Preppy

Preppy Subculture

The preppy subculture started of in preparatory schools mainly in New England. The style was very conservative because of their protestant values and their social classes. The preppy style is also based on proper decorum, social achievements and propriety. The uniform look that is known as “preppy” includes: blazers, button up shirts, ties, chinos or grey flannels and loafers or lace ups.  Preps also engage in exclusive traditions, codes, and sports that allow them to bond with each other. The parents of this subculture impose their children to their way of life by making sure they are dressed properly and are presentable. They may also send them to prep school in hopes of them attending choice colleges in future and building a legacy.

This subculture values the more elegant things in life. Their homes are well decorated and they also make sure their surroundings and family are beautiful, well organized, and it reflects their family. The beliefs of traditional preps are that they must be polite, honest, well educated, liked by most, and in middle to upper classes. A prominent symbol of this subculture that they their clothing that is fashionable but professional. Preps influence mainstream America by imposing their value of education on non-preps so that they will have all of the luxuries that people in the prep subculture have. The language of this subculture is mainly proper English.

·       http://ezinearticles.com/?Pull-Off-the-Preppy-Look&id=6911033

This article is called “Pull off the Preppy Look” and it gives a little on the background of the term preppy. It also explains what types of clothes are worn such as light blazers, button down shirts, and polo shirts. In the article it also gives some designers that supply these types of pieces.

·       http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2012/5/1/new-guide-prep/

This article is called “The New Guide to Harvard Prep” and it explains the meaning of the word prep and bit of its history. The author also explains the various types of preps that attend Harvard. The four types are the oblivious preps, the self-aware preps, the hipster preps, and then there is everyone who doesn’t fit into those groups. The oblivious preps are the ones that actually went to prep school and had many tutors, attend garden parties, and have expensive clothing. The self-aware preps are those who either grew up as true prep or they do their research on thing true preps would know and flaunt things they get. Finally the hipster preps are known vampire weekend wannabes which is an American indie rock band. These are the ones that wear shorts and bow ties.

The fashion show displays how men and women can put unique combinations together and make them look "preppy". Who would ever think pink and blue strips would go with kaki? I LOVE the classy, clean-cut appearance.

Sources:

·      http://amanda-dunstan.hubpages.com/hub/Subculture-The-American-Traditional-Prep

·      http://www.mensflair.com/style-advice/the-roots-of-american-preppy.php

 Imani Thompson, Jasmine Clay