It doesn’t take a genius to create this fall’s look of sophisticated preppiness.

The smart look is back this year with argyle socks, cashmere cardigans, plaids and loafers of all colors and fabrics. Old-guard style is brought back to life with concealing clothing — less is more in the coverage department. Keeping your shape and skin hidden is sultry again.

Classic and ladylike styles are never trends; they are simply a way of life. One can never go astray using understated, flawless clothing and accessories. Many items this season are old classics using embellishments and high-quality fabrics. Since the creation of “the little black dress” by Coco Chanel in 1926, the style has had thousands of variations while keeping the original styling. Some things never change, and that includes the everlasting look of feminine beauty and fashion.

One of the best coats ever created has been revived again: the trench coat. The trench is perfect for cool weather, spring or fall. Newly sprung styles use vibrant colors, patterns and an array of fabrics. Some cotton, some waterproof and some linen. Whichever design, the trench is becoming more and more popular. A higher-end Burberry trench coat retails for around $2,000, while a more practical price is found chain stores for $50. A trench is essential to any wardrobe. Think Inspector Gadget meets Gwyneth Paltrow.

Argyle, argyle, argyle, where to start? Keeping away from the golfer look, argyle has been found everywhere: socks, sweaters, bags, pants, shoes, and hats — oh my! Although argyle is a great look for any occasion, too much can be a bad thing. Go with one, maybe two argyle pieces and pair them with a solid.

Loafers and flats have made a huge comeback on runways and store shelves. They are found in all colors of the spectrum using almost every fabric invented. The campus-friendly shoes have come back with more modern twists such as electric colors, wild prints and functional embellishments like oversized buttons and clasps. Shy away from common mod ’60s styles and aim toward a round or pointy toe, or even squared.

One can never go wrong with a ballerina shoe; they’re comfortable, cute and usually colorful. Comfort is a huge change from the recent stylings of stilettos from Manolo Blahnik and sky-high Stuart Weitzman. If comfort is what you’re searching for this fall, look for fabrics in suede, canvas or tweed. Leathers and synthetics are harder to fit and wear in.

When dressing the part of fall’s quick-witted scholar, use a cashmere twin set with a tight, A-line skirt and stacked round-toed pumps. Try this season’s must-have cropped slacks with loafers and a slim-fitting trench. Cover as much skin as possible and use well-fitted pants and sweaters to create shapely silhouettes. A more casual day look may be composed by making use of tall riding boots tucked over cropped jeans or tweed pants.

This season’s preppiness is a revival of the smartness of the ’50s. Whether working or trekking to class, it’s not going to take more than a few minutes to mix what was once thought of as nerd with chic.