Preppy Style Defined

Neither Boring Nor Easy

I really thought the research for this post in the Style Defined series was going to be boring and easy.  I thought I already understood what preppy style is; research for this post was neither boring nor easy.  Like Boho it appears to have a history and like Waldorf style it is also a lifestyle.  I hope you find it as interesting as I did.

Style History Lesson

According to Wikipedia the preppy or prep style has its roots in the private, university-preparatory or prep schools.  “Preppy fashion derives from the fashions of these old Northeastern colleges in the early to mid-twentieth century.”  It started around 1912 and really gained popularity in the 1950s.

It’s An Attitude

Preppy style is more than just your fashion sense its also an attitude and lifestyle.  Its the confidence a privileged lifestyle.  This article on Wikihow, How to Look Preppy, goes into great detail about clothing, hygiene, manners, and attitude of a preppy style life.  It even recommends playing a preppy sport, like one of these “tennis, golf, rugby, lacrosse, rowing, polo, swimming, field hockey, sailing, squash, fencing, ballet, volleyball, track and field (mainly field events and distance), and horseback riding”.

Preppy Style Home Decor

If your closet is full of button-downs, pastel polos and boat shoes, preppy style might be your fashion style.  How does that translate to your home décor style?  The preppy style home will be filled with classic, high quality furniture.  Everything will be high quality with neat, well-balanced, clean lines.

Colors & Patterns

With the right colors, patterns and accessories this style is never trashy, trendy or overdone.  Preppy colors include classics such as white, black, navy and beige, along with bright shades such as yellow, lime green and pink.  Popular preppy patterns (say that three times fast!) include plaid, nautical stripes, gingham, polka-dot, argyle, floral, paisley, nova checks, and tartan.

Your Home Might Be Preppy If…

…you decorate with pink & green together

…your decor includes framed photos, family paintings

…everyone knows you are are dog lover, by your dog decor

…you have at least one topiary

…you cannot imagine life without monograms

…there is either some tropical decor or needlepoint or both in your home

I hope you enjoyed this look at preppy style as much as I did.  If you have anything to add or share, please post in the comments section at the end of this post.  I’d love to hear from you!

Blessings,

Lauree

…keep dancing the dream

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