? for those with "preppy" as a element of your style - YouLookFab Forum

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? for those with "preppy" as a element of your style

qfbrenda

Veteran

I've loved preppy looks for decades. I'll be 40 in 2012 so I've been around long enough to be able to say "decades". I'd like to add more preppy elements into my style without looking costume-y and I wondered if those of you who also like some parts of preppy style could help me out. I'm wondering about:

**fashion bloggers who like the look you might know about

**websites that talk about preppy style and how to do it well

**suggestions for how to add preppy into a closet without looking silly

**any kind of help at all??

Dressing

31 replies

Latest reply was from Debora

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Well, I'm 41 and never stopped wearing argyle, checked trousers, and button downs - for decades. I also love tipped blazers and gingham. And I've been popping my collar and scrunching my sleeves since 1982. I'm not preppy, but do incorporate those so called preppy aspects into my style. I think they are ageless looks, Brenda.

I don't know if I have helped, but it might be a start.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I can't think of any bloggers or websites that specialize in preppiness. Atlantic-Pacific (atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com) does have preppy elements in some of her outfits (blazers, button down shirts, loafers, etc.) but not every day.

I think I do have preppy elements to my style. My rule of thumb is to avoid things that look very youthful--short, pleated skirts, polo shirts, etc. I don't want to look "schoolgirl."

I guess the question is what elements of preppiness attract you to the look? That might be a good starting place for recommendations.

qfbrenda

Veteran

It IS a start! And it's helpful. Thank you.

qfbrenda

Veteran

Ana, I'm also not into pleated skirts or polo shirts. I'm thinking of what elements I like...

button down shirts
penny loafers
v-neck sweaters
simplicity
clean lines
bordering on androgynous... not into frilly things
blazers
graphics rather than florals.... stripes, checks, plaids, polka dots

But I also love things that are less preppy, like leather and buckles.... though I guess some of that shows up in preppy looks.

Thinking more.....

Anonymous

Brenda when I was in HS, I read--no check that, I *memorized* the Preppy Handbook. And being the good little girl that I was, I tried to follow it to a T, lol! In college, my look began to change and I never really considered myself to be a true "prep" after that.

Through the years I've had the odd person call my style preppy (and I disagreed). Besides my Keds boat shoes, I didn't think I was preppy anymore.....but I think preppy might be part of the broader definition of classic style, like a subcategory.

I enjoyed the American Classic section of the Lucky Manual, and found Parisian Chic to have preppy elements to it (timeless items, natural textiles). I don't know of any preppy blogs. Maybe you should start one!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Shop at J. Crew?

The elements you've listed sound very easy to wear and not in the least "costumey," Brenda. I love all of these, too.

Jjsloane

Veteran

I'm curious as well as I've always had a tendency toward preppy style (yes I flipped my lacoste polo collars and wore Bass Weejuns with scrunched socks and bermuda shorts many many eons ago) I think you are looking at more classic styled elements. When I think of preppy now it's LIly Pulitzer, khakis and button downs, twin sets, fine quality elements like cashmere and clean lines with very subtle pearls and diamonds for jewelry. Brooks Brothers and J Crew come to mind.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Brenda, those are great style indicators. I think that florals can be preppy, though - when worn in a preppy way.

Loafers and penny mocs are very preppy - and they happen to be extremely fashion forward at the moment. Boat shoes too.

Ana is right. Blogger Atlantic Pacific does a very advanced and maximal version of preppy.

Pearls, although very retro, vintage and Chanel, can also be preppy.

Cardigans are preppy! (I am NOT a cardigan girl - but all my clients love cardigans).

Peacoats and stripes. White bottoms. Crisp colours. Shrunken blazers. And the list goes on.....

rae

(website)

Veteran

I have a preppy influence at work (gingham, collared shirts, sweater vests, loafers), and my favorite places for influence are the style blog for Rugby Ralph Lauren, the regular RL site, J. Crew's "Looks We Love" section, and LL Bean Signature.

http://www.rugby.com/blog/

Traci

Veteran

There's a blog called preppy with a twist. Take a look and see what you think of her take on preppy.

