As London Fashion Week approaches, our style expert reveals the 6 preppy staples you need to buy now for your autumn uniform

Last week, the fashion crowd was not in Paris or Milan, but in the Hamptons, the luxury seaside resort outside New York.

The occasion? Ralph Lauren, 84, presented his latest collection on the beach he calls his “refuge” and “inspiration.”

From Anna Wintour to Naomi Watts, celebrities couldn’t move in the dunes as supermodels Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington strutted down the catwalk.

For over 50 years, Ralph Lauren has been offering its clean, preppy, quintessentially American aesthetic.

You already know the looks presented for the SS25 season: blazers, wide, airy trousers, a striped top and a simple trench coat in a mix of reassuring neutrals and dopaminergic brights.

And the good news is that this look is actually ideal for everyday life, whether you’re 20 or 80, as it creates an easy, versatile and flattering uniform.

Preppy style is also great for this time of year – it’s too early for cosy knitwear, but the crisp air means long-sleeved rugby shirts and lightweight trench coats will be the stars of your autumn wardrobe. This time, pair bold primary colours with neutrals for a fresh look.

These are the six pieces you need to know and where to find them on the High Street.

Rugby shirt

Ralph Lauren’s designs have always been influenced by sportswear, especially his polo shirts featuring the recognizable horse logo.

Now it’s rugby shirts that have taken over. A wider, stiffer collar enhances this striped style and gives it a more elegant finish, while long sleeves are perfect for cooler weather.

The pink and khaki style from Beaufort & Blake (£79, beaufortandblake.com) is perfect, while in

On the High Street, Joules (£54.95, joules.com) and Marks & Spencer (£29, marksandspencer.com) have high-quality versions in thick cotton.

Opt for loafers instead of sneakers, and try tucking the top into a pair of jeans or a long skirt to make it look more dressy than preppy.

Riding boots

Forget the cowboy boot trend – preppy chic is all about riding boots. If you can, it’s worth buying genuine leather, as it will soften and age beautifully over time.

Tans, chocolate browns and blacks are classic colours to invest in, whether with skinny trousers or under midi skirts and dresses.

Look for details, like this tasselled version from Fairfax & Favor (£425, fairfaxandfavor.com) and keep the heel low so they can be walked on.

crisp shirt

If you want to look modern, start with a shirt. A smart collar will add a touch of elegance to even the simplest look.

Just avoid any tight clothing, especially around the bust. Choose an oversized option that you can tuck in for work or leave loose for a relaxed feel.

With Nothing Underneath has a smart style in blue (£110, withnothingunderneath.com), or for a more interesting twist, go for stripes. For sleek simplicity, try a simple navy shirt from Boden (£80, boden.co.uk).

Blazer

Nothing highlights preppy style more than a blazer. Those who prefer a little extra sparkle can opt for gold buttons, but it’s not mandatory. The Princess of Wales is a fan of this style – her blazer of choice is by British preppy style favourite Holland Cooper.

Or opt for this single-breasted version (above right) in a striking tomato hue (£199, hobbs.com), as any shade of vibrant red will be the colour of the season.

Wide leg pants

Wide-leg trousers were a constant on the Ralph Lauren catwalk. A relaxed white pair was paired with a light blouse for an elegant and understated look.

Keep them high-waisted to flatter your hips and never underestimate the power of accessorizing your look with a good belt, which will tie your look together instantly.

Choose a soft fabric that moves like a skirt and has the practicality of trousers. This loose-fitting style (£225, meandem.com) also adds a stylish pop of colour.

Raincoat

A trench coat is the ideal transitional piece for fall. Now is the time to invest to get the most out of it.

You can’t go wrong with a classic biscuit shade, like this style (left) from Albaray (£165, albaray.co.uk).

The beauty of a good trench coat lies in the belt, which transforms it from open and casual, as it was presented on the Ralph Lauren catwalk, to a formal garment with a fitted waist.

For a fresher take, copy Gwyneth Paltrow, who wore a cropped trench coat in New York on Monday. Zara has a chic version in beige and khaki (£69.99, zara.com).