How to Dress Preppy for Less

Born out of 1980’s fashion choices for privileged children attending northeastern prep schools and Ivy League colleges, preppy style is a big part of American fashion. But completing the look for less requires special knowledge. If you want to find classic preppy style at discounted prices, follow these 5 steps to look stylishly prep, yet essentially you.

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with traditional preppy fashion. From polo shirts and deck shoes to crisp tan cuffed chinos and cable-knit sweaters tied around the neck, dressing preppy is a favorite style choice for back-to-school wear and collegiate wardrobes. Become a fan of Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Lacoste, Lilly Pulitzer and L.L. Bean. Based upon your style preferences, select the basic preppy uniform. For women and young girls, choose pearl jewelry, shirt dresses and pastel colors. Preppy men wear oxford shirts, pastel polos, blue blazers and chinos. Once you identify the preppy style basics you are ready to go shopping.

2. Shop stores for sales at the end of the season. Knowing when to buy discounted preppy fashion at stores that carry traditional preppy wear can save shoppers hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Buy linen shirts and shorts at the end of August. Purchase crisp seersucker suits during a season-ending Labor day sale. Shop off-season and save big.

3. Buy preppy fashion at off-price retailers. Marshalls, TJ Maxx and Ross carry discounted preppy fashion regularly. At these stores you’ll find the same preppy items sold in major department stores. Shop these stores frequently to determine when new shipments of preppy wear are sold. Frequent bargain shoppers can find deals on Coach handbags and monogrammed Ralph Lauren tote bags. Smart shoppers will also find cashmere and cable knit sweaters at reduced prices.

4. Purchase women’s preppy accessories at fabric stores. If you can’t bear to buy a traditional prep wardrobe filled with argyle, polka dots and conservative wear, add preppy style touches with shoes and accessories. Women can wear silk or satin headbands in their hair, or tie pastel grosgrain ribbons around their waists. These items can be purchased in fabric stores without the high costs associated with retail.

5. Shop online. Preppy fashion deals are available on the internet. The traditional retailers that carry preppy style choices (mentioned in Step 1, above) all have websites with recurring web sales. Sign up for their e-newsletters to receive information in your inbox. Rather than scouring the internet for sales you’ll get notifications and coupons in advance.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy classic polo shirts without monogrammed logos to mimic the preppy look for half the price.

• Add classic penny loafers, ballet flats and boat shoes to your preppy look by buying these items at outlet stores and off price retailers.

• Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister, although popular stores, are not considered traditional preppy retailers.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Preppy Look for Less
• Preppy Teen Fashion for Less
• Expert Village How to Dress Preppy