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

Dear Preppy Girl,

I noticed that I am wearing a lot of skirts and dresses this summer. In the past, I use to wear a navy polo dress every summer. I would wear my navy polo with every color of Classic Palm Beach sandals, bangles, hoop earrings, and a ribbon belt. In late summer, I would drape a cardi over my shoulders and tie in front and wear the navy polo dress with canvas sneakers, great for running errands around town. Lately in the commercial world, I haven’t seen the polo dress.

What is your opinion on the “polo dress” such as Big Pony Polo Dress or Lands’ End polo dress. Should the polo dress stay a nice memory of the past or an old but goody to keep for summer fun?

Sincerely,
Texas Vintage Prep

Dear Texas Vintage Prep,
Thank you for your great email! I have to admit, I have not seen many polo dresses in recent years, but I think they are a fun look for summer. I say, wear the polo dress proudly! Dress it up with some modern accessories. I would look for a fitted dress, like Ralph Lauren’s Big Pony Polo Dress or Lacoste’s Pique Polo Dress. To keep it looking fresh, pair it with chunky wedge heels, a little clutch or basket purse, and a contrasting skinny belt, to give the dress a pop of color. In the fall, your navy polo dress might look simply dashing with a great pair of boots and a few bangle bracelets.

Let me know if you have any more questions!
-P.G.

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

Dear Preppy Girl,

I’m turning 16 and have been really worried about what car my parents are going to get me. Both of my parents drive the oh so practical, Mercedes SUV. I recently have fallen head over heels in love with the Volvo SUV, but after seeing the reliability ratings on the older year Volvo, I became extremely worried. Until my dad saw that my neighbor was selling his extra car, the 2006 Toyota 4Runner. Right then and there my dad wrote the check for the car. It’s a pretty silver, but I’m worried about the lack of preppiness it has! Are there anyways to make my future car complete with my preppiness?

Thanks!
Car Anxiety

Dear Car Anxiety,
Congratulations on turning the big 16! To quote one of my favorite driving songs, “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf, its time to “get your motor runnin.” Don’t worry about the preppy quota, either way, its a car! Your parents are giving you the gift of greater freedom and mobility. I would definitely be weary of any car that isn’t reliable. Think of all of the road trips and adventures you might miss.

To prep-out the 4Runner, I suggest personalizing the car to really make it your own. Add a few preppy stickers to the back windows or a car monogram. You can even get monogrammed car mats. Since you have plenty of trunk space, be sure to put a preppy blanket, change of clothes, and your favorite sports equipment in the back. Stock your car with your favorite music, what’s a car ride without some preppy tunes.

For more preppy car tips check out my guide to preppy cars.

Enjoy the new car!
P.G.

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

Dear Preppy Girl,

I live in Denver and am coming to Nantucket for an internship. Denver is traditionally a “hippie meets work-out gal” kind of place. While I usually dress in J. Crew and Anthropologie, I’m having a hard time packing and critiquing my outfits with an appropriately preppy eye! I have absolutely no idea what to wear to the beach or around town. Will my mix and match Anthropologie dresses, blouses, and J.Crew shirts cut it for the Nantucket crowd? Compared to other styles, I look pretty indie-vintage. My usual summer outfit is: a sun dress, aviators, black sandals, and a L.V. monogram bag that I take absolutely everywhere, but this outfit seems more Mid-West summer than East Sider, especially the way I put it together. How can I make my closet work to my preppy advantage? I seem to have the staples, but I don’t know how to put my pieces together!

Help!
Hippie seeking Haute

Dear Hippie seeking Haute,
Your internship sounds divine, I’m sure you will take Nantucket by storm! Try to blend preppy with your indie-vintage style, it will be a great conversation starter. Look for a few preppy accessories like over-sized sunglasses, pearl or chunky chain-link bracelets, preppy sandals like mules or flats, and little clutch handbags to go with your cool boho style. I suggest pairing sun dresses with lightweight cardigans, in case the weather is a bit cooler. Capri pants with a sleeveless shirt is another classic preppy look. When in doubt, a polo with a mini skirt and flip-flops will always fly. Look for clothes in classic colors like navy, red, orange, and pink.

