Preppy style reigned supreme among the rich youngsters in the United States in the 1960s. Its origin is traced back when upper-middle-class students began to attend expensive preparatory schools—especially Ivy League ones such as Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Cornell or Princeton University. They were so distinctive in style and usually wore pieces that defined their culture.
The American author, screenwriter, educator and classicist—Erich Segal (1937—2010) lionized the world Preppy. According to him (Erich Segal), Preppy is someone who "dresses perfectly without trying to….[and] appears to do everything well without trying to." That being said—the key to nail this kind of aesthetic is, "effortless chic".
Someone who dressed proper preppy style exuded a rebellious yet classic spirit. The signature pieces included blue blazers, shirts with button-down details, ties (often striped), polo shirts with upturned down collars among others. Most of these pieces were the statements in the 1950s. I have recently checked preppy guys on Pinterest and they are so chic!
Preppy fashion became a national obsession—even lower-class children began to admire and copy the trend. Lisa Birnbach (1957—), released the best-selling book, titled "The Official Preppy Handbook" in the 1980. The book entirely discussed how to become successful with the culture of Preppy. Being said—Preppy lifestyle gained a huge traction among youths in the 1980s.
Unfortunately—most of the pieces that defined preppy fashion went out of style among men in the 1980s with the exception of few pieces that continue to enjoy survival in the fashion world such as khaki pants and button-down shirts.
Thanks to various talented designers who drew historical inspiration from preppy style to integrate into their works that alive until today. Some of those notable designers are Ralph Lauren (1939—), Tommy Hilfiger (1951—), Marc Jacobs (1964—), Luella Bartley (1974—) and so on.
REFERENCES:
Birnbach, Lisa. The Official Preppy Handbook. New York: Workman, 1980.
Schurnberger, Lynn. Let There Be Clothes. New York: Workman, 1991.