Put some prep into your step
By Michelle Zhang |
May 15, 2011, Sunday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
WITH any mention of the preppy look one immediately thinks of American fashion houses Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and J. Crew. The iconic American fashion style is this summer's déjà vu trend, especially among men.
"Preppy clothes are among some of the most iconic in American menswear," said Shanghai-based art director Eric Young, a trend expert and preppy enthusiast. "It represents a certain kind of American lifestyle, which is accepted by more and more young Chinese urban professionals nowadays."
They play golf, tennis and badminton in their leisure time, and they drive to nearby cities for a weekend getaway.
"It's all about the attitude," Young added. "You can be preppy at any age, as long as you have a young heart. Think of the Kennedy family, and Bob Dylan's 'Forever Young'."
Classic preppy summer fashion pieces for men include (but are not restricted to) bright polo shirts, plaid shirts, khaki shorts, classic sneakers made of cotton canvas, a cute bow tie and a pair of vintage-style sunglasses. "All of them are basic pieces that set the rules of style," Young said. "The look is sophisticated yet attainable, which makes it timeless."
The Ivy League look is also a hit trend for women thanks to the popularity of androgynous dressing among female celebrities such as Alexa Chung.
Shanghai-native fashion lover Wang Ting, founder of wodeyichu.com, a fashion community website, suggested young women invest in a pair of Oxford loafers, or simple canvas sneakers in white or navy.
"Preppy fashion represents the American culture," said Wang who travels to New York city frequently. "It's casual, carefree and sometimes about breaking the rules. For example, you can match a hoodie with a suit jacket, or you can wear a girly dress with a pair of tomboy shoes."
The preppy wardrobe, including striped tees, A-line skirts, straw hats, crisp shirts and shorts, is a summer classic. However, this summer's hot color-blocking trend doesn't seem to apply to the preppy style.
"Navy, red and white are classic preppy tones but you can also choose bright hues such as yellow and lime green," Wang said. "Just remember only one piece in eye-catching tone is enough."
Last but not least, don't forget to get yourself a cute headband. Blair Waldorf from "Gossip Girl" has showed us just how versatile and irresistible a headband can be.
Styling tips to look preppy:
Classic preppy tones include navy, khaki, red and white. Prints such as checks or plaid, or even paisley complement the style as well.
The preppy look is all about classic and clean-cut. Quality is the key.
A prep is someone who cares about their appearance enough to look good. So pay attention to the details, such as wearing a bow tie or putting on a headband.
A pair of vintage-inspired cotton canvas sneakers, or loafers, is key to making the look.
Being a prep is about your attitude and not only the clothes. An important quality of a prep is their ability to be happy, bubbly and social. Take part in popular preppy pursuits such as tennis, badminton, horse riding and sailing.
"Preppy clothes are among some of the most iconic in American menswear," said Shanghai-based art director Eric Young, a trend expert and preppy enthusiast. "It represents a certain kind of American lifestyle, which is accepted by more and more young Chinese urban professionals nowadays."
They play golf, tennis and badminton in their leisure time, and they drive to nearby cities for a weekend getaway.
"It's all about the attitude," Young added. "You can be preppy at any age, as long as you have a young heart. Think of the Kennedy family, and Bob Dylan's 'Forever Young'."
Classic preppy summer fashion pieces for men include (but are not restricted to) bright polo shirts, plaid shirts, khaki shorts, classic sneakers made of cotton canvas, a cute bow tie and a pair of vintage-style sunglasses. "All of them are basic pieces that set the rules of style," Young said. "The look is sophisticated yet attainable, which makes it timeless."
The Ivy League look is also a hit trend for women thanks to the popularity of androgynous dressing among female celebrities such as Alexa Chung.
Shanghai-native fashion lover Wang Ting, founder of wodeyichu.com, a fashion community website, suggested young women invest in a pair of Oxford loafers, or simple canvas sneakers in white or navy.
"Preppy fashion represents the American culture," said Wang who travels to New York city frequently. "It's casual, carefree and sometimes about breaking the rules. For example, you can match a hoodie with a suit jacket, or you can wear a girly dress with a pair of tomboy shoes."
The preppy wardrobe, including striped tees, A-line skirts, straw hats, crisp shirts and shorts, is a summer classic. However, this summer's hot color-blocking trend doesn't seem to apply to the preppy style.
"Navy, red and white are classic preppy tones but you can also choose bright hues such as yellow and lime green," Wang said. "Just remember only one piece in eye-catching tone is enough."
Last but not least, don't forget to get yourself a cute headband. Blair Waldorf from "Gossip Girl" has showed us just how versatile and irresistible a headband can be.
Styling tips to look preppy:
Classic preppy tones include navy, khaki, red and white. Prints such as checks or plaid, or even paisley complement the style as well.
The preppy look is all about classic and clean-cut. Quality is the key.
A prep is someone who cares about their appearance enough to look good. So pay attention to the details, such as wearing a bow tie or putting on a headband.
A pair of vintage-inspired cotton canvas sneakers, or loafers, is key to making the look.
Being a prep is about your attitude and not only the clothes. An important quality of a prep is their ability to be happy, bubbly and social. Take part in popular preppy pursuits such as tennis, badminton, horse riding and sailing.
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