Pardon me but I find the American preppy style to be rather...provincial

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Preppy is American. It's not for everyone.

But why it is necessary to put it down? It doesn't hurt anyone to dress preppy.

Actually, khaki and pastel look better on light brown hair and blue jeans/shirts compliment blue eyes. It is usually fine, however if an expectation is set it can be abused. You've obviously never gone two years wearing ankle length skirts and then the day after you win an award, the guy who failed at that assignment for two years tries to ban all skirts. It is fine until someone complains about a shapely woman getting a male gaze not wearing pants&white/blue shirts, when others are in bikinis and hot pants but not as much of a "threat" go free.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Preppy is American. It's not for everyone.

But why it is necessary to put it down? It doesn't hurt anyone to dress preppy.

Actually, khaki and pastel look better on light brown hair and blue jeans/shirts compliment blue eyes. It is usually fine, however if an expectation is set it can be abused. You've obviously never gone two years wearing ankle length skirts and then the day after you win an award, the guy who failed at that assignment for two years tries to ban all skirts. It is fine until someone complains about a shapely woman getting a male gaze not wearing pants&white/blue shirts, when others are in bikinis and hot pants but not as much of a "threat" go free.

WTF did I even read here?

[Anonymous]

https://2othcentury.tumblr.com/post/126780971343

Preppy handbook! Lol oh yeh horrors!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I mean, Lacoste is a French brand, and they’re all about the polo shirts.

+100

The Kennedy era sportswear. I see it on MANY European men. I have lived in Spain and Germany. They do like a crisp Lacoste alligator polo and some pressed flat front pants.

My parents were from Connecticut. My dad went to a prep school (poor on scholarship)--but he always had the right look.

I don't like the over-the-top Vineyard Vines or too much Lily or Southern Prep that is all ruffles in over the top. I like the way Jackie O (minus her Lily) and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy did it. In a minimalist way when they were casual. The few good pieces in that type of wardrobe are very European and Jackie was a Francophile: Camelhair coat, ribbed turtlenecks, cashmere sweaters, clam diggers, camel wool skirts, minimalist column gowns, light on the jewelry and makeup (maybe just a red lip), etc.

Agree with this

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It IS “provincial “ — at least in the more tribal sense of the word.. That’s precisely the point. A long, long, time ago, WASPs were the predominant decision makers in the US. They sent their kids — especially their sons” to “prep schools” that had not yet considered the possible merits of meritocracy. They dressed a certain way that was very recognizable in its subtle details to other members of the fold. They passed down their Harris Tweed jackets and Shetland sweaters to their progeny. Fashion was not, and is not the point. Although there have been a few moments when preppy styles became fashionable with the general public, thanks to upstarts like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfinger, when the brouhaha settles, and the fashionistas have moved on, the committed preppies will still have their tribal identifiers.

🤔It’s chilly enough for plaid. But WHICH tartan? That is the question….

Black Watch, always and forever!

Yeah, I think the point of preppy is that it's never really in style, but not out of style either. If it's faddish, it may be prep-inspired but not really preppy. The focus is on quality items that last a long time and are appropriate for the particular environment/weather and outdoor activities that you do. Never ostentatious. My father follows the preppy aesthetic, and he basically just looks like every other old guy of his class/generation - plaid shirt, pants, loafers, jackets. The clothes aren't really anything you'd notice except that he looks nice, and he's had those same clothes forever! He got me the Preppy Handbook when I was a tween, and I inhaled it, the book is really pretty funny. He wanted us to wear Weejuns and oxford shirts. I absorbed some - I try to buy better things made of wool and natural fibers. It makes sense to have stuff that lasts so you're not constantly needing to shop. I'm not sure anything would look at me and say "preppy," but I had a friend tell me, "You don't have a lot of clothes, but what you have is really good," and that reminded me that prep is my foundation. I think my style if I have one is best described as classic.

+1.

And if you've learned of the environmental horror of fast fashion, you'll appreciate prep even more. It's sustainable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Preppy is American. It's not for everyone.

But why it is necessary to put it down? It doesn't hurt anyone to dress preppy.

Actually, khaki and pastel look better on light brown hair and blue jeans/shirts compliment blue eyes. It is usually fine, however if an expectation is set it can be abused. You've obviously never gone two years wearing ankle length skirts and then the day after you win an award, the guy who failed at that assignment for two years tries to ban all skirts. It is fine until someone complains about a shapely woman getting a male gaze not wearing pants&white/blue shirts, when others are in bikinis and hot pants but not as much of a "threat" go free.

