Neo-Preppy Look, Just Super Hot!
There's something for everyone when it comes to this spring's fashion trends, and the "neo preppy" is one of the hottest looks this season.
If you think "preppy" only means plaid shirts and boxy polo shirts, you're in for a surprise according to the editors at Allure magazine. The editor-in-chief, Linda Wells stops by The Early Show to explain.
The preppy look-pullover sweaters, polo shirts, khakis, and bright sunny colors, never really goes away, but it can go in and out of fashion.
Today, there is a revival of the classics on the runways at Prada, Burberry, and Marc Jacobs. What is different now is: the fit, which is snug rather than bulky; the proportions; and the accessories. These quirky versions of preppy clothes appeal to people whose names aren't Buffy or George W.
This year polo shirts are a bit slimmer and plaid is present, but restrained. The look is all about casual, classic elegance, and somewhat, with an American sporty feel. You will see this trend in all price points.
The following are five looks featured on the show:
Look No.1:
Perfect for weekend dinner or brunch
This polished and easy to assemble look features the fuller embroidered cotton skirt, which itself is a big trend this spring and summer; a thin wool cardigan that is almost like lace; leather kitten heels in pink; and a bowling bag shaped in linen.
Banana Republic cardigan, $58, bananarepublic.com
Gap cotton tank, $12.99; gap.com
Club Monaco embroidered cotton skirt, $149,
Kate Spade bag $225, Kate Spade stores
Delman kitten heels, $245, Lord & Taylor
Look No. 2:
Great look for a casual Friday or a weekend brunch
The boxy jacket from the Junior League is classic, but what makes it quirky is the blown-up cartoonish houndstooth pattern made of wool yarn in crazy shades of green. The high heeled MaryJanes look like a pristine pair of Keds sneakers. The bag is a classic linen tote. Khakis are huge this spring. You will see khakis everywhere, and made by everyone, not just the Gap.
Marc Jacobs wool yarn embroidered silk organza jacket, $2,220 Marc Jacobs,NYC
Vince cotton khakis, $145, Saks Fifth Avenue
Vince cotton tank, $38, Saks Fifth Avenue
Marc Jacobs canvas MaryJanes, $485, Marc Jacobs, NYC
Moschino bag, $895, Saks Fifth Avenue
Look No. 3:
Easy weekend look
Shorts are very popular this spring/summer. Adult women can wear shorts, and still look classic especially with this particular look. A sweater and printed shirt are mainstays of the Main Line. But this cashmere sweater has a deep V-neck and the shirt is a graphic print. It's a dickie, which is pure prep. The short shorts are a big spring trend, replacing the mini skirt of last year.
Tory by TRB sweater with dickie $275, toryburch.com
Dolce & Gabbana cotton shorts $995, Dolce & Gabbana stores
Prada croc/leather sandals $780, Prada stores
Miu Miu leather bag $745, Miu Miu stores
Look No. 4:
It is great for running errands or a casual lunch.
The polo dress is a big neo preppy trend. The classic Lacoste polo top was once elongated to become a dress. This, though, is a thinner fabric; it's more fitted; and it's an electric shade of orange. The flip flops are like Jack Rodgers' ones that you see all over the country club, but the thong is made of scarf fabric.
American Apparel cotton polo dress, $34 americanapparel.net
J Crew flip flops, $68, jcrew.com
Coach bag $258, coach.com
Look No. 5:
Evening or day, this look is great
Floral prints are big now-literally and figuratively. The flowers are enlarged, Hawaiian, and bright. This dress is almost authentically preppy. The empire waist is a current trend in fashion. You can throw on a sweater for cold evenings, and you can easily dress this up or down with the accessories. The espadrilles are high wedges that lace up the leg in a sexy way. And espadrilles, whether flat or high, are the big shoes this summer.
Old Navy cotton dress $24.50 oldnavy.com
Nine West espadrilles, $69