The Persistence of Prep.

The original preppy handbook "Take Ivy" was re-released last month after being a treasure of fashion insiders or fashion lovers with deep pockets for the past four decades. Prep is the style that never goes out of style. The cuts are classic, the materials luxe. It is certainly something to be celebrated.


To me, prep does not mean dressing head-to-toe in Lilly Pullitzer or Brooks Brothers, but embracing classics and dressing with ease without being a slave to every passing trend.


Yes, I admittedly love a dress with cutouts, designer collaborations (Lanvin for H&M soon!) and every sky-high it-shoe. But there is something to be said about dressing for comfort, investing in pieces that will never be "out".

"I never wanted to be 'in fashion'. Because if you are 'in fashion' you can always be out." -Ralph Lauren


The inspiration:

Mary Kate from Teen Vogue always nails it. So effortlessly chic. It's becoming rare to see such a beautiful young girl look like such a lady. (Images via the sartorialist and garance dore)

A style icon for all ages, Jackie Kennedy. Street chic preppy in stripes. (Both images via Unabashedly Prep)

Here's what you'll need.

Cableknits and cashmeres (easy to find on resale), knee length or longer hemlines, flats, neutral or primary colors, and leather. I am especially fond of the circle skirts that are coming back this season (see Mary Kate in the second image above). Prep prints last forever also, stick with herringbones, plaids, and stripes for a classic look.

And to think that I used to loathe the dress code.