TRENDING NOW

Prince Albert Slippers

MUST HAVES  |  FOOTWEAR  |  Prince Albert Slippers


I am exhausted after a long day rowing in hot weather. The lady in my life has gone to a show with some of her friends leaving me in command of the television for the evening. I intend to vegetate but first I shall need to slip into something comfortable. Time to fetch my Prince Alberts from the closet before I fetch myself a beer from the fridge.

Needlepoint Cushions

MUST HAVES  |  HOMEWARES  |  Needlepoint Cushions


Training yesterday took it out of me... as any of you who have rowed sweep before will know - if the boat isn't set properly then it tends to be down to either bow or stroke side consistently. As bowman with a bow down boat this meant a pretty hard workout. Anyway, to cut a long story short, I am stiff as a poker today and looking to rest my weary bones. I need cushions and lots of them.

Rugby Union

CULTURE  |  A SPORTING LIFE  |  Rugby Union


"Soccer is a gentlemans' game played by hooligans whilst rugby is a hooligans' game played by gentleman"

Harrington Jacket

MUST HAVES  |  OUTERWEAR  |  Harrington Jacket

Harrington jackets were everywhere in the 1980s. However, their popularity waned in the 1990s and they came to be associated more with retired American tourists or market traders than with preps. For shame. Thankfully, the Harrington seems to have curried favour with a new generation of preps and hipster fashionistas alike and there has been a resurgence of demand for the eponymous lightweight jacket.
G9 Slim Fit Harrington Jacket

Baracuta G-9 make the original Harrington but they are available elsewhere too (Fred Perry produce some fine Harrington jackets). Go for beige or a pastel blue and always a tartan lining. These are perfect for cooler days and make for a refined yet casual look.

Choice Carriages: Volkswagen Golf


My very first car was a white VW Golf, Mk II Cabriolet, so it is with some degree of pride that I include the Golf on my list of preppy cars. Volkswagen have been producing the Golf since 1974 and it has had a loyal following ever since. The car is renowned for it's high quality finish, it's appealing design, it's performance and it's comfort.

The Mk II is probably the preppiest model and was featured prominently in movies of the 1980s (Can't Buy Me Love, for example). The cabriolet being the preppiest Mk II version. The GTi is probably the most highly prized Golf these days and has some serious poke (unfortunately resulting in higher car theft statistics than other vehicles).

2009-2011 Volkswagen Golf (5K) 118TSI Comfortline 5-door hatchback (2011-03-10) 01.jpg

La Martina Shirt


I am heading away for a few days and will be spending some time at the beach whilst away (I intend to be able to blog whilst away so please don't fret). Putting a few things in to my overnight bag (by Aspinal of London, natch), I find an old La Martina shirt I picked up in Germany many years ago. It's a light green with various pictures across it and this is why I liked it. It is a perfect casual and fun alternative to the button-down Oxford.

These shirts are made of a light poplin and feature various polo related pictures/badges and so on. La Martina has long been regarder as the pre-eminent polo outfitter and equipment suppliers and thus it is of no surprise that this Argentinian brand is held in high-esteem by preps. My old shirt doesn't fit so well so I intend to pick up a new one and rather like the official Argentinian team shirt pictured above. A cheeky casual shirt that will look great at the beach or other informal occasions.

La Martina also make a wonderful range of fun polo shirts and their website allows you to custom design shirts for your polo team.

Amazon also carry some La Martina products.

Barbour

PROFILE  |  BRANDS  |  Barbour


Whilst I sit here sipping a cup of tea the weather forecaster is warning me that there may well be light rain showers today. I have plans for the day that involve being outside for quite some time, however I hate to carry an umbrella around all day (I find them so cumbersome and tend to lose them all too easily). I will have to bring a light jacket with me.

Tom Collins



The Tom Collins is a classic, refreshing preppy cocktail. Essentially a gin and lemonade, the Tom Collins is perfect for lounging on the boat or out on the balcony on a warm evening.

Must Haves: Hunter Wellington Boots


As I pack my things for my rowing training this evening, I realise that my wellington boots (unfortunately my boat club has a "muddy" slipway as we row on a tidal stretch of river) are absolutely filthy and the insole and lining has been worn to pieces. Sigh... time to invest a new pair methinks.

