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The BCBG clothing style:what is it exactly?

Today we decided to zoom in on preppy clothing style . This style, which once referred to bourgeois women, has now become a style of dress that has entered our contemporary outfits. It is as much akin to trendy women (within a certain limit) as to a slightly more casual chic and accessible fashion.

BCBG which means "bon chic bon genre" is both synonymous with class and elegance. These are the new variants of the BCBG style that allow more freedom in the cuts and the choice of materials and prints. But in the traditional classic BCBG style, there is little room for originality. Elegance and neat appearance are above all essential. You would like to know everything about the bcbg clothing style ? Here's how to get started. We address in our article different questions about the BCBG style. What are the main clothes of the BCBG style? What shoes, accessories, colors etc..

What is the BCBG dress style?

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Rather traditional, this style which is truly one of the most timeless of our time rhymes above all with sophistication .We recognize it very easily by the impeccable look that it concedes to the woman who adopts it. The cuts are always perfectly adjusted. The materials are refined, the prints always remain discreet. As for the BCBG woman, she has confidence and character. It is a style widely associated with the American bourgeoisie but also with the English elite and its preppy-British style. In recent times, neo-bourgeois fashion has made the dress style much more accessible to a large number of women. Thus, we wear preppy outfits to go to high school but also to go to a job interview, go to work or simply to live like everyone else because we like to be dressed to the nines. You will have understood that the BCBG style is both that of Lady Diana , Bree Van de Kamp and Blair Warldorf. A transgenerational fashion which has a few variants but which always brings together good basics.

Deciphering the BCBG clothing style

Some clothes are conducive to bcbg dressing. Let's take a look at the basic rules you need to know to wear the perfect Bon Chic Bon Genre dress style.

The choice of cuts for dresses and skirts

In the preppy woman's wardrobe , we traditionally find classic cuts, straight or fitted. No thin straps but rather long or short sleeves. Formerly, preppy fashion left little choice but to opt for a long dress cut or noon. Today, with the many variations of this style, the length of our skirts has been democratized to leave the choice to women to wear dresses and skirts sometimes short sometimes long. Anyway, the preppy style does not include very short lengths .The preppy style, which is mainly related to the young American bourgeoisie, has fairly short skirts, but the BCBG style has its own flagship cut:the midi skirt or the midi dress. Post-war outfit par excellence, the midi cut stands for elegance .

The importance of passes

In the BCBG style, the collar of the clothes is very important. You will not be able to qualify as BCBG with a top with a deep neckline. Elegance and modesty are circumstances. The BCBG woman therefore adopts high and closed collars. Boat collar for the most traditional, Claudine collar, lavallière collar….

Preppy style pants

In the BCBG dressing room, we find all the current fashion standards in their most traditional version. You can opt for fitted straight pants high or low waist. Raw jeans are also part of the BCBG casual dressing room, but be careful, no fantasy is allowed. No mom jeans, slouchy jeans or other modern cuts. We opt for straight jeans, sharp, without frills. However, there are a few exceptions to the rule :flowing sleeves or slightly gathered shoulder pads. Indeed, the current inspiration of the 80s pushes the dress codes to recover their health. And nothing prevents you from integrating some of the key trends in her preppy dressing room. It should always be done with great taste and class.

Key materials

Cotton, silk, satin, cashmere, embroidery... Who says chic, says refined .. Also, some materials have no place in the BCBG style, while others will be perfectly at ease. The silk shirt , cotton, cashmere , wool , embroidery are accepted. Beware of lace, which although very elegant, can make you pull more on the bohemian side and give a style that is much too casual for the BCBG style. The leather meanwhile is too daring. The jeans are only wearable in the version described above. Side prints and colors of the BCBG style , we are rather neutral and discreet. The wardrobe is essentially made up of black, cream, nude, camel, navy blue, khaki, burgundy, fir green, etc., Houndstooth, Prince of Wales or other British prints are allowed and even the small floral patterns, but never anything too showy. We do not forget the flashy colors. On the other hand, we can afford a terracotta or copper shades on silk blouses. Powdered colors can also be adopted but in a very discreet way on standard pieces.

Preppy accessories

They are always of good quality. A scarf to tie in the hair, around the neck or around the belt, an elegant leather bag, a perfectly sized buckled belt, a beret, a capeline in summer, etc.

The flagship clothes of the BGBG style

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@Modeandthecity

Here is a list of key pieces specific to the BCBG style . Do not hesitate to dig into it or create your wardrobe capsule with essential pieces.

  • The pleated skirt
  • The midi skirt
  • 7/8th pants
  • The blue shirt
  • The white shirt
  • The sailor sweater
  • The chic blouse
  • The Peter Pan collar sweater
  • The pussy-bow dress
  • The straight dress
  • Suit pants
  • The tailored blazer
  • The black dress
  • The navy blue dress
  • The cape coat
  • The pencil skirt
  • The cardigan
  • The vest
  • Cashmere sweater
  • Paperbag pants
  • Dotted and checked prints
  • The turtleneck sweater
  • The two-piece set
  • The skirt suit
  • The suit jacket
  • The trench coat

Preppy clothing style shoes

@Vogue

Among the shoes that work for sure, you can get inspired in the following list:

  • Moccasins;
  • Pumps;
  • Suede boots;
  • Leather boots;
  • Heeled ankle boots;
  • Velvet shoes;
  • Chelsea Boots;
  • Slingback;
  • Derbies.

Of course, other shoes can create very pretty preppy looks . Do not hesitate to take a look on Pinterest to find inspiring looks.

Mistakes to avoid

One thing is certain, some pieces are to be banned for a BCBG style:

  • Sneakers;
  • The hoods;
  • Sportswear cuts;
  • The denim skirt;
  • The denim jacket;
  • Oversized cuts;
  • The strapless dress.

Now you know everything you need to know about Preppy clothing style . However, do not forget that the current fashion allows variations. It is possible to bring your personal touch in your BCBG look. You can very well dress preppy by having a few pieces that are a little more casual, sometimes even bohemian or rock... It's up to you to find the right balance, we've given you the basics.