Return of The Prep Fashion for Beauty

Return of The Prep

Posted July 19th, 2011 by Alana Strange No Comments »

Never has the rise of the preppy been so meteoric both on the runways and on the high street. But ever since Prince William popped the question last year to the immaculately groomed Kate Middleton, the preppy look (or “Sloaney” look in London) has quickly gained momentum, nary a hair out of place on its way to the top – only running as fast as a slim wedge would allow, of course. Recent runway trends show that this look will never die as long as Ralph Lauren has anything to say about it.

But as “nice” as Kate’s high street faves LK Bennett and Reiss both are – they’re not exactly on the cutting edge of fashion. They make pieces that are classic, work appropriate and “safe”. Dressing preppy like Kate Middleton and her younger sister, the equally impeccably dressed Pippa, implies a certain subculture – one of privilege, tennis playing and having lunch at the country club.

There are much better ways to channel the preppy look without looking like an extra who’s wandered off the set of Made in Chelsea. In short, you can totally update your wardrobe with some classic pieces of prepdom without looking like a complete dweeb. Look away from the Middleton sisters, look away!

These five simple sartorial updates will add a touch of preppiness and a bit of Annie Hall masculine tailoring to your wardrobe without being mistaken for actually looking like a dude from the back. (It’s happened before to the best of us.)

Gone are the days where we had to raid the men’s section. The selection of brogues for us ladies on the high street has become overwhelming. The key is to pick a pair with some interesting detail. Russell and Bromley have made a purple and red suede pair for fall which I covet – look for patent brogues in interesting colours, bright brogues, white brogues and perforated grey ones from Zara. Heeled ones have begun popping up in Topshop and Office recently as well which is fine and dandy, but the whole point of this look is to look effortless and casual. Flats are preferable – only wear heels if you truly cannot live without the height.

Who doesn’t love a good hat? It’s one of the easiest ways to make your ensemble go from “meh” to totally saucy. Add a floppy brown felt hat and instantly your look channels the 1970s. Add a straw boater hat to your floral dress for some afternoon tea (or trampy ciders in the park, whatever floats your boat). A good hat is something to invest in this fall. Peacocks have made a totally wearable navy felt wide brim 70s style hat for fall so you can get the look for well under twenty quid.

No need for starchy button-up tops covered in Liberty print floral or pale blue shirts that belong in the Apprentice boardroom. A silky or chiffon button up shirt is the chic and modern way to go about it – pair it with some groovy denim , leggings or a skirt and flat boots or shoes. If you’re more of a dress girl, go for shirt dresses in flowy fabrics for a softer look.

This trend doesn’t look like it’s going to go away anytime soon. While it’s not the easiest thing to convince yourself to put on at 8am in the morning, they’re the sartorial equivalent to a box of Pringles – once you pop, you can’t stop. Since buying my first pair of black floral trousers, I’ve become a printed trouser beast – hoovering up any likely candidates I spot in magazines or on the internet. Printed denim is a great option for fall and is easier than you think to wear.

The structured bag was all over the runways for this season but the tiny, structured ones are all but ridiculous unless you’re just stepping out to the corner shop to buy a teeny tiny stick of butter and you literally just need a single dollar and one key to get back inside your apartment because that’s all the bag will fit. I covet this gorgeous deep plum bowler bag from Marc by Marc Jacobs.

If you’re in doubt, read The Official Preppy Handbook by Lisa Birnbach – published in 1980 but ironically current in every way.

Adam Silk Georgette shirt dress, £60, Net-a-porter.com

Plum leather bowling bag, £335, SELFRIDGES.COM

70s floppy hat, £25, Asos.com

Pewter Brogues, £28, Miss Selfridge

Navy print jeans, £40, Topshop

Fashion for Beauty