Ivy League Style Explained

The Ivy League aesthetic emerged in the 1950s and 60s from America's most prestigious university campuses, where students and faculty developed a distinctly American approach to dressing: tailored but relaxed, polished but unpretentious, and rooted in natural fabrics and clean silhouettes. Oxford cloth button-downs, grey flannel trousers, navy blazers, and penny loafers became the uniform of a generation, not as a fashion statement, but as a way of life.

What made it endure wasn't exclusivity, but versatility. The same pieces that worked in the lecture hall worked at the weekend, at dinner, and everywhere in between. Today, that fundamental practicality feels more relevant than ever, as people are increasingly trading trend-driven fashion in favour of timeless, versatile investment pieces.

The beauty of Ivy League style is that it's built on pieces you likely already own (or should own). The key is knowing how to layer them with intention and wear them with confidence. Ivy elements work best as a styling layer, applied selectively to elevate an otherwise simple outfit.

Choose pieces that speak to you. Timeless style is never about imitation — it's about interpretation.

Rugby Shirts: Combining elements of a polo and a button-up, the rugby shirt effortlessly bridges the gap between casual and considered. Wear it open over a T-shirt and relaxed denim, or layer it under a sport jacket for a more elevated take.

Oxford Cloth Button-Downs: The cornerstone of Ivy dressing, these shirts feature a thick, dense Oxford cloth and trademark buttoned collar tips. Wear yours tucked or untucked, with chinos or denim, under a blazer or on its own.

Denim: From selvedge jeans to denim jackets and shirts, denim is now styled with blazers and tailored pieces for a refined, modern edge. The key is fit — opt for a straight or relaxed leg that complements rather than competes with your tailoring.

Plaid: While Madras is the undisputed preppy plaid of summer, the cooler months open the door to glen check, tartan, tattersall, and houndstooth in every shape, size, and scale. Plaid works best as one statement piece grounded by solid, complementary neutrals.

Shetland Wool Sweaters: The quintessential Ivy knit: textured, warm, and effortlessly collegiate. Wear it over a button-down for the classic layered look, or on its own for a cleaner, more contemporary feel.

Cable Knit Sweaters: A cornerstone of the Ivy aesthetic, best worn slightly oversized with chinos or relaxed denim. Whether it’s a rich earth tone or classic navy, cable knits are some of the most versatile pieces you can add to your wardrobe.

Loafers: Smooth, pebbled, or suede, loafers of every texture and finish are the Ivy League shoe of choice, versatile enough to carry a look from the boardroom to the weekend without missing a beat.

Argyle & Fair Isle Prints: Pattern-driven knitwear that adds visual interest and personality to even the most straightforward Ivy ensemble. When wearing either print, let the rest of the outfit simple and let the pattern do the work.

There aren't many brands as intrinsically tied to Ivy League style as Polo Ralph Lauren, whose DNA is firmly rooted in classic prep and varsity aesthetics inspired by American originals. No one has done more to codify and celebrate the Ivy aesthetic for a global audience, and no one continues to do it with more conviction.

As Ralph Lauren himself put it: "When I began designing menswear, my inspiration came from the ease and traditions of collegiate style and the gentleman athlete. It was about character and camaraderie, a timeless style they made their own."

While Swedish brand Eton shares its name with the prestigious English college campus, its aesthetic identity is firmly rooted in American Ivy League style. When the founders' sons travelled to the UK for inspiration in the 1940s, they were charmed by the historic town and chose the name to reflect an elite aesthetic, and that collegiate spirit has informed the brand ever since.

Eton even offers a specific cut aptly named the "Ivy Fit" — a roomier, more relaxed silhouette than their traditional contemporary or slim fits, featuring classic Oxford cloth details and traditional design elements inspired by the archetypal American collegiate button-down collar. It's the rare shirt cut that genuinely earns its name.

Grounded in familiar hallmarks — crisp shirting, tailored chinos, and collegiate stripes — this approach pairs classic pieces with an iconic Americana palette of blue, burgundy, and khaki. Finished with a striped tie, penny loafers, and a casually draped cashmere sweater, it captures the effortless sophistication of traditional collegiate dressing.

Fearless colour pairings are a hallmark of modern Ivy style. Bold combinations, collegiate colours, striped ties, and vibrant knitwear work best when grounded in timeless silhouettes. This look pairs collegiate staples — a chambray shirt, estate cardigan, and tartan scarf — with an Americana-inspired palette and heritage textures. Relaxed-fit denim and leather logo sneakers give it a modern, approachable update while preserving the classic Ivy aesthetic.

The best way to learn more about Ivy League style is to see, feel, and wear it for yourself. From the familiar timelessness of Polo Ralph Lauren to the more contemporary preppiness of Patrick Assaraf, explore our selection of Ivy-inspired styles for yourself in-store.

Not sure where to begin? Book an appointment with one of our expert Style Advisors today.