Preppy is Back in Style…Get Out the Polo Shirts!

Monday 15th of August 2011 01:44:23 AM

Preppy is Back in Style…Get Out the Polo Shirts!

There is a style that goes out of style periodically, but live long enough and it never fails to reappear on the fashion scene. The preppy look, as it has been called, is like a uniform of sorts. It consists of polo shirts or oxford cloth shirts, light jackets, sweaters, and nice slacks. You can wear plaid shorts too and still be considered preppy. The shoes can be loafers or moccasins. The preppy style has been called a lot of names including fuddy-duddy, boring and traditional, and yet it always makes a comeback.

When it comes to men’s wear, the recession has been particularly hard on the fashion industry. Europeans gave up the rigorously designed male fashions while American’s gave up the spunky clothing they cherished, and both went for strictly practical and affordable fashions. But now there are signs of life in men’s clothing once again, and the preppy look seems to be leading the way.

In 1980 a book named “The Official Handbook” was published and it became the handbook for preppy wear. The look is being updated and there’s even a new handbook recently published called “True Prep: It’s a Whole New World”.

In order to recreate the authentic preppy look that includes white socks with loafers and sweaters, fashion designers and those interested in the original preppy dress are referencing the 1965 book named “Take Ivy”. This little book of photographs is dedicated to the Ivy League style and is used today whenever designers are ready to resurrect the preppy fashions. But as one person pointed out, the preppy style is no longer just the purview of rich Ivy League college students. Preppy is a style for all men of all ages…when it makes a comeback that is.