Jonesy

Veteran

I like some preppy elements, though I wouldn't define my style as preppy. I was going to suggest LL Bean Signature too. There are tons of preppy style blogs--I've just spent the last half hour or so cruising around on some of them. Big shaggy dogs seem to be featured a lot--do you have one of those :)? Also, cable knits, duck shoes/boots, monogramming, rugby stripes, plaid, navy, crests, pattern mixing (e.g., a striped shirt with a plaid tie), dark denim cuffed at the ankle, chinos! Just Google preppy blogs and you will see a bunch, if you are interested.

I think you should be able to incorporate plenty of preppy elements into your style, without looking costumey at all. If you pile everything on at once, it can look very OTT Preppy (not that there is anything wrong with that, just doesn't seem to be what you're going for), but your list seems very classic to me and super doable.

qfbrenda

Veteran

Maybe what I've been thinking of as "preppy" is better described as "classic", which is definitely a direction I'm leading.

I really appreciate everyone's comments and blog suggestions.

Lisa

Veteran

I love layered outfits, button down shirts with blazers or cardigans are always preppy to my eye. So are flat shoes: loafers, oxfords, boat shoes. Certain prints such as argyle are always preppy too. Tommy Hilfiger and JCrew are usually preppy perhaps you can get some outfit ideas from them.

Anonymous

Oh yes, Brenda! Classic loves you! Do you have a named fashion persona yet (ie Classic Prep)? I loved your best outfits that you put on Angie's post today. You've come a long way and are really honing in on your style. And I can totally see you in all of the elements of love that you listed above. It's really exciting and I think you've chosen a direction that will really suit you. Woot!

Sally

Veteran

I like elements of preppy and really enjoyed the American Classic section in the lucky guide to mastering iconic styles. I like the jeans, boots and androgynous look. I dont like boat shoes, chinos etc but I think that is because of the connotations that I have connected with that look of men who wear boat shoes, chinos and open neck shirts. I dont like polo shirts either. Love button down shirts and blazers. i thought your blazers on the 2011 pictures were lovely and really like that look. You do it really well. Amanda Brooks - 'I love your style' book has a good section on classic clothes.
google preppy images and see what comes up.
i have seen older people look really good in the preppy look even in their 80s...maybe not the short skirt school girl look.

Inge

(website)

I'm excited about your new style direction, Brenda.

I agree that there is definitely overlap between preppy and classic, that's why I'm thinking The Vivienne Files, a style blog that has been mentioned on YLF before, could be a source of inspiration too? She often posts capsules around one colour or idea, I e.g. really like the navy and green combo in her latest post (30 December with the plaid sweater and the animal print blouse...).

http://theviviennefiles.blogspot.com/

crutcher

Veteran

How about Lands End Canvas for classic/prep looks?...Filter out the too young styles and you have some great pieces to build upon...

Irene

Veteran

When I hear the word 'preppy', Gossip Girl's First Season's Blair Waldorf comes to my mind! Can't help it!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I REALLY enjoyed this thread! So many things that I missed that are *so* preppy - like crests, duck shoes, chinos, and shaggy dogs! (Chuckling @ Jonesy).

Hilfiger = 100% preppy.

I think of Boston and New England as having a strong preppy style. Polar opposite to the grungy streets of Seattle and the very alternative Haight District of San Francisco.

Parisian Chic has strong preppy elements - just a little more neutral and alternative.

I like preppy. I think it can look buttoned up AND cheeky

rachylou

Veteran

Claire, that is hilarious about the preppy handbook. Have you seen the preppy handbook sequel? I have both hardback and ebook versions, LOL.

Brenda - I think your list is perfect. Buckles are very preppy. Speaks to that pilgrim-hat-buckle thing and kilts with buckle straps.

