Hailing from a northern New Jersey town, J.Crew, Vineyard Vines and Polo Ralph Lauren are all too familiar to me. Button-downs, vests and khakis were rampant among the guys at my high school. Not long after these trends began to escalate, us girls started putting our own spin on the preppy look—plaid shirts and puffer vests were no longer strictly masculine style staples. Although I have never identified myself as a “prepster,” I love the classic Southern look of those who do.
This Fashionista’s prep-inspired outfit caught my eye instantly. Although the weather was rather warm (yes, 37 degrees is now considered warm), she opted for a wintry pair of indigo cords, which brought out the dark colors in her plaid button-down. It’s important not to go too crazy with the components of a warm-but-still-cold day outfit; you want to wear enough layers not to freeze, but you don’t want to overdo it and overheat. Since this Fashionista’s shirt is a patterned one, she stuck with a neutral-colored vest in order to keep the focus on her plaid button-down.
A preppy-inspired look doesn’t have to be an all-encompassed effort; just by simply adding a vest or swapping jeans for a pair of khakis or corduroys can go a long way in terms of pulling off this classic trend. Everyone (well, mostly everyone) wants to look well put together when they go out in public, and this approach is definitely one way to get the job done!
What is your STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK? “If you’re not used to dressing preppy, but want to try, start by incorporating little pieces into your daily outfits. Figure out what works for you and what doesn’t!”