I have never had the pleasure of going to the Nantucket beaches, but I have heard that they are beautiful. I recommend wearing flip-flops and little sun dress to cover up your bathing suit. Take along a a wide brimmed straw hat, not only is it a great accessory, but protects your face from the sun. I also like to stick a cardigan in my beach bag in case the wind picks up.

Good luck with the internship!
-P.G.

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

Dear Preppy Girl,

I’ve recently become obsessed with everything preppy. I spend hours on the Internet reading preppy blogs and looking at preppy outfits! Unfortunately, my closet doesn’t match my mindset. I’m a 15 year old girl and I’ll be a sophomore in the fall, and I want a fabulous preppy wardrobe for the new school year without breaking the bank. What are some essential and versatile pieces (clothing, accessories, and shoes!) that I should purchase over the summer?

Also, are there any great stores that have preppy items for less? I personally love J.Crew and Ralph Lauren, but there’s only so much that I can afford!

Thanks!
Preppy Fashionista

Dear Preppy Fashionista,
Thanks so much for your lovely email, its great to hear from you. Now is a great time to start thinking about fall fashion. Red, green, and brown are supposed to be the hot colors this fall. As for essential fall attire, here is a list of my favorite timeless prep pieces.

• Ballet flats – I am a big fan of these comfy and stylish shoes. I recommend at least two pairs – one in black and one in a funky color like lime green, gold, or a leopard print.
• Boots – Perfect with skirts and leggings
• Shrunken Cardigan Sweater – Looks great with both jeans, corduroys, and skirts
• Long Cabled Cardigan Sweater – Look for neutral colors like off white, beige, and black. They go with everything
• Button Down Shirts – Great for layering. Roll up the sleeves for the preppy look
• Corduroys – Brown is a very versatile color
• Jeans – Look for a dark rinse
• Corduroy Mini Skirt – Preppy transitional piece that will take you from Fall to Winter
• Scarfs – Add a pop of color to your outfit, they are must-have fall accessory
• Tote bags – a stylish way to store all of your school books.
• Bangle Bracelets
• Headbands

And as for preppy looks for less, I recommend doing a bit of bargain hunting. Try hitting up Marshalls and T.J. Maxx, both stores are known for stocking brand name clothes at more affordable prices. You might have to hunt around, but that is part of the fun. Nordstrom Rack also has some great preppy fashions. The Goodwill and secondhand stores are another preppy goldmine. You never know what type of cute handbags and accessories you will find.

For more back to school fashion ideas check out: Fall Fashion, Back to School Fashion, and the dreaded School Uniforms.

Let me know if you have any more questions! Good luck with school!
-P.G.

 

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Dear Preppy Girl,

Three years ago, when I was 19, I met the “The One that Got Away,” because he was in the military he was shipped out and stationed elsewhere. We keep in touch and I send him Christmas cards. Now he’s invited me to come visit him down South for 4th of July weekend! I’m super excited. However, my wardrobe is still kind of young-looking in the way of summer clothes. I have the winter young 20s wardrobe down but nothing classy in the summer department. Please point me in the right direction where I can pull off the Kate Middleton-young 20s but still classy in 115 degrees look.

Thanks!
Sweating in the Summer Heat

Dear Sweating in the Summer Heat,
First off, I hope your weekend is everything you expect and more!!! Sounds like a fairytale minus the 115 degree weather. I hope your weekend turns out perfect. I am sure you have already selected a fab weekend wardrobe. If not, here are a few more last minute suggestions.

Sundresses: A cute and flirty way to beat the heat. I love sundresses because they are so easy to pull together. You can look casual and elegant at the same time. Be sure to dress them up with earrings and a few bangles.

• Stripes- You can’t go wrong
• Solids – Always a classic
• Patterns – Look for small prints, they are easier to wear.

Dressy Tanks: Great because they go from day to night. Pair these cute tops with shorts in the day and a mini skirt at night.

Be sure to pack sunglasses and bikini or two, just in case you go swimming. Have a wonderful weekend!
-P.G.

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