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

Dear Preppy Girl,

I Love your website, it has helped me in many ways. I need your help! I hang with a few preppy people, they are all a size 4 and under. They tell me that I shouldn’t be “preppy” because of my size, I am a size 12. Is there anything wrong with being a size 12? Also, would American Eagle, and Aeropostale be considered preppy?

Thank you!
- A Little Self-Conscious

Dear A Little Self-Conscious,
Thank you for the kind words, I am glad you like my web site. It’s really great to hear from readers like yourself.  Please don’t listen to your friends, it sounds like they don’t know what they are talking about. Preppy is a state of mind, not a clothing size. Size 12 is a perfectly preppy. Preps come in all shapes and sizes. I suggest finding some friends who can better appreciate you and your preppyness.

Since clothing brands offer so many styles of clothing, its hard to classify a brand as preppy. Instead, I like to consider the individual articles of clothing. Both American Eagle and Aeropostale have some cute, preppy summer clothes. Summer is a great time to wear stripes, skirts, and sun dresses. Let me know if you have any more questions!

Have a great summer!
-P.G.

Recently, I was asked to be photographed for a upcoming issue of a local magazine. Ding, “time to go shopping.” I briefly set aside my design projects and my mom and I headed straight to the mall. The talented stylist at J. Crew created a bunch of fabulous looks for me, a much needed update to my holiday wardrobe.

I love this outfit!

New Years Eve

Corporate Holiday Party

Such an adorable necklace

Do you remember lanyards, those silly ropes preppy guys used to wear around their necks? That is one preppy item I am glad to see has gone back into hiding. The preppiest lanyards sported the name of lacrosse brands, like Brine or STX. At the end of a prep’s lanyard, you could find a bunch of keys and the all-important bottle opener.

According to Wikipedia, the origins of the lanyard are steeped in military tradition, they were “used to connect a pistol, sword or whistle (for signaling) to a uniform on a semi-permanent basis.” Does this mean lanyard toters are harboring a secret wish to be a warrior?

Old School Lanyard, would have looked cuter in pink and green. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

On further investigation, I located a lacrosse forum, discussing the invention of the lanyard. According to the tag on a Brine lanyard: “Brine introduced the modern day lanyard at Hobart College in the mid-80′s as a way to keep summer lacrosse campers from losing their room keys. The lanyard is now the standard tool for holding keys, I.D. cards, and other important items.” Interesting…since no one had key chains prior to 1985.

As long as lanyards don’t make a come-back, I will remain a happy camper.

What distinguishes a prep from others? It is their unique sense of style of course. Total preppies can be spotted from miles away due to their varying shades of pink and green plumage.

Preppy Style Basics:

• Hand-me-down clothing is always cooler than store-bought originals
• Pastels are a must
• The more conservative, the better – preppy clothing never goes out of style
• Never mix prints with critters
• Madras is for summer time and vacation wear only (click here to learn more)
• Too many logos displayed on your clothing is considered gaudy, monogrammed clothing is key
• grosgrain belts and ribbons can improve any outfit
• synthetic materials are for athletic wear only
• puffy down vests are a staple of the preppy winter wardrobe

Staples of Preppy Fashion:

• Burberry – for outerwear, their quilted jacket is a must for all preppy gals
• J. Crew – casual and work wear
• Lilly Pulitzer – bathing suits, dresses, handbags, skirts, capris, she has your vacation covered
• Vineyard Vines – great preppy accessories
• Brooks Brothers – business wear for men and women
• Jos. A. Bank – more men’s suits
• South Moon Under – for the fashionable preppy
• Lacoste – for active wear

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Going on a trip this summer? Be sure to pack the madras. Nothing says summer more than this colorful, causal cloth. Perfect for any occasion, madras can take you from breakfast to beach-side bonfire bash. It has even inspired a few colorful drink recipes.

Girls: Madras can make cute dresses, skirts, shorts, sleeveless tops, capri pants, blazers, and even handbags. Only wear one madras item per outfit. There is nothing worse than clashing plaids.

Guys: Guys look great in madras ties, shirts, and shorts. Long pants can be overkill.