The New Preppy

Hey, Not So Neat

Preppy is big this season but that definitely doesn't mean neat. The new preppy is classic but with blazers, pastels, stripes and deck shoes that have been punked up to show off a new edgy summer look for 2010and beyond. The top fashion houses nailed this trend with ripped-up jackets using patchworks of stripe and check while others showed suit jackets in loose, crumpled shapes left unbuttoned. Some added masculinity into preppy pastels by using them in everyday utility shapes.

In effect preppy has had a bad boy makeover. Grooming, or the apparent lack of it, is key to the new bad boy preppy. A skater boy look with piercings and tattoos along with spiked up hair adds cool beach casual to the polished preppy look of the past. Carefully rumpled edges make plaid a lot less common. And combining distressed denim with highly tailored jackets makes preppy just right for this summer.

Check below for the 2012 preppy look.
 

from H&M

PREPPY GRUNGE

The ballsy boys in style trends mix their punk/grunge skater influences with more mainstream classics. That means long denim shorts, tattoos, and scruffy hair combined with heat shirts, meticulous grooming and even a bow-tie accessory.

PERFECT GLAM

This is the guy hanging out at the luxury beach bar stringing the ocean adventure stories to the local babes who seems to be on permanent vacation. Adapt his style with longer unkempt hair, vertical stripes and enduring classics.

CASUAL COOL

Ahh, to be a sailor boy that everyone loves. For summer, the nautical look is dressed down and sporty. It can be yours with tailored separates and layered tees with pyjama-style shorts. Don't forget to mix up the colours with stripes and patterns in nifty blue tones.

THE IT-LOOK

This summer, opposites attract to give that perfect look. Add in a blazer, a bow-tie, deck shoes and great grooming. Then knock down the look witha pair of cut off jeans in deep distress.

Links to more on the Preppy Look
 

NEXT: The Basic Wardrobe

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