This, and a recent question about appopriate footwear for a music festival (read: mud bath), had me thinking about Hunter Boot Ltd. This iconic manufacturer of footwear has an enviable reputation for making the best wellington boots in the market. In fact, they are the holders of a British Royal Warrant in recognition of their fine craftsmanship.

Hunter make a wide range of footwear and have worked with a number of high profile designers (including Jimmy Choo, above). Their products come in an array of styles and colours so surely have something for every prep! For watersports or fieldsports, Hunter wellies are a preppy Must Have and so I have decided to include them on my list. Get yours at Hunter or Amazon.

Recommended Reading: The Bonfire of the Vanities

Tom Wolfe's classic novel centers on a WASP, self-professed Master of the Universe in the 1980s. The book's main protagonist is Sherman McCoy, a well-educated, old monied bond trader who has a run-in with what he believes are would-be carjackers in a rough part of New York City late at night. He flees the scene and knocks over one of his assailants in the process. Ultimately the case is brought before the courts and class warfare is brought to the forefront as New York learns the details of the case.

The book is an iconic piece of American literature that deftly defines an entire generation highlighting the rise of the yuppy in the 1980s alongside the decline of the more conservative WASP. A seminal work that is recommended reading for preppies and non-preppies alike. Avoid the film adaptation though - truly terrible.

Summer Colony: Nantucket


There was once a man from Nantucket... well, maybe I won't complete this infamous limerick for fear of upsetting some of my readers!

This famous island has long been revered by preppy types for it's beautiful scenery, fantastic beaches and for it's sailing. One of the most expensive districts in Massachusetts, Nantucket is a very popular habitat and summer destination for wealthy preps.

It's indigenous name translates to "Faraway Land" referencing it's geographical location some 30 miles off Cape Cod. With an array of 18th and 19th Century clapboard housing so representative of the Cape Cod architectural style, pristine beaches with sandy bluffs, old lighthouses and whalers huts it is unsurprising that so many tourists flock to the small island every summer.

Home to the infamous Murray's Toggery Shop (of Nantucket Reds fame), the Sankaty Head Lighthouse, the Whaling Museum, loads of little cafés, old guard mansions, bookshops and arts & crafts stores, Nantucket (AKA the Grey Lady) is perfect for a relaxing break. Grab your Nantucket Reds and book a room at the Wauwinet and find out why every preppy home has a map of this legendary island on the wall in the study...




Where: Nantucket, Massachusetts, United States of America
When: Summer

Man's Best Friend: Red Setter



Possibly my favorite dog breed, the Irish Red Setter is a beautiful and friendly animal that can make for a very rewarding pet. These animals are bred as gun dogs and have a natural instinct for hunting small animals and birds and chasing them into the open whereby their master might take a shot for sport (if bloodsport happens to be your pursuit of choice).

Red Setters have a beautiful shaggy coat which can require care and attention but consequently has resulted in them being popular show dogs.

Setters are incredibly affectionate and loyal animals. They are somewhat easily excitable which I find endearing but others may find to be annoying. They require copious exercise and attention meaning long walks. They are friendly towards other animals (except small animals) and have an incredible appetite. They are very friendly with people so make terrible guard dogs!

Preppiest Colleges

CULTURE  |  OLD BOYS CLUB  |  Preppiest College& Universities


Following on from my recent post the "Preppiest Schools List", I have put together a list of the preppiest universities and colleges. This list is based on a number of factors which include the quality of the education, the renowned of it's faculty, the number of high profile graduates, international reputation, admissions rates and the preppiness of the campus.

Must Haves: Wayfarer Sunglasses

Ray-Ban introduced the iconic Wayfarer sunglasses in the 1950s. They were the first lightweight plastic sunglasses and have since achieved legendary status, often cited as the best-selling style of sunglasses of all time. With legions of preppy fans (including the late JFK) the Wayfarer has rightly earned it's place as a preppy must-have.

The simplicity of the design makes these sunglasses suitable for all occasions, be it sport or formal (though I still prefer a metal frame for formal occasions).

These sunglasses come in a range of colours which makes them particularly preppy as they can be matched to your outfit! Ralph Lauren make a nice alternative.

Amazon carry plenty.



