Is Preppy Back?

The word ‘ preppie’ conjures up images of fashionable students who pay a lot of attention to the way they look, dress and behave in general society. The term itself originated somewhere in the early fifties, and was meant to refer to students who had distinct mannerisms and who were in many ways easily distinguishable from the rest of the crowd.

Besides being popular and the most envied, they were easily the best dressed and perhaps snobbish as well. Since there were many similarities in the way preppies would dress such as in clean cut and classy ensembles; it wasn’t long before the ‘preppie look’ became a fashion trend in itself. Many brands such as Ralph Lauren, Lacoste and J Press are a few of the well known stores which carry styles that are associated with preppies.

Exactly what is the definition of preppie style? Although there is no hard and fast definition as such, it generally refers to clothes that can stand the test of time, which are non fussy in appearance and which have an air of expensive elegance. The clean, tidy look of a preppie also comes from wearing sober colors which match and make the wearer look neat. Wool, cashmere and expensive fabrics in sober shades like navy blue, light blue, white or patterns such as plaid, stripes, paisley and floral are old time favorites. The preppie clean look is not merely meant for class, and can be worn anywhere, no matter what the occasion. Guys usually prefer polo shirts, long sleeved shirts, knitted vests or sweaters in traditional colors for a casual look. Chinos, Bermuda shorts or khaki pants are great for a game or a party.

 For a more formal look, a shirt can be teemed up with a jacket or a blazer in a dark shade such as navy blue. For the girls, the trick is to wear conventional clothing in different patterns or summery shades for a perky look. A line skirts or skirts with a small flare in khaki, plaid, linen or with a light pattern are ideal for wearing all year round. They can be worn with simple shirts or blouses and a scarf or a bright colored stole will add the right touch of color. Dresses with patterns of flowers, paisley designs or in light shades, are also an accepted preppie look.

The right accessories can help accentuate the desired look and there are a few accessories that both men and women can wear with their ensemble. Hats, ties, suspenders, pith helmets and winter hats are a must have for men, whereas jewelry should be limited to cufflinks, signet rings, studs and watches. Belts, handbags, head bands, straw hats and scarves are the perfect accessories for women. Jewelry is usually limited to a strand of pearls, small studs as well as thin chains and bracelets. The footwear is also carefully coordinated with whatever the person wears such as slippers with a dress or flip flops for a casual look.

Tie Dye is In

Although the hippie era is usually spoken about as the era of free love, drugs and rock n roll; it was also a time when fashion began to break away from the usual norms. A rather unusual style of creating patterns called the tie and dye method, became popular. Designs which are usually abstract or nature inspired were made by folding the material such as a dress or a t-shirt and then binding it tightly with bands to hold the material in place.

Different colored dyes depending on the intended look and style are then applied, to various sections of the material. The material is later rinsed and in some cases, left in a freezer overnight so that the dye does not run out when the material is washed next. These kinds of designs make the fabric appear very colorful and bright.

It is argued that tie and dye as a creative artistic process itself is actually quite old. Various materials which had tie and dye designs, dating back to 500-800 AD, showed patterns of small circles and lines in colors ¬like red, yellow and blue. Tie dye techniques were also in use in West Africa, where the clothing itself was richly embroidered in traditional designs before undergoing the tie and dye process.

Similarly, Indonesia and India too had their own tie and dye techniques as well as various words for the unique process. There is no end to one’s imagination as well as the different possibilities, when it comes to the tie and dye process. However, some patterns such as the spiral which is usually done in two colors, the V shape and random circles are quite popular.

The tie and dye design is quite unisex in nature and has a casual yet chic appeal when paired with jeans or with cargoes. It makes the wearer appear quite colorful too, as these designs are usually done in bright colors and black is rarely used.


Tie and dye is a relatively simple technique that can even be done safely at home, if you are keen on having a unique garment. Surprisingly, after a long hiatus, the tie and dye trend featured on the runaway in 2009 where design houses like Balmain showcased such garments with ripped bleach washed jeans and other trousers which were quite commonplace in the late seventies and early eighties. The tie and dye technique is no longer used on just fabric- it is also used on bags, shoes, scarves and even jewelry. This year too, when the Spring 2010 collection was unveiled, the tie and dye trend just could not be overlooked. The focus remained on creating fashion that was affordable and which incorporated the colors normally associated with spring. The impression given was that tie and dye designs were light, refreshing and flirty to wear. It doesn’t matter if you feel this technique is just not your thing. Something as small as a tie and dye scarf or a bag alone can jazz up the look of your ensemble.

It All About The Jeans

If there is one garment that is truly universal, then it is undoubtedly the humble jeans. Denim itself evolved from humble beginnings, with coal miners often wearing them at work, because the material was tough and did not tear easily. Moreover it could be washed time and again, without the color fading or the material itself coming apart. Jeans slowly made their way into retail shops and truly hit the mark, after celebrities made on screen appearances wearing them.

For a long time, jeans were associated with rebels and especially the youth. A guy in a pair of denims and a leather jacket, was thought to be the epitome of cool. Today jeans have come a long way with comfortable pairs being made even for infants. Plenty of designers and labels have all jumped in, to tap the potential that this huge market offers. After all, nothing spells comfort better than a pair of jeans with a t-shirt to match. Jeans are looked as a unisex garment which can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion. A pair of jeans is no longer about just the color- it’s also about the style, fit, wash, rise, length, cut and the label.

One of the best selling trends doing the rounds these days is the focus on the vintage look. To achieve the vintage look, a decent pair of jeans may actually go through a process of being ripped and torn at strategic places. Vintage jeans on the whole are meant to look like the pair of denim itself is past its prime and is not looked after properly.

Faded jeans for one are very popular as they have an old feel about them, and have been washed that way to achieve the intended look. When worn, the jeans themselves stand out. Distressed or destroyed jeans on the other hand, look as if the denim has been to hell and back, and are usually accompanied by holes, rips, tears and frayed hems as well. Sometimes the threads of the jeans may hang out in a ragged manner, but that is supposed to enhance the overall look.

 Many denim fans may actually choose not to purchase such jeans for themselves, and instead prefer to hang on to their favorite pair of jeans for years to come. Eventually, the jeans will take on a natural vintage look on their own. Fashionistas on the other hand may think otherwise.

 The more distressed the jeans, the higher its fashion quotient. To a large extent we have celebrities who made wearing torn jeans fashionable, to thank for. Jeans with a whisker wash are also quite trendy to be seen in and can make the person look very fashionable. Usually the jeans will have a few cat like scratch marks or whisker marks on the leg or just below the front pockets on the thigh. This kind of style is very popular among women.

Probably no other garment has been experimented upon so much as the humble denim. No matter what the wash, cut or label, it is one garment that sits differently on everybody.