The students are all making their way back to Cambridge this weekend, all wide-eyed and enthusiastic ahead of the start of term this week. I love the sight of them wheeling the wooden trolleys through their colleges, laden with books, cases and all their worldly possessions for the year ahead. Although it is years since I graduated myself, every autumn I still crave that preppy back-to-class look (which seems to suit life here in Cambridge so well).
I had to wear almost this exact outfit (navy blazer, kilt, bow-tied shirt) all the way through school and so really should be over it by now, but there’s still something I love about that uniform. Though truthfully, the preppy look is a lot more fun as an adult when you can swap the knee-socks for ladylike red-soled Louboutins, the tartan kilt for a leather skirt, and not be hauled into the Headmaster’s office for wearing lipstick (true story).
I suppose there will come a point where I’ll have to stop dressing like Blair Waldorf at prep school, but for now, while I’m in Cambridge, I still take comfort in pulling out my preppy uniform each autumn.
Wearing: Band of Outsiders blazer (similar style available at J.Crew) // Whistles sweater (also available at ASOS) // ASOS shirt // Whistles skirt (now on sale + also available at ASOS) // Lulu Guinness clutch (past season, but similar styles available here + at Kate Spade) // Christian Louboutin heels (sold out, but similar styles available at Net-a-Porter + J.Crew) // Lulu Frost necklace (past season, but similar styles at Matches + Net-a-Porter + J.Crew) // Vintage brooch // Lola & Grace ring c/- // ASOS hair bow (also available in red).
Beauty: NARS ‘Heat Wave’ lipstick (also available at Sephora + John Lewis) // NARS ‘Orgasm’ blush (also available at ASOS + Selfridges) // Essie ‘Bahama Mama’ nail polish (also available at Debenhams + Liberty London).
Is there a style you gravitate to year after year, regardless of which stage of your life you’re at?
Love, Miss B xx
Photos by Beth Morton
Rita says
Ggggorgeous!
Claudia says
I wish I would have been forced to wear a school uniform, it would have saved me from a lot of teenage fashion cathastrophies 😉
I LOVE your outfit and your Camebridge pictures, so beautiful!
Greetings from Austria!
India Alexandra says
I am super impressed you could walk in those sky high heels !!! Very impressed.
Also – love the Lulu clutch , isn’t she wonderful with accessories?
India | http://www.seethesparkle.com/
Alex Stedman says
LOVE this outfit and the Louboutins! I shot these for Red a few years ago, they are so dreamy – gutted I didn’t get them but then I wouldn’t be able to walk in them! xx
India Alexandra says
I just wrote the same thing (minus shooting for Red) about the Loubies !!
I am very impressed when I see people genuinely being able to walk in such heights !!
India | http://www.seethesparkle.com/
Anett says
Those Louboutins are very beautiful – and incredibly high! I love the book clutch as well – I’ve wanted one for ages but can’t seem to find one within my budget. Thanks for the tip about Lulu!
Helen says
Love the shoes but how on EARTH do you walk over Cambridge cobbles in them?!!!?! Love your bright red lipstick too! Very dashing (and coordinated!)! My style? Comfort (I visit your blog for a dash of panache and a smidgen of glamour!)
Kirsten Wick says
I love your preppy look!
http://www.thelifbissue.com
Sally Broker says
Love this post!! Can’t believe I still don’t own a leather skirt, but your pictures make me want to get one right now 🙂 Love those shoes too!
Meagan says
Love this look! So adorable! I always wanted to wear a uniform to school!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
KATERINA says
While your putfit is great and you’re so sweet I couldn’t keep my eyes off of your shoes! I tried a black pair the other day but they just don’t fit!
Linda Quinones says
Blair Waldorf school girl prep is my absolute favorite thing! I have an upcoming Halloween post inspired by her prep school style. I grew up wearing a uniform, but to be honest I still love a uniform look, especially when a leather skirt, Louboutins, and lipstick are involved. You look gorgeous and I am obsessed with this look. You always have the best style and the best accessories. Plus reading what you wrote always brings me great joy.
http://www.lastylenysmile.blogspot.com
Lisa says
So lovely!! Never stop dressing like Blair Waldorf! 😀
Aley says
I’ve just moved to Cambridge and I see what you mean about all the students, make me wish I was one! I just found your blog but I love the Blair look.
Aley
thealleyto.com
Daphne Blunt says
Those Louboutins are a dream come true! Lucky Lucky Girl
http://tostylewithlove.com/
Daphne
Penny says
You look SO cute here! I love that preppy Blair Waldorf look and always wished I could have had a uniform like that (you’re so lucky you did!), but it really works on you (especially in those picturesque Cambridge surrounds of yours).
Denina Martin says
You’re so cute in this outfit 🙂 And those heels are lovely <3
Denina
http://deninamartin.com
Elodie says
Beautiful! Blair Waldorf is a perfectly timeless style icon…and so befitting of Cambridge! I wish I dressed as stylishly in Oxford x
http://www.elodiedoesoxford.com
Kat @ She Won't Go Quietly says
Gorgeous photos – Cambridge looks sparkling! Love those shoes. x
andy/abbie says
I so love this look you look amazing and so beautiful, i so wish i could dress like this and get jealous when i see beautiful ladies being able to do so, as a guy who like to dress girly i admire ladies like you who are so feminine, oh and i love the shoes they are gorgeous!
Rebecca says
Love love love this post! Have moved from Cambs to London for my MA and your blog has certainly cheered me up when I find myself missing home – which is most of the time! Can I be cheeky and request a post showing Cambridge in the winter?
Hannah @ eating with alice says
You look gorgeous!