If you have a question for the Preppy Girl email it to me at preppygirl@thepreppylife.com.

Hey Preppy Girl,

Are there any brands or styles we should absolutely avoid as a preppy girl?

Thanks so much,
Preppy Jackjack

Dear Preppy Jackjack,

That is a great question! With the constant evolution and re-designing of brands, I don’t like to exclude specific brands from the realm of preppydom. You never know, maybe even Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. or Rock & Republic might turn preppy one day. That being said, there are some things to keep in mind when searching for great clothes. Look for classic styles that cover all of the three P’s; pretty, preppy, and perky. You want quality items that won’t fall apart in the washing machine. Try to avoid overly shiny or sparkly material as well as polyester. Also look for brands that don’t skimp on fabric. Some of my favorite goto preppy brands are J. Crew, Lilly, Lacoste, Vineyard Vines, Ralph Lauren, and Old Navy (for basic tanks, cardis and ts). The Preppy Princess sells darling preppy accessories.

For more on preppy style check out Preppy Style 101

Best!

Preppy Girl

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If you have a question for the Preppy Girl email it to me at preppygirl@thepreppylife.com.

Dear Preppy Girl,

First off, I love your blog! It’s my last year of college and I’m in love with the preppy style. I was wondering what are some preppy college essentials. I want to buy some clothes before school starts, but I can only afford so much. So, I was thinking maybe some articles of clothing that I could mix and match? (tops, bottoms, shoes, etc.)

Thanks so much,
College Prep Chic :]

Dear College Prep Chic,

Thanks for reading my blog! That is such a great question. My sister and I are at the beach and have spent the past 2 days discussing your question. We came up with a long “wish list” of items that will take you from fall to winter. I hope it helps!

Fall Trends:

• Camel – It’s really big this year, look for a cute camel colored skirt and a camel colored coat, they go with everything and will be great for college and beyond.

• The Great Outdoors – Designers are really into the outdoorsy look this year. Think warm winter woolens: chunky sweaters, shawls, & tie front cardigans, socks, scarves, hats & mittens. Mittens are so cute and are supposed to be really big this winter. Chunky heeled boots with wool socks & leg warmers. Look for classic colors, tweeds, and hand-knits.

• Sweater dress – Looks great with tights & boots

• Vintage Jewelry – Check out second hand stores for great jewelry & handbag finds

• Layer it – Layer tanks & tees with cardigans

• Wide leg trouser jeans (dark)

Preppy Must Haves:

• Skinny Jeans, Khakis, & Corduroys

• Cardigans – Shrunken cardigans are great and can take you from class to going out with your friends. You can easily change their look by adding jewelry and accessories.

• Shrunken Blazers – So cute!

• Ballet Flats & Kitten Heels
• Sperries

• Button down shirt – Looks great with rolled up sleeves

• Headbands
• Nautical Stripes (for early fall)
• and finally…a Monogramed L.L. Bean Tote (more inexpensive than Longchamp, the preppy ideal)

Have fun shopping!

-Preppy Girl

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Two words you don’t want to hear on summer vacation. I rolled out of bed this morning, spied the rain and promptly went back to bed. Sometime after 9a.m. I was awakened with the magic words “outlet shopping.” Piling into the family SUV with my parents and my now-married sister brought back memories of vacays past. My sister and I cracking jokes in the backseat as we slowly approached our destination: the Rehoboth Beach Outlets, tax free shopping at it’s finest.

After parking the car in a lovely gravel pit, the fam split up. My dad bolting to Orvis, eager to buy a new fly rod, mom and sis joining the masses at J. Crew, and I trying hard as hell not to spend any money. After an hour of poking around Wedgewood and the discount shoe stores, temptation caught up with me. Student loans be damned, consumerism is calling my name. I wound up buying some inexpensive jewelry and a lovely pair of purple Ralph sunglasses.

You’ve got to love those family shopping trips!

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Three little words that still make me shudder. There is nothing worse than after a long summer of fashion freedom to be stuffed back into the often conservative and confining school uniform. Oh, but wait, there is a small glimmer of hope. Even the strictest of uniform codes…and I am talking no ankle socks, nuns measuring the length of your skirt, allow for a little room to express yourself. You just need to get a little creative.

Girls – Layer it!

• Sweaters: If you don’t have to wear a gross polyester blend from the school uniform company, sweaters are a great way to express your individuality. J. Crew, Old Navy, and Land’s End have many styles of cardigans to choose from. Cardis are great because you can even customize the buttons.

• Shoes: I had to wear saddle shoes—yes ladies—saddle shoes. But many schools who are more lenient in the shoe department. Most department stores carry cute styles of oxfords, flats, brogues, and penny loafers. I am sure you can find at least one pair to your liking…and who said you had to wear white crew socks?

• Jewelry: Whether you love traditional styles like signet rings and pearls or if boho jewelry more your thing, bracelets, rings, and earrings are a great way to show off your fashion sense (and comply with your school’s dress code.)

• Watch: Everyone is allowed to tell time, aren’t we? From silver to grosgrain, watches come in a variety of sizes and styles.

• Hair: Hairbands and barrettes just to name a few hair accessories. Time to try some new styles.

• Nails: Many schools do not have a rule about nail polish, so stock up on all of the fun shades.

• School bag: Who said you have to carry a traditional backpack? Try a stylish tote or a funky over-sized purse instead.

Guys – Color it!
Guys have it so much easier than girls in the uniform department. As long as you have a tie and a buttoned down shirt, you are golden. Many schools do not specify what color shirt or tie to wear, if that is the case at your school, you should take full advantage of it. Try pairing unexpected colors like a navy blue gingham dress shirt with a green tie.

• Sports jackets: Brooks Brothers, J. Crew, Jos. A Banks, Nantucket Reds, take your pick. Spruce up your look with a fancy handkerchief and a funky needlepoint belt.

Do you have any helpful tips on how to make your school uniform more fashionable? Send it here.

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We love doggies, our four-footed friends who make us smile every day. So with out any delay…the preppy pooches.

And the ever preppy Golden Retrievers!

For more preppy puppies, check out the Preppy Life’s Top 10 Preppy Dog Names.

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