So why exactly have I deemed the satirisation of Muffy van Winkle post-worthy? As amusing as they may be I couldn’t care less about True Prep’s extensive list of social do’s and don’ts, but the preppy ‘fashion rules’ really caught my eye. Don’t panic, I’m not suggesting that we all ‘wear sportswear’ (good, God no!) or that our ‘underwear must not show’ (hello, underwear as outerwear was SUCH big news this summer)… The whole book is designed to make a mockery of its subject so it’s style commandments are hardly meant to be taken literally, and I’m about as likely to do so as I am to up-sticks and move to Conneticut.
But the tales of Muffy and her like got me thinking about preppy style in general, and I realised that I love it! True Prep may not be written in all seriousness but it did make a couple of seriously good points about stylish dressing. For example, ‘cowboy hats may not be worn by anyone who is not technically a cowboy or a cowgirl’, ‘sarongs are for the beach, not for the mall’ and my personal favourite ‘You can never go wrong with a trench coat’ (so true!).
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| DKNY fall/winter 2010 collection |
If the memory of your old school uniform sends a shiver down your spine then it’s time for an unpleasant surprise. This season kilts, blouses and knee-high socks are making a serious comeback. With it’s emphasis on luxe fabrics, classic pieces, and wearability, preppy style has never been chicer.
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| Marc Jacobs fall/winter 2010 collection |
Classic, elegant looks are seriously hot property. From Marc Jacobs, to DKNY to Lacoste (the perennial preppy favourite) the fall/winter 2010 catwalks were overrun with plaids, pleats, knits, cute collars and back-to-school styles.
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| Lacoste fall/winter 2010 collection |
For the past few seasons, fashion has been caught up in a love affair with tougher looks such as studs, leather, exposed zips and distressed denim. I’m have always been slightly envious of girls who can really rock the model-off-duty, grungey vibe in oversized Alexander Wang tanks, high-top trainers and bed-head hair, but not anymore… Sleek, chic, prep-tastic looks are bang on-trend right now and I am rejoicing in fact that groomed, well put-together styles have come back with a vengeance. This season I’m going to unleash my inner WASP in pop socks, loafers and pea coats galore!
This stylish fellow was also clearly channelling the preppy vibe when I spotted him strolling down Kensington high street…
Ok, so at first glance this guy may not look like a style setter. He’s not wearing an oversized lumberjack shirt, artfully distressed skinnies and those All Saints biker boots that every fashion conscious London male seems to own, but there is something about this outfit that I just can’t get enough of. Everything is well made, well-fitting and well-coordinated… and I love any man who has the confidence to wear a pair of trousers THAT bright without the slightest hint of self-consciousness. For fall/winter 2010 it is all about low-key luxury, good-quality classics and attention to detail and this deliciously preppy ensemble ticks all the boxes.
So, even if leather trousers and boudoir lace aren’t for you then do not dispair! Just make like Blair Waldorf, invest in a headband for every occasion and work this seasons smartest looks, preppy-style.
Love Ella. X
Lovely post! For guys preppy is DEFINATELY my favourite style
Great blog!
xx
lifeisroyalty.blogspot.com
must check out the book… preppy isnt my style as such, but maybe not that bad to experiment with…
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follow if u like what u see?
xoxo
Great looks!
Love those preppy outfits, so Gossip Girl
great outfits!
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great post, pictures and writing
. thank you for a lovely comment .
do follow betsie for updates .
x
Elle and Vogue's September issues were the best, in my opinion. Really, really enjoyed Elle. I never usually read Vanity Fair for the same reason as you didn't, but sometimes I'm tempted to give it a read and a flick through and see how it goes xo
An amazingly written post, and on one of my favourite subjects too! I love the preppy look, it's timeless and cozily reminds me of the UK. Plus that stylish chap looks perfectly European chic!
http://www.redpoppyfashion.blogspot.com
xo
Love this post!
Love the pic from lacoste, because I love all the bright colours and your outfit is awsome! It looks so cute on you.
http://style-in-sight.blogspot.com
love this post. and the dude in the green pants cracked me up. ultra prep.
x Niki
A Haute Mess
ps. There's a giveaway currently going on at A Haute Mess! You can win an amazing cuff bracelet valued at over $100. Thought you might be interested
Giveaway posted here xoxo
your outfit is very preppy-style!!
http://malibuananas.blogspot.com/
xx
The Official Preppy Handbook, i need to buy this
Ha, i think i'm going to go get myself a copy, love this preppy shit!
the 3rd looks is so cute!I'm going to start digging through my private school uniform days!
Mmm the lacoste one is nice.
I'm quite partial to a bit of preppy dressing myself (although I'm not entirely convinced I can pull it off – so in the meantime I'll just stick to admiring how others wear it haha). You've definitely got the look down to a tee, and so does that green-panted fellow!
I've been looking up to Gossip Girl for a hell lot of fashion advice.
The write up is very succinct, love it!
XOX
http://fortheloveoffashionandotherthings.blogspot.com