Band of Outsiders

PROFILE  |  BRANDS  |  Band of Outsiders


This modern Japanese brand, who have taken their name from a cult classic movie by director Jean-Luc Goddard, has some very interesting takes on preppy fashions. Whilst Band of Outsiders is more heavily influenced by emerging fashion trends than the traditional preppy labels (something which detractors view as very un-Preppy-like), their apparel is of a high quality finish. I am particularly fond of their button-down shirts which tend to be of a more fashionable cut and are quite a wnug fit when compared to more conservative designers, however they are better known for their polo shirts (and the "This is not a polo shirt" campaign featuring a range of celebrities).



They have launched an amazing range with Sperry Top-Siders that are very, very cool.

Tiffany Lamp

MUST HAVES  |  HOMEWARES  |  Tiffany Lamp


Louis Comfort Tiffany was a famous designer who was best known for his work with stained glass and his embrace of the design principles of the art nouveau movement.

Choice Carriages: Volvo Station Wagon


The Volvo station wagon (known as an estate or shooting brake in UK) is a preppy classic. It's iconic boxy shape has rarely changed through the years, it's approach to practicality over style and the fact that there is more than enough room to pack your golf clubs and the dogs makes this a highly coveted preppy vehicle.

Popular on both sides of the Atlantic, the Volvo is typically found in Upper Middle Class enclaves where it's versatility allows for efficient school runs during the week and country pursuits on the weekend. It's sensibilities make it an obvious choice for preps who are not looking to be ostentatious. Hence the vehicle has become particularly popular with money manager/accountant types as it conveys a trustworthy and cautious persona. The Volvo has an excellent safety track record and is supremely comfortable for long-distance journeys. Classic models are even preppier.

Must Have: Ribbon Belts

Fun, simple and beautiful. It's no surprise that preps love grosgrain ribbon belts. These thin ribbon strip belts are edged with double stitching to ensure durability and are fastened by way of looping the belt through metallic hoops. These belts come in a variety of colours and look great with preppy motifs such as whales, skull & crossbones, yachts and so on. These items are cheap and widely available, but the best are from the Knot Clothing & Belt Co. who also make a fantastic range of dog collars and key fobs. Well worth a look.

Alternatively, pop over to Amazon.

Preppiest Names


Got a bun in the oven and trying to chose a name for them that will ensure that they are taken seriously? You'll need to have a look at this list of the poshest and preppiest names.

Profile: Abercrombie & Fitch

An iconic American label with a tradition dating back to 1892, Abercrombie & Fitch was the go-to sporting goods store and outfitter for North American gentlemen, considered in similar regard to illustrious brands like Orvis, Filso and Woolrich, amongst others. Particularly, the brand was synonymous with quality outerwear and gear, including safari jackets, backpacks, fishing equipment, flasks and wristwatches. Handed down from generation to generation,, Abercrombie was the brand to covet until it's ill-fated takeover and revival in the 90s which saw the brand grow it's global presence with an oversexualised and aggressive  sales pitch to young middle class social aspirants. Despite the criticism that this approach garnered in the United States, sales grew exponentially and the brand, due to its exclusivity outside of North American markets, was extremely popular amongst British adn Irish 



This once revered brand was an American preppy favourite back in the day. The Limited took over the fabled sporting goods suppliers in the 80s following a period of declining sales and attempted a turnaround by targetting a new demographic. Thus the brand became the somewhat homoerotic teen brand that it is these days.

A shame perhaps as Abercrombie & Fitch was the outdoorsman's sporting goods purveyor of choice. Famous for it's guns, hunting sacks and safari jackets, vintage Abercrombie & Fitch is a Must-Have for the discerning Prep.

Vintage items are worth looking out for... A&F once did a fine array of hunting and fishing apparel and equipment (including shotguns), and their watches from the 1960s are hot collectibles! Try your father's wardrobe or hunt online for some of their (now vintage) sporting gear.


As regards the new stuff, unlike many other detractors, I daresay that it's not all bad. Some of their polo shirts are quite a comfortable fit and look great with a popped collar. I would be hard pressed to call their brand preppy though (see my thoughts on The Debate).



Prints, Patterns & Fabrics: Houndstooth


This abstract check pattern is so-named due to the resemblance of each check to the tooth of a hound. Another pattern of Scottish origin, the Houndstooth check (sometimes known as dogstooth) is woven in a similar fashion to the Glen Plaid check and is best suited to heavy knits. An iconic pattern that has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity, Houndstooth looks best in white and black, red and black or red and white. Coats, ties, hats all look great in Houndstooth.
I have a knitted red and white houndstooth tie that I just love to wear with a grey flannel suit!

