How to Be a Preppy Guy

Tennis is a sport traditionally associated with preppy people.

According to the Middlebury University Slang Project, the word "preppy" is "derived from the term 'prep school,' this word describes those who behave and dress in a manner typical of one who attended a prep school." The definition goes on to describe how this adjective is often linked to those from upper socioeconomic classes and how the style of dressing requires luxury name brands. Being a preppy guy starts with strategically wearing certain brands of clothing and continues with certain lifestyle decisions.

Instructions

Clothes

1. Buy several pairs of khakis and madras shorts from brands such as Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, McLaughlin or Brooks Brothers. Wear the khakis with black or brown belts from these stores or you can even don one from an even higher end designer such as Gucci, Prada or Armani.

2. Buy polo and button down shirts from Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, J.Crew, McLaughlin or Brooks Brothers. Select several shirts in white and several in bright colors such as yellow, lime green, light blue or even pink. Wear your collars up, always. Select two or three ties in the same colors.

3. Mix and match your khakis and shorts with different pairings of shirts. For shoes you can wear loafers or boat shoes such as Sperry Top-siders, both without socks.

Actions

1. Learn sports associated with the upper-class such as tennis, golf, squash or lacrosse.

2. Take vacations to the Northeast such as at Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket or Cape Cod.

3. Attend a preparatory school in the Northeast if of age or a private college in the same area.

4. Get possessions monogrammed with your initials such as a money clip, towels, shirts or bags.

Tips & Warnings

• True preppy people never wear fakes.

References

• Urban Dictionary: Preppy Guy
• Middlebury: Slang Project
• Urban Dictionary: Preppy

Resources

• Preppy Princess: Real Prep School
• "The New York Times": Rejoice, Muffy and Biff: A Preppy Primer Revisited