Help me pull together the preppy, classic, timeless look

[Anonymous]

I just had a baby and am about to turn 30 and I have decided that I really enjoy the preppy, classic, timeless look but I just cant seem to pull it all together.

Can you tell me what are the staple pieces that I need to have in my wardrobe for this look? and Where I should buy them? And how should I put them together?

[Anonymous]

PS Baby is 10 months old and I'm back to my pre-baby weight so I'm finally ready to rebuild my warbrobe.

[Anonymous]

If you can afford it, you should definitely hire a personal shopper. Do a search, there have been a ton of recommendations made on this board for them. Or try the free services at Nordstrom or Macy's. I think even J.Crew has a personal shopper now.

[Anonymous]

http://nantucketbrand.com/shop/women.html

J crew has a lot of preppy clothes, obviously nice chinos, cardigans, twin sets, v neck sweaters, button down tops, lily Pulitzer dresses, Jack Rogers sandals, maybe some Tory burch stuff
I don't dress preppy but my friend does so I'm going off what she wears
Talbots actually has some clothes now geared toward slightly younger women that is very classic and preppy-good place for some basics

[Anonymous]

navy blue blazer
black blazer
colored denim
crisp white button down shirt
flats

[Anonymous]

Ralph Lauren is the best for preppy, in my opinion (in most case the blue level ("bridge") line is the best deal but this will be determine by your budget). J. Crew used to be very preppy and still has a lot of pieces, but their style has changed.

In any case, having a timeless look is not one brand. As you mentioned, high quality staples are the foundation of a classic wardrobe. I would invest into a good trench and coat first. If those are classy they immediately lift the whole wardrobe and, unlike a sweater or a skirt, you can wear them every day. Be ready to spend 600-1000 on each. I have a great Burberry trench and a Maxmara coat. They can make almost everything look good. A great fitting jacket is also very important.

Another thing is that the most important thing that comes before thinking about style is fit. If it doesn't fit well it doesn't matter how nice and classy it is on a mannequin. Though you probably won't often need alterations, you need to understand what cuts work for your body, and that will make it so much easier to shop because you will be able to eliminate a lot of stuff. For example, I have large breasts and I have to avoid everything with extra volume on top (for example, double-breasted jackets and coats), no matter how cute it is and how good a deal. Sometimes that disappoints me, but at the same time, I can zip through a saks and focus on the few items of interest.

[Anonymous]

No way I'm going to spend 600-1000 on any article of clothing. Have you every heard of Loehmann's?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ralph Lauren is the best for preppy, in my opinion (in most case the blue level ("bridge") line is the best deal but this will be determine by your budget). J. Crew used to be very preppy and still has a lot of pieces, but their style has changed.

In any case, having a timeless look is not one brand. As you mentioned, high quality staples are the foundation of a classic wardrobe. I would invest into a good trench and coat first. If those are classy they immediately lift the whole wardrobe and, unlike a sweater or a skirt, you can wear them every day. Be ready to spend 600-1000 on each. I have a great Burberry trench and a Maxmara coat. They can make almost everything look good. A great fitting jacket is also very important.

Another thing is that the most important thing that comes before thinking about style is fit. If it doesn't fit well it doesn't matter how nice and classy it is on a mannequin. Though you probably won't often need alterations, you need to understand what cuts work for your body, and that will make it so much easier to shop because you will be able to eliminate a lot of stuff. For example, I have large breasts and I have to avoid everything with extra volume on top (for example, double-breasted jackets and coats), no matter how cute it is and how good a deal. Sometimes that disappoints me, but at the same time, I can zip through a saks and focus on the few items of interest.

I agree, fit is everything! The tailor is your friend. Invest in a blue or black blazer that is comfy and flattering, nips at the waist, no more than 3 buttons. Always buy for the largest part of your body and have the tailor take everything else in.

Cut flats -- loafers or ballerina or top-siders -- whatever they are just remember that shoes set the tone for the outfit. Nothing grungy or cheap.

Crisp colors -- navy, coral, yellow, kelly green are very Southern preppy. Northern preppy colors are more muted -- browns, olives, grays and navy. Can't go wrong with crisp button down shirts -- Banana Republic makes a nice no-iron one. Sweaters, v-neck and cardigans -- cashmere, merino or fine cotton for the summer -- in solid colors.

Stay away from trendy stuff and wacky prints. Incorporate trends into your wardrobe through accessories -- i.e. animal prints flats, this year's bag, a colored scarf etc.

I do disagree about the trench having to cost so much. Yes, a Burberry is nice, but I'm not willing to spend $1K on a raincoat, even if it is a staple. Banana Republic and J Crew both have really nice trench coats.

[Anonymous]

Ooops cute flats, not cut.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No way I'm going to spend 600-1000 on any article of clothing. Have you every heard of Loehmann's?

Are you the OP?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No way I'm going to spend 600-1000 on any article of clothing. Have you every heard of Loehmann's?

Yes, I have heard of them. Most stuff there is ugly. It's not about the brand, it's about quality though the two are correlated. I would always much rather buy a full price item at Banana Republic or J. Crew rather than "good deal" branded crap from a discount retailer. And I own several Burberry trenches and jackets (not the quilt, of course, which doesn't flatter anyone) so I do believe that, on average, brands make better clothing.

[Anonymous]

I have dressed this way my whole life. It's important to make sure you don't veer to the frumpy (harder for me since I am older). I wear a lot of twin sets, cashmere, plain jeans (no true religion or anything flashy), straight skirts, pumps, flats, driving mocs, jack rogers. I love Lilly but not all of it fits me well so I am selective in what I wear (and when I wear it). Agree on the coats, although not sure I would start there. I have a Burberry trench that I got in 1984 that is still perfect. Also a Burberry black classic wool coat. And the obligatory quilted jacket. The key is to avoid flashy branded things. While Lilly and Jack rogers are easily recognized, they don't have big logos. Burberry has gotten kind of flashy so you have to be careful (plaid lining is okay, plaid exterior is not).

Places to shop - J Crew, J. McLaughlin, Lilly, Vineyard Vines, Brooks Bros, Talbots, Ralph Lauren. I've gotten some nice stuff from Boden. And some great plain Tshirts from Gap.

[Anonymous]

You know what I've found to be the most helpful to me(a fashion disaster) are the pinterest posters who post the outfits they put together via polyvore. You can go onto the "Women's Fashion" category and just look around for someone that you like, then start following them. Here's an example of someone I follow to get ideas for casual clothes:
http://pinterest.com/Liza4321/get-dressed/

[Anonymous]

I will look at you and laugh.

[Anonymous]

Mix it up, OP. One style doesn't fit most. You don't want to have a "uniform". Just buy what looks good on you. As women get older, the unisex (mens) clothing is less and less flattering.