WTF did I even read here?

Banning skirts? What are you talking about?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It IS “provincial “ — at least in the more tribal sense of the word.. That’s precisely the point. A long, long, time ago, WASPs were the predominant decision makers in the US. They sent their kids — especially their sons” to “prep schools” that had not yet considered the possible merits of meritocracy. They dressed a certain way that was very recognizable in its subtle details to other members of the fold. They passed down their Harris Tweed jackets and Shetland sweaters to their progeny. Fashion was not, and is not the point. Although there have been a few moments when preppy styles became fashionable with the general public, thanks to upstarts like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfinger, when the brouhaha settles, and the fashionistas have moved on, the committed preppies will still have their tribal identifiers.

🤔It’s chilly enough for plaid. But WHICH tartan? That is the question….

Black Watch, always and forever!

But, but: Royal Stewart for Christmas?

Goodness no, they were mortal enemies.

Clan Black Watch, you are my people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Preppy is American. It's not for everyone.

But why it is necessary to put it down? It doesn't hurt anyone to dress preppy.

Actually, khaki and pastel look better on light brown hair and blue jeans/shirts compliment blue eyes. It is usually fine, however if an expectation is set it can be abused. You've obviously never gone two years wearing ankle length skirts and then the day after you win an award, the guy who failed at that assignment for two years tries to ban all skirts. It is fine until someone complains about a shapely woman getting a male gaze not wearing pants&white/blue shirts, when others are in bikinis and hot pants but not as much of a "threat" go free.

WTF did I even read here?

Banning skirts? What are you talking about?

Fifty-second fish maw.

[Anonymous]

High quality preppy clothing will always look good. Americans, Europeans, affluent South Americans, etc. trend preppy.

Preppy = Classic

Trendy = Low Class (even if it's expensive)

The only difference I notice in European preppy is they wear tighter, shorter clothes (I'm referring to the men). Boat shoes or driving mocs, it's all the same.

PS - Stop hating on Vineyard Vines. Their clothing is very comfortable and washes well. I think their polos last longer than Ralph Lauren (which has been hit or miss; some of their polos seem cut weird) and their t-shirts are super soft. Lacoste tends to shrink and run small.

[Anonymous]

I can say that the OP would LOVE me. Not a single preppy piece in my wardrobe. I am not white so preppy just looks silly on me. But now I know that I can also walk down the streets of Milan without embarrassing OP. bonus!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can you imagine someone in boat shoes and a garish pink polo walking the streets of Milan?

Maybe not now, but this would not have been an unusual sight around the canals when I lived there in the late 90s; this look was much, much more popular there than it was back in the states. RL Polo shirts, Levi’s, Woolrich, and Allen Edmonds boat shoes were hugely popular, and Italian friends and family traveling to the US always left room in their suitcases so that they could by these “prep” brands back from the US.

So yes, not only can I imagine it, I can look at my photos from the streets of Milan and actually see it. Lol.

Ha was going to chime in with the same observation! Italian men wear color.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have never really understood American's obsession with and aspiring to look preppy aesthetic in their sartorial choices. I think the look is dated, constricting, unimaginative and very provincial. To me it gives me a sense that someone has not traveled very much beyond America or certain American enclaves and is not very sophisticated.

Whining is cheap and easy. Post your updated, imaginative, unconstrcting outfits on here for all to see.

+1
Can't wait to post some super "stylish" streetwear from OP's country of origin - which I'm positive she's going to share with us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have never really understood American's obsession with and aspiring to look preppy aesthetic in their sartorial choices. I think the look is dated, constricting, unimaginative and very provincial. To me it gives me a sense that someone has not traveled very much beyond America or certain American enclaves and is not very sophisticated.

Erm, your post is provincial

+100
Completely tasteless.

[Anonymous]

The Us Olympic team in preppy RL always looks great at the opening ceremonies!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have never really understood American's obsession with and aspiring to look preppy aesthetic in their sartorial choices. I think the look is dated, constricting, unimaginative and very provincial. To me it gives me a sense that someone has not traveled very much beyond America or certain American enclaves and is not very sophisticated.

Whining is cheap and easy. Post your updated, imaginative, unconstrcting outfits on here for all to see.

+1
Can't wait to post some super "stylish" streetwear from OP's country of origin - which I'm positive she's going to share with us.

Same old story. Those that have nothing to produce, just critique.