits every occasion.

Why it works:

  • It’s giving ballet-core meets country club
  • Perfect for “no flyaway” days
  • Matches any preppy outfit under the sun

Would I wear this to a job interview and a dinner party? Absolutely.

7. The Side Braid

Simple. Pretty. Straight out of a J.Crew catalog.

A loose side braid tied with a bow or fastened with a simple elastic is a classic that’s trending again thanks to the “girl-next-door” aesthetic. It’s sweet but still intentional—perfect for casual days.

Styling idea:

  • Add a thin ribbon through the braid for extra detail
  • Pull out a few strands around your face for softness

Bonus: It looks even cuter under a baseball cap or beret.

8. Curtain Bangs with a Ponytail

The 2025 preppy girl’s secret weapon.

The combo of wispy curtain bangs and a low or mid ponytail = chic perfection. It’s polished, soft, and works whether you’re wearing a tweed blazer or an oversized knit.

Why it’s trending:

  • Frames the face beautifully
  • Gives “I have a personal hairstylist” energy
  • Pairs with literally every outfit

Hot tip: Use a big curling iron to bend your bangs away from your face. Instant “I woke up flawless” effect.

9. The French Twist

You knew this one was coming.

The French twist is elegance in 10 bobby pins or less. It’s been revived with a modern twist (pun intended): slightly undone, with texture and volume for that “effortlessly rich” vibe.

Perfect for:

  • Cocktail events
  • Date nights
  • Your next “quiet luxury” selfie moment

Would I wear this for a business dinner? Only if I want to be the main character at the table.

10. The Bubble Ponytail

Because prep doesn’t have to mean boring.

The bubble ponytail gives that fun, structured energy without feeling messy. Use clear elastics down the length of your pony, then gently tug each section for volume.

Style tip:

  • Wrap ribbons or tiny bows at each elastic for an extra preppy spin
  • Works best on medium to long hair

Hot take: It’s giving Blair Waldorf meets Barbiecore and we’re obsessed.

11. The High Pony with a Bow

Schoolgirl chic—but make it fashion.

A high ponytail with a velvet or satin bow is the perfect blend of playful and polished. It gives lift, attitude, and nostalgia all at once.

Why we love it:

  • Youthful without feeling juvenile
  • Easy to style
  • Perfect for holiday parties, brunches, or errands

Would I wear this for a girls’ day out? Oh, definitely—with glossy lips and gold hoops.

12. Soft Waves with a Side Clip

For the girls who love effort and ease.

Keep your hair loose and softly waved, then add a small clip or bow to one side. It gives that “I just stepped out of a rom-com” look.

Pro tip:

  • Use large sections when curling for smoother, more refined waves
  • Pin your smaller side behind the ear for a sleek effect

This look = romantic, soft, and classically preppy.

13. The Half Twist

Effortlessly elegant, like something out of a 2010 Tumblr moodboard.

Twist back both sides of your hair and secure with a clip or barrette. It’s that simple—but somehow, it always looks expensive.

Perfect for:

  • Day dates
  • Coffee meetings
  • School-to-dinner transitions

Would I wear this on a first date? Probably, just to prove I’m chill and chic.

14. Braided Headband

If you’re feeling a little extra.

Take a small front section of your hair, braid it, and pin it over like a headband braid. It’s flirty, polished, and has that “I read romance novels in cashmere sweaters” vibe.

Why it’s trending again:

  • It’s easy to DIY
  • Gives “prep school cool” energy
  • Adds instant detail to even the simplest outfit

Pair it with pearl earrings and you’re golden.

15. The Flip-Out Ends

The ultimate retro preppy moment.

We’re talking ’60s-inspired flipped ends, à la Jackie O and Ariana Grande. It’s playful, bouncy, and works beautifully with headbands or side parts.

How to nail it:

  • Blow-dry your ends out with a round brush
  • Finish with hair spray for hold and shine

Hot take: This is the “I just left pilates in my Miu Miu set” hairstyle.

Final Thoughts 🎀

Preppy hairstyles are proof that polished doesn’t mean boring. They’re clean, feminine, and give that “I have my life together” illusion—even if you’re running late to brunch again.

Whether you’re rocking a glossy blowout, a ribbon-tied pony, or a French twist that makes you feel like a movie star, these 15 preppy hairstyles bring timeless elegance back to your everyday look.

So tell me—are you team bow, team bun, or team blowout? Whatever you choose, just remember: classy is the new cool, and a good hair day is basically your best accessory 💁‍♀️✨

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