My cousins are my highest authority on preppiness. This year, preppies are CLEARLY wearing navy, corduroy, cashmere crewnecks, and bright Hermes (orange) scarves. I didn't check out the shoes (my bad!), but I should think just not oxfords for women (oxfords will look too Little Prairie House).

I myself have a new navy wool cape coat (covered in dog fur, very preppy ;>). And speaking of buckles - I got a headband (totally preppy) with a BUCKLE from Target this weekend (actually, I got three because I cut the first one in half while snipping off the price tag and then I pulled the second one apart...).

Have to admit I don't do Hermes. I prefer Gucci. But I'm on the punk-prep-connection side of things.

qfbrenda

Veteran

Thanks for all the comments!! So helpful.

Inge, thanks for the Vivienne Files suggestion. I've been loving that blog. I really like her suggestions, though she seems heavily focused on work clothes. I'm a MOTG who doesn't need suits. Overall though, I love how she can put together wardrobe capsules.

I love the Lucky Guide's pages on American Classic as well. I pour over them regularly. I know some of the shapes need updating, but the concepts are there.

Thanks for the suggestion for "I Love Your Style". I added it to my Amazon cart.

I'm excited to feel like I have a style direction to aim for.

rachylou

Veteran

Postscript: I just googled "what's the difference between preppy and classic". The returns are a hoot. But I thought this guy made a persuasive argument:

http://offthecuffdc.com/the-ca.....c-v-preppy

Beth

Veteran

Rachylou, I really enjoyed that article:)

I tend think of preppy as a reflection of lifestyle/hobbies and less of a fashion statement. Here's an interesting website:
http://www.muffyaldrich.com/

I hate to disagree with Angie, but there's no way Hilfiger is preppy. Nuh-uh. No way.

Jjsloane

Veteran

Beth I think Angie's referring to Tommy's 2011 campaigns. Definitely trying for preppy.

I'm still drawn back to this conversation. Every year I get antsy around March waiting for the new madras outfits from Gap and Old Navy for my DC. I grew up in New England and spent a lot of time on Martha's Vineyard. I agree with the article in that the New England preppies wear expensive bermuda shorts, tennis sweaters, blazers, cuff links and deck shoes with a rain slicker over it all (usually for sailing). Meanwhile my brother works at a Prep School and it's more about conservative classically styled expensive pieces including lots of grosgrain items (headbands, watches, shoe bows...)

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catgirl

Veteran

Where I grew up (suburb of Boston), it was ALL about preppy. LaCoste, Sperry Topsiders (worn barefoot or with white socks), madras, kelly green with pink, chinos, headbands, plaid pleated skirts, penny loafers, rugby shirts, j. crew, turtlenecks with little prints (hearts, turtles, etc.)... It was not a look I wore well, in general. There are elements I still love, though, like plaid and argyle.

rachylou

Veteran

pps: Beth, I will have to take a closer look at this blog... I have to confess something: I might still have that sweater Muffy is wearing. Haha! Should I mention I've an uncle called Bunny?

re. Tommy Hilfiger: I am conflicted as to whether he's preppy or not. I mean, well, I thought of him as hip hop, but preppies LOVE him... and it's like he's preppy now. Then again, his stuff still doesn't have that reliable, staid air. It's pretty flash.

qfbrenda

Veteran

The longer this thread gets the more I think I'm classic way more than I am preppy. Most of what Una listed isn't me. I could do the loafers, plaid, and argyle parts.

I have a couple of style books ordered/about to be ordered that hopefully will help me further define things.

taylor

Veteran

I am like you Brenda. more classic. I love a cashmere argyle sweater...but for me it must be neutrals and it must be paired with denim or a pencil skirt and heels. I think that is much less preppy,more classic but still has the prep vibe l.

Mellllls

Veteran

for preppy inspiration, i'd check out the jcrew, ralph lauren, and vineyard vines websites. i also associate rowing crew and sailing with prep.

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