The preppy trend has been exploding recently, and you can see evidence of it everywhere. Colorful tartan plaid stationary is stocked in paper goods shops, and home dcor stores are overflowing with nautical navy and white, and crisp lattice prints. Yes, there are splashes of prep everywhere, and of course the preppy world would be nothing without the major vein of the fashion world. Here's how to inject some of preppy's smart, clean look into your own style.
Preppy Essentials:
Sweaters - Crewneck, cardigan and v-neck sweaters are preppy essentials. Look for sweaters in quality fabrics such as cotton and cashmere. Synthetics such as rayon do not wash or wear very well, and end up looking pilled very quickly. One of the keys to looking sharp in a sweater is to make sure it fits well and is not baggy. Even if the sweater is a thick cable knit, make sure it hugs your skin and that the shoulder seam sits at the top of your shoulder.
Polo shirts - Most men like polo shirts because of their ease, and in the preppy world they conjure up images of golfing and country clubs. To fully go the preppy route, select polo shirts in bold colors such as turquoise, fuchsia, bright yellow, kelly green, Nantucket red, and purple. You may even want to try layering one polo shirt over another, and popping up your collar. The rugby shirt, which is the cousin of the polo, is also a nice choice. Classic preppy polo shirt brands include Polo Ralph Lauren and Lacoste.
Ties - You can't have a full-on preppy look without a wardrobe that includes several tie styles. Look for ties with patterns such as herringbone, plaid and windowpane. And of course, you can always add a bowtie to your tie wardrobe as well.
Chinos - Whether they're in light khaki or a darker olive color, chinos are a staple of the preppy outfit. One great thing about them is that they are they dressier than jeans, but may still be laundered in your washing machine. This makes them an excellent combination to this comfortable and clean look.
Jeans - For the perfect preppy look, purchase a pair of dark, straight leg jeans. They must be slimmer fitting. When you wear them, roll the pant legs up just once to create a cuff.
Sport Coats - A classic navy blue sport coat is a staple. For winter you can reach for heavy fabrics such as corduroy and tweed. For spring and summer, madras plaid and seersucker are also nice options.
Shoes - Classic preppy shoe styles for men include leather moccasins, suede loafers, or a good basic dress shoe in black or brown leather.
Once you have added these preppy items to your wardrobe, remember that preppy style is about how you present yourself as well. Preps are notoriously well mannered, so make sure to make eye contact with people and smile. Hold doors open and extend other small courtesies. To compliment your fashion, keep your hair well trimmed and shave frequently. Pick a "clean" smelling cologne and apply it lightly. Preppy is never overdone, so to nail this look, just think, "simple, classic, clean."
Author: Michael Taylor is a Marketing Manager at TIE SNUG. TIE SNUG eliminates continuous adjusting and makes wearing a tie more comfortable. The right necktie accessories can ensure you look professional and help you stand out for the right reasons. Now you can be confident knowing your tie knot looks great. For more information, please visit http://www.tiesnug.com.
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