On a recent Friday evening in Lower Manhattan, the ONS boutique on Mulberry Street hosted a gathering of fashion journalists, photographers, and influencers to mark the release of Dozer magazine’s latest issue, themed “The New Prep.” Attendees were encouraged to dress in preppy attire inspired by the traditional collegiate style associated with New England prep schools and Ivy League universities, rather than the versions popularized on social media platforms such as TikTok.

The preppy look, often characterized by chinos, penny loafers, and oxford button-down shirts, has its roots in the 1950s Ivy Style and was brought into mainstream awareness in the 1980s with Lisa Birnbach’s publication “The Official Preppy Handbook.” Though the aesthetic has evolved over time, its core elements have remained enduring. Justinian Mason, founder of Dozer and the curator of this revival, emphasized the desire to move beyond the traditional representations of prep culture. At the launch event, Mason, who is 29 and grew up in Houston, sported a vintage ensemble that combined casual and classic pieces, signaling a modern take on the style.

Mason, who is Black, explained that his initial adoption of preppy clothing in a predominantly white private school was aimed at blending in, but his current approach reflects a more intentional and personal expression. After launching Dozer initially as a website in 2023, Mason transitioned the project into a print magazine, releasing a debut issue focused on Black cowboys titled “Hoedown.” The new prep issue spans two volumes, winter and summer editions, and includes “The New Preppy Handbook,” modeled closely on Birnbach’s original guide, complete with cultural and stylistic commentary.

The cover features Peter Kuo, known online as Preppy Pete, who embodies the contemporary prep aesthetic through his thrifted yet classic outfits. Kuo, 51, argues that preppy style is not confined to traditional geographic or social boundaries but has been embraced in diverse urban settings like Williamsburg, Tokyo, and London, reflecting a broader cultural adoption.

While Birnbach appreciates the vibrant and exuberant reinterpretation of her work, she cautions that preppy style is not solely about clothing but encompasses a “low-key” lifestyle beyond outward appearances.

This renewed interest in preppy fashion arrives amid a broader cultural moment. The FX series “Love Story,” which dramatizes the romance between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, rekindled public fascination with prep style and 1990s New York fashion. Industry observers like Avery Trufelman, host of the podcast Articles of Interest, regard preppy as a fundamental American style, one that persists even as brands like J.Crew, which faced bankruptcy in 2020, are staging a commercial comeback.

J. Press president Jack Carlson highlights the style’s association with dignity and decorum, recalling figures such as George Plimpton who wore prep attire as a mark of gravitas. Yet the style continues to adapt to contemporary sensibilities, as evidenced by the diverse and eclectic looks displayed at the Dozer event. Attendees combined traditional elements like Madras fabrics and Brooks Brothers ties with modern personal touches such as visible tattoos, piercings, and layered accessories.

Photographer Rem Vargas, who was present wearing intentionally clashing patterns, underscored the importance of individuality within the prep tradition. “I like a lot of color in my life. It brightens my mood,” Vargas said.

Classic prep elements remain upheld by figures such as James S. Panero, executive editor of The New Criterion, who embraces a more traditional, “reactionary” style rooted in his elite educational background. Panero welcomed the fresh reinterpretation offered by Mason and others, praising their enthusiasm for vintage clothing and their challenge to fast fashion. “I wouldn’t necessarily make the same choices, but I applaud the insouciant efforts,” Panero remarked, noting his own frequent wear of a Brooks Brothers bow tie purchased at a church sale.

The event and publication collectively illustrate a contemporary reimagining of preppy style—one that honors its historical roots while embracing inclusivity and personal expression.