In recent years, the idea of a “preppy” style has picked up a somewhat negative connotation. However, like most things that get shunned in society, this prejudice is based in simple misinformation. Contrary to popular belief, the set of terms, “prep,” “preppy,” and “prepster” do not have their roots in the hordes of suburban teenagers that insist that they must only shop a certain set of chain stores that we will call “Triple A” or “The Three As:” Abercrombie & Fitch, Aeropostale, and American Eagle. Nor did it originate as a way for the angsty, albeit generally more creative, peers of the aforementioned group to refer angrily to them. In fact, the term preppy (short for “preparatory”) comes from the private boarding schools and universities of the East Coast and the style that was popularized by the uniforms. Preppy is about traditional pieces that have a distinctly North American aura of sophistication. So by this logic we can argue that the preppy style is a piece of American history and should be preserved. Thankfully, preppy is back in a big way in fashion these days. Just try to walk down a hallway on any university campus in the middle of the day and not run into at least two people (men and women) carrying a tote bag. There are certain defining characteristics of preppy that we will go over here so as to give all you out there in NEIUspaper land an opportunity to take it for a test drive- or, as my preppy counterpart Wesley would say, “atrot ’round the stables.”
One thing to keep in mind when you dabble in the world of the preppy is that blocks of color and simplicity in patterns are key. When I say patterns I do not mean floral or polka-dot. I am talking cut. I mean the height of the waist on your khakis. Does the word “waist” mean anything to anyone anymore? Everyone your waist is the smallest part of your torso- or in other words, where pants used to go. There is nothing really wrong with the way the rises of pants have gotten lower, but it is important to keep in mind that there are plenty of other ways to wear them. For the first time since many can remember, it is the waistline of skirts that are rising, not the hem. A really popular new way of fusing modern prints with traditional preppy style is a skirt that is either tapered and pencil-cut or gathered to a waistband. Neither of these styles should really be worn below the navel.
Another huge trend that has stemmed from preppy style is the cardigan. This column has discussed the cardigan at length in the past and will continue to sing its praises. Cardigans began their lives as standard issue for most boarding schools. Nowadays, however, their roots in stuffy, mahogany-paneled classrooms are but a distant memory. No one item in your closet is as versatile as a cardigan. Worn buttoned under a blazer it is a good way to keep up with the original office attire. Oversized and belted with skinny jeans it is modern and young, a solid representation of a hipster attitude paying homage to prepster roots.
As outlined in most of these examples, it is easy to blend J. Crew classics (a fantastic option for anyone looking for the best that preppy has to offer) with your mod pieces. Everyone needs their healthy dose of prep but be sure to operate under the correct definition of preppy. Just always keep in mind that under no circumstances should anyone over the age of 17 wear clothes on which the main stylistic touch is the brand logo itself.