The Preppy Look - Classy and Sophisticated

The preppy look is classy and sophisticated. It also imparts a certain all-around erudition and competence as well as an upper-class upbringing and social status. The word preppy brings to mind wealth and privilege; summers in Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod; Ivy League and WASP. To some, the preppy look is second nature; to most it needs a little ingenuity and savoir-faire.

An authentic preppy wears, J. Crew, Birkinstock, Brooks Brothers, Lacoste, Polo, LL Bean, Lilly Pulitzer, Ralph Lauren, Patagonia fleece and shorts, prints like cords with palm trees or stitched whales, ribbon belts, sweaters tied around the neck, collars that are up at all times. They prefer engraved and monogrammed articles such as oxford shirts, money clips jewelry and more. The do not wear tight fitting jeans or any provocative clothing items and they are always clean, neat and very well-coordinated. They are inclined to be conservative and are almost always seen in public well-dressed and buttoned- down. If it’s the preppy look you want, then get a few clothing basics such as a well-fitted chinos or khaki pants, a few light colored polo shirts and oxford shirts, cable-knit sweaters and vests, a navy blazer or jacket-madras plaid or seersucker in summer and corduroy or tweed in winter, and Bermuda shorts preferably khaki or linen in preppy patterns and prints.

Cheaper brands such as Banana Republic, Target, Gap or Old Navy have affordable items of the preppy clothing items. For footwear, consider leather moccasins or loafers, leather sandals and for formal wear, black or brown dress. A classic preppy look is sockless loafers or boat shoes, preferably top-siders. Now to carry-off the look, always keep yourself clean; well-shaven (no facial hair) freshly showered and nice smelling (not overpowering), daily shampooed well-trimmed shaggy or fluffy hair, clean finger nails. The underlying philosophy of the preppy look is confidence and sophistication. It is more of an attitude, the person wearing the clothes, rather than the brands they wear. The key to the preppy look is to feel confident and comfortable with your own skin. Keep in mind that the preppy look is just another fashion style, and as long as you embody class and sophistication you can achieve the preppy look.

Picture is used with the copyright agreement with the PR PHOTOS