Button up for spring and beyond because preppy is back. Private school panache was strong on men’s runways. Wardrobe expert Kim Maxwell got her credentials working with acts like Usher and Alicia Keys, and styling for the likes of Sony Music and ABC Television. She lists the most important pieces of the preppy look, and gives us a few guidelines for pulling off the classic style.
Maxwell advises you stock up on preppy essentials, such as “Saddle shoes, polos, white button-downs, bow ties, striped patterns, denim shirts, and even a light gray suit.” The everyday guy can “pull off this look for the office by wearing a blazer with a skinny tie and a denim button-down in place of a dress shirt, with loafers or saddle shoes,” says Maxwell. “For the weekend, take a tee shirt and wear it with a windbreaker jacket or cardigan sweater. Pair these with polo shorts, and boat or saddle shoes.”
Preppy is, however, a clean cut, no nonsense look so, “avoid clothing that is too baggy,” warns Maxwell. “Everything should be more of a slim fit or true to size. Stay away from color blocking and try to utilize spring’s lighter colors.”