Profile: Gant


A brand with a varied history, Gant was founded as a shirtmaker in New Haven, CT in the 1940s. Earning a reputation for high quality and sporty designs, Gant supplied a number of well-known stores and designers with their products.


In the 1960s, Gant underwent a facelift and was rebranded as a sportswear and lifestyle brand. Their products sold very well with the preppy set as a consequence of a successful advertising campaign (with features in The New Yorker) and through retail agreements with upmarket stores such as Paul Stuart in New York.

Gant experienced something of a decline in the 1990s but has recently seen a turnaround in it's fortunes following its takeover by PVH, sitting alongside such illustrious labels as Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Van Heusen, Arrow, G.H. Bass and IZOD.

Gant produces a fine range of sportswear, but their shirts are perhaps their most coveted items. I also have a couple of Gant sailing jerseys which I absolutely love. They are thinner than rugbies and have a bigger collar which is perfect for popping whilst out at sea. Amazon has a number of Gant products available for purchase.

Man's Best Friend: Labrador

Every prep family has a pet dog. Obedient, loyal, fun-loving and with a penchance for the outdoor sporting life, dogs are the perfect companion.

Thus I have set out to provide a brief note on the various breeds that make for the best pets. I am starting with the Labrador Retriever. The Lab makes an obvious choice for the discerning prep. Bred as a gun dog, the lab is a placid animal that is good with children or for assistance purposes whilst at the same time maintaining it's detection and working instincts. For leisurely country pursuits the Lab is very pleasant company.



The Lab is the most popular registered breed in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada (where the breed takes it's name from the Canadian province of Newfoundland & Labrador). Black coated Labs tend to be highly desired.

Must Haves: Boating Blazer

Yesterday was a long day and thus I had no blogging opportunity. You see I am a competitive rower and it is the middle of regatta season so many of my weekends are given over to training and/or competing (alas no pot for my crew yesterday).

As a reasonably high-profile regatta, many esteemed committee members and past rowing greats were in attendance and the regatta enclosure was filled with the wonderful display of club blazers that one associates with regattas. I made a mental note to include a piece today on the boating blazer... what a preppy item this is.

The boating blazer is a fantastic illustration of the preppy lifestyle. In wild colours (always your club's colours - if you don't row/aren't a member of a club then you should stick with a normal navy blazer), poor but comfortable fit and cut from a loose, durable fabric the blazer represents all the values that a prep adheres to. Furthermore it demonstrates the wearer's embrace of the preppy way of life (sport, appearance, decorum, protocol etc). Many regattas will not allow entry into certain enclosures if you are not appropriately attired.

Many blazers feature piping in contrasting colours (on the lapels and often sleeve cuffs). Typically this is grosgrain or satin that has been affixed to the club's blazer. The pocket also features the club badge and buttons may display the club crest or the crest of a prominent regatta where the blazer's owner has achieved honours.


Some clubs do not allow piping of the lapels unless the wearer has achieved "colours" by way of competition at elite levels, as is typical of school and university boat clubs (I will shortly be writing a piece on Earning Your Colours).

Lapels buttonholes should always be workable as you will need to affix your enclosure entry badges from the lapel (and the more of these you have the more respect you will earn).

Some clubs have truly garish blazers and these are oft imitated by those who are attempting to imitate preppy style but have no rowing experience. I would urge one to stay away from endorsing such blazers as you will be taken as a joke at regattas! Having said that - a smart navy blazer with a white stripe or discrete white piping can make for a great smart casual look.




Blazers are always worn with club ties, chinos/flannels and boat shoes. Most clubs prefer to use a local outfitter/tailor to produce their blazers and you should contact your club secretary if you need more details. If you are simply looking to pick up a blazer in the style of a boating blazer, then Ralph Lauren is a good starting place. You could always have a look at Amazon too.

Prints, Patterns & Fabrics: Argyle




If it's not knitted with an Argyle pattern then it's not a golf sweater. This iconic pattern derives from the tartan of the Clan Campbell and was popularised for golfwear by Pringle of Scotland. Ideal for golf sweaters, socks, picnic rugs and so on.

Unlike Madras, Argyle does not look good when used for blazers or shirts and should be reserved for knitwear. If you have a family tartan then consider using this for your Argyle (Preps all have some Scottish ancestors somewhere in their family tree - use it no matter how tenuous the link might be)!

