The origin of the slang term preppy can be attributed to the code of dress enforced by most Ivy League preparatory schools. A clean cut and sophisticated mode of dress is indicative of preppy social stature. Due to the classic nature of these types of clothes, the preppy look never goes out of style. Finding preppy clothes is easy when you know where to look and what to look for.

Where to Shop

Try shopping in sporting goods stores that specialize in Golf or Tennis apparel. These sports have a conservative dress requirement and have started trends that clothing designers try to emulate for the preppy style associated with them. Large retailers such as Macy's and Dillard's have a vast selection of preppy wear and you can find more formal preppy attire in these stores, like a good jacket or blazer to wear for special events for a formal preppy look.

Brands

Look for classic preppy clothes that never go out of style like Polo or Oxford shirts. Remember that the color coordination of your attire has a lot to do with looking preppy. Many designers of the preppy fashion world include Tommy Hilfiger, Aeropostal, Ralph Lauren and Nautica. These designers produce a style that is quintessentially preppy.

Essentials

Wear khaki pants and shorts in place of ordinary blue jeans. Popular trends have come to include certain brands of jeans as being preppy like BKE or Abercrombie, however a classic preppy would prefer khaki. Look for sweater vests that are cable knit with preppy colors and patterns. Cricket sweaters are a classic example of this type of preppy dress.

Colors and Patterns

Wear Tea dresses or summer dresses adorned with preppy colors such as a flat royal blue or white with blue pinstripe. Skirts should include a triangular plaid or flat color pattern to give a sense of the school uniform designs that preppies enjoy. Color scheme of shirts, sweaters and jackets should be conservative and contain classic colors such as navy blue or hunter green to comply with the preppy code of dress.

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Preppy Clothes

How to Dress Preppy