How To Look Preppy: Fashion

Want to dress in a clean-cut, polished and preppy fashion? All you have to do is cultivate a classic, simple look, with just a few key accessories to tie your wardrobe together. However, looking preppy is more than just throwing on a pastel polo and boat shoes; it's exuding the aura of a specific privileged lifestyle. Presenting yourself in the right way can be key to being as preppy as you want
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Keep your look simple. Prep style is, at its core, made up of clean lines, high-quality textiles, close fits, and modest cuts. If an article of clothing looks particularly flashy, complicated or revealing, it probably shouldn't be called preppy. It would be called "hot" or "sexy", which is not the look you're going for.
Stay fresh and clean. Another cornerstone of preppy style is having excellent personal hygiene. Shower at least once a day, brush your teeth in the morning and evening, moisturize your skin, and wear deodorant. Here are some other tips:
Smell fresh. Your perfume should be light and airy, with a crisp smell. Avoid anything too flowery or heavy. Classic floral scents work well.
Stay Moisturized. Keep your body (especially your face and hands) nicely moisturized so the texture of your skin is smooth and soft. Look for natural lotions and creams at a local drugstore.
Take care of your skin. Wash your face twice daily and work out a skincare regimen that suits your complexion. If you can't get your acne under control on your own, see a dermatologist for help.
Look after your nails. Keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed short and free of dirt or fungus. Clear, light pink, or classic red colors are typically preppy if you want to paint your nails. Whatever you do, though, make sure that the edges of your nails are clean, your cuticles are trimmed, and your polish isn't chipped.
Groom your facial and body hair. Eyebrows should be kept shaped and plucked, though take care not to make them too thin - a full, naturally-arched brow is more popular in preppy circles (think Brooke Shields or Keira Knightley).
For girls: Address any chin or lip hairs with waxing or plucking. Legs and armpits should be shaved or waxed, as well.
For guys: Avoid messy facial hair. If you want to grow out a beard or mustache, keep it neat and trimmed. In general, though, facial hair doesn't fit with preppy teen style.
Build a classic wardrobe. When you're adding pieces to your closet, focus on choosing items that are well-made, will last for ages, and won't go out of style in six months. Here are some more specific ideas to get you started:
Figure out what colors look good on you. Everything in your wardrobe should compliment your skin tone. A good place to start is deciding whether pure white or off-white looks better against your skin. (If it's pure white, seek out colors in "cool" tones; if it's off-white, look for "warm" shades.) Popular preppy colors include white, black, navy and beige, as well as bright shades such as yellow, lime green and pink. Patterns such as plaid, nautical stripes, gingham, argyle, floral, paisley, nova checks, and tartan are also popular.
Buy what fits. You won't catch a prep in an outfit that's too loose, nor will you see her in anything unflatteringly tight. Ignore the sizing tags and simply buy what fits your body best. If you can't find a perfect fit off the rack, contact a tailor for alterations (you can find one at most dry cleaning shops). Altering basic materials might be less expensive than you think.
Pick up some classic staples. Staple items should be able to stay in your wardrobe for a few years. Start out with a few pairs of quality pants (dark-wash denim, corduroy, knit trousers, or chinos), some nice polos or Oxford shirts in neutral colors, a classic cardigan or cable-knit sweater, a jacket that fits (such as a trench coat or pea coat), and a solid pair of boat shoes or ballet flats. Once you have these basics, it's easier to add similar pieces.
Keep building your closet. As you get more comfortable with preppy style, keep adding other preppy items to your wardrobe (when your budget permits). Here are some possibilities to consider:
Polo shirts
Oxford shirts (unlike polos, oxford shirts should always be long-sleeved)
Rugby shirts
Cable-knit vests and sweaters (traditional cricket sweaters)
A jacket or blazer (navy blue is a staple; try seersucker or madras plaid in summer, tweed or corduroy in winter)
Chino pants
Khaki pants (the prep equivalent to jeans)
Dark wash, plain jeans in a straight-leg cut
Bermuda shorts (khaki, madras plaid, seersucker, linen or preppy prints and patterns)
Skirts (khaki, madras plaid, seersucker, linen, preppy prints and patterns such as Lilly Pulitzer)
Tea-length dresses and summer dresses (in madras plaid, preppy colors, seersucker, or linen).
Tennis- and golf-inspired shirts, skirts, and dresses.
For girls: Ballet flats, top-siders (boat shoes), ribbon/canvas flip-flops, Rainbow sandals, and simple leather high heels and wedges in shoes. Avoid wearing socks with these shoes.
For boys: Wear classical loafers, leather moccasins, suede loafers, boat shoes (top-siders) or leather flip-flops. For formal wear, they wear leather dress shoes in black or brown.
Know the brands. Classic preppy brands include J.Press, Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Jack Rogers, L.L. Bean, Tommy Hilfiger, Vineyard Vines, Lacoste, Nantucket Brand, Burberry, J.Crew, Lilly Pulitzer, Lands End, Smathers & Branson or Tucker Blair. If you cannot afford to purchase items from these brand names, buy clothing that looks similar.
Know what to avoid. For a classic preppy look, get used to avoiding anything too flashy or revealing. Tops shouldn't be too low-cut, skirts should be kept at a reasonable length, and nothing should look baggy. Additionally, avoid wearing tops that scream out a certain name brand in large letters, ripped or faded jeans, faux fur, rhinestones, or excessive ruffles.
Take care of your new wardrobe. A lot of preppy items will have to be hand washed or dry cleaned. Check the care labels before washing anything, and follow them to the letter.
Accessorize. When adding accessories to your outfits, remember to keep it simple and classy. Anything that draws too much attention should be discarded. Most preppy girls only have their ears pierced (and only one piercing in each ear), and wear understated studs. Here are some other suggestions:
Pearl necklaces and earrings are a must for girls, as well as diamond jewelry (make sure it's small, not fake-looking, and doesn't look too trashy or tacky). Most preps wear their mother's, grandmother's, or aunt's old diamond and pearl jewelry, as an "old money" thing.
Small handbags in simple colors and patterns or large, monogrammed tote bags (L.L. Bean, and Lands' End have good choices). Vera Bradley handbags and wallets are also very preppy but make sure to get the right pattern (in preppy colors)
Ribbon belts in a variety of preppy prints, patterns, and colors or, especially for guys, black or brown leather belts.