Needless to say, Amazon stocks a huge supply of socks, sweaters and more with the Argyle pattern.

The Debate: Abercrombie & Fitch, Aéropostale, Hollister Co., American Eagle, Ruehl No. 925 et al... Are They Preppy?

The debate as to whether these brands constitute "preppy" has been raging on the world wide web for a long time now and a previous blog of mine lost readers due to my stance on this issue. Sigh. Good to know there are some very mature thinkers out there?

I thought I'd open the debate up here as I'm keen to hear your thoughts on the matter. You might note that I haven't included these brands in my lists of preppy fashion labels (in the right hand column of my blog) and here is why...

... My thoughts are that Abercrombie & Fitch (and label mates abercrombie kidsHollister Co., Gilly Hicks and Ruehl No. 925 - now defunct), American Eagle Outfitters (and label mates 77kids and Martin + Osa - also defunct) and Aéropostale (and p.s. from aéropostale) are predominantly aimed at teens and twentysomethings with a view to capitalising on what has been a resurgence in popularity of all things preppy. The same can be said of the Irish label Farrell & Brown. What these labels fail to represent is the heritage, practicality, fine craftsmanship and style that has lead to so many other labels becomming coveted by preps the world over.

I don't deny that many of the products made by these labels are of high quality and I do indeed own items from all of these brands. However it is the move towards fashion over form that marks them out as being decidedly unpreppy. It is arguable as to whether European brands Jack Wills, Aubin & Wills, Crew Clothing Co., Joules and Franklin & Marshall should also be listed alongside these other brands - however these labels have endorsed sport, lifestyle, arts and so on being very much in keeping with preppy tradition and so I choose therefore to include them on my list. Preppy is not a fashion it is a way of life.

I would venture, however, that vintage Abercrombie & Fitch (we're talking way, way back before Limited Brands took over) is definitely preppy. As the pre-eminent supplier of sporting goods for the gentleman, old Abercrombie products (even their catalogs) are very sought after and you will likely find these things in the homes of old-school preps. I have a hunting satchel buried away somewhere which I simply adore and they also made some very fine timepieces too. Check out Farfo.com for vintage A&F watches.


Interestingly, whilst many detractors would not view these brands as having preppy qualities and not being popular with the preppy set in North America, the opposite is true in Europe. As these brands tend to be available only in North American retail outlets they have a very preppy fanbase in Europe (as only preps travel to the States for shopping and holidays). Due to the difficulty perceived in obtaining these brands in Europe they are very much coveted as prep items, alongside their European equivalents.
I look forward to hearing where you stand on this.

Profile: Jams World


We all remember the elaborate prints of the late 80s and early 90s... but Jams World produced the originals! Bright, vibrant colours and wacky prints epitomised what this brand is all about. Perfect beachwear and island shirts.

I still own a pair of Jams World swim shorts which always get a smile of appreciation on the beach! I reckon that Jams World shorts (summer dresses for the ladies) are key preppy must-haves.



Jams World still produce a range of comfortable beachwear alongside their art prints business.

Amazon carry some Jams World products also.

Must Haves: Cricket Jumper/Tennis Sweater

Chunky, cosy, classy and very difficult to play in... I absolutely adore these jumpers. Whether for cricket or tennis, these sweaters look great and keep you warm in cooler weather. They complete your look and dress up your whites for more suitable attire when you adjourn to the clubhouse bar after a lengthy match.

Always stick with white or a very light cream colour and an elegant cable knit design (possibly your family's design - see Aran Sweaters). Typically these jumpers are trimmed with contrasting colours (usually your club colours) for a sporty yet sophisticated finish.



Sleeveless tank-top versions are better for tennis, (Fred Perry produces a great ramge of both long-sleeved and sleeveless) and long-sleeved versions are great for a cool day on the crease, such as these from the infamous cricket outfitters Gunn & Moore.



Amazon, as always, has a fanastic range.

A Sporting Life: Croquet


When one mentions croquet, the mind automatically conjures up images of lazy afternoons on elegant lawns, sipping pimms and exchanging jovial quips about the latest scandals. Despite it's reputation as an upper crust pastime, croquet is a widely accessible pursuit requiring inexpensive equipment and a patch of grass.

The object of the game it simply to play a ball through a series of hoops by striking it with a mallet. Simple. There are a number of codes which dictate rules and scoring, however most people simply play by stroke count (similar to golf).

You can pick up croquet equipment at Amazon or go to Jaques of London for the best gear (my preferred choice). Always go for a wooden set over plastic.

Recommended Reading: Town & Country Magazine

Town & Country has been chronicling the lives of America's social classes since 1846 (in it's various guises) and is still the magazine of choice for many preppies. The magazine, published monthly, contains articles focusing on fashion, social events, arts, philanthropy and so on and is packed from cover to cover with adverts for the finest preppy Must-Haves.


Something of a bible for Social Register wannabes, the magazine still retains a certain degree of respect with the social elite.

I must admit to this magazine being something of a guilty pleasure of mine and relish the chance to leaf through the pages once my significant other has finisher her reading of it (this shall remain our secret)! Old T&C covers have become something of a collector's item.

The magazine has been evolving into something more of a fashion and gossip magazine over the last number of years in a bid to widen it's circulation and shake off it's WASPy image. What a shame.

Prints, Patterns & Fabrics: Madras

I thought it might be useful to put together a guide to the various prints, patterns & fabrics so beloved of Preps... So here is the first instalment.

Madras (also Madrasi Checks)


Whilst Madras has now become a term to refer to the colourful plaid patterns that adorn many a preps' finery, the name originally referred to a type of Indian cloth named after the city of Madras (now Chennai) in India that became popular for summer clothing during the colonial era.
Madras is a lightweight cotton fabric woven with a patterned texture that can be used for any summer clothing.

Madras became incredibly popular amongst the preppy set during the 1960s and has remained so ever since. Madras bleeds over time which gives the cloth a very very preppy look! Especially preppy is the creation of a garment from a variety of differenet Madras cloths.

I love this cheeky print which works particularly well for swimwear or a pair of summer shorts. Many preps have been known to use madras for blazers, pants, bowties, shirts...

Amazon stock all kinds of wonderfully preppy madras cloth apparel.


Antique Globe


No preppy home is complete without the antique style globe. The bigger the better, ideally standing on an ornate wooden stand, this is the perfect prop with which you can illustrate your adventure stories about sailing around the cape whilst boring your cocktail party guests.

Polo Shirt (Popped Collar Optional)

MUST HAVES  |  SHIRTS  |  Polo Shirt


Think preppy, think polo shirt. Comfortable, smart, stylish, perfect. Invented in the 1920s by Lacoste so that tennis players might be more comfortable whilst playing, the design was developed and adopted around the same time for Argentinian polo players (their design featuring a polo player and hence the polo shirt moniker despite the shirts tennis origins). Now used universally for golf, tennis and polo amongst other sports, nothing says preppier quite as well as the eponymous polo shirt.

Needlepoint Belts

MUST HAVES  |  ACCESSORIES  |  Needlepoint Belts


Finish off that Preppy look with a true classic - the needlepoint belt.

Khakis/Chinos

MUST HAVES  |  PANTS & TROUSERS  |  Khakis/Chinos


or construction workers and cowboys. The "go-to" trousers for preps are Khakis (US - name derived from the color) or Chinos (UK & Ireland - also the name of a rugger-bugger pub game).

Rupert Bear Scarf

MUST HAVES  |  ACCESSORIES  |  Rupert Bear Scarf


I'm not sure how many of my readers may remember Rupert Bear from the 1980s... Certainly I thoroughly enjoyed his adventures when I was a young boy.

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

MUST HAVES  |  CHOICE CARRIAGES  |  Jeep Grand Wagoneer


As I've noted before, preppies like things that are classic, understated, stylish and practical. This applies also to our choice of motor vehicle.

Preppiest Schools

CULTURE  |  OLD BOYS CLUB  |  Preppiest Schools List


Preppy is a term that was coined in the 1980's to refer to a particular class of upwardly mobile persons of upper middle class breeding. Preps are well-educated, athletic and conservative graduates of elite schools and colleges (think WASP). The term prep refers to the college preparatory schools of the northeastern US where the prep elite are educated. The term has since become more widespread, however true preps remain of the same stock.

Joules Sale



British outfitters, Joules, currently have a massive sale on which is definitely worth having a look at. Classic British preppy styling (think Sloane Ranger/Rahs) but with a more comfortable look and feel to their garments than some of their rivals.