The Preppy Rules

Robert Redford in "The Great Gatsby"

Tommy Hilfiger will put up a pop-up store in Madrid to honour the preppy style, the essence of the label. The store will be up for 10 days in Plaza Felipe II, from June 24th to 3th July. A special capsule collection for men and women has been designed for this occasion.

Preppy is one of my favourite styles. It's classic, elegant and young. Everything looks polished and impeccable, and it's the only way sportswear is acceptable outside a game.

The Preppy Rules
Vanity Fair published this fun article about the preppy style, inspired by The Official Preppy Handbook
-We wear sportswear. This makes it easier to go from sporting events to social events (not that there is much difference) without changing.
-We generally underdress. We prefer it to overdressing.
-Your underwear must not show.
-We do not display our wit through T-shirt slogans.
-Every single one of us owns a blue blazer.
-We take care of our clothes, but we're not obsessive.
-We do, however, wear a lot of white in the summer, and it must be spotless.
-Jewelry should not match, though metals should. On the other hand, your watch doesn't have to be the same metal as your jewelry.
-Men may wear sneakers with linen or cotton trousers to casual summer parties.
-Women over the age of 15 may wear a simple black dress. Women over the age of 21 must have several in rotation.
-High-heel rule: You must be able to run in them—on cobblestones, on a dock, in case of a spontaneous foot race.
-Clothes can cost any amount, but they must fit.
-Do not fret if cashmere is too pricey. Preppies love cotton and merino-wool sweaters.
-Real suspenders are attached with buttons. We do not wear the clip versions.
-Learn how to tie your bow tie. Do not invest in clip-ons.
-Riding boots may be worn by non-riders; cowboy boots may be worn by those who have never been on a horse. However, cowboy hats may not be worn by anyone who isn't technically a cowboy or a cowgirl.
-You may wear a Harvard sweatshirt if: you attended Harvard, your spouse attended Harvard, or your children attend Harvard. Otherwise, you are inviting an uncomfortable question.
-Every preppy woman has a friend who is a jewelry designer.
-No man bags.
-Preppies don't perm their hair.
-You can never go wrong with a trench coat.

Preppy Icons:

Charlotte York


Chuck Bass

Blair Waldorf


The Talented Mr. Ripley



Paul Newman


Jackie Kennedy


Wimbledon
Players must wear white on court. Best sport rule ever!


credit

The Preppy Pop Up Store in London by Tommy Hilfiger