Dress code: the one thing that most Prep students abhor about our fine institution. Prep students dislike the lack of comfortability, strictness of the code, and punishments for going against the stipulations. However, more students are beginning to embrace the “Preppy” style and take more pride in their fashion scheme. The major brand names that initially come to mind are Vineyard Vines, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Lacoste. Contests such as the newly implemented Best Dressed Thursdays promote and reward student’s originality regarding Prep’s dress code. As fashion becomes more prevalent in the Prep community, we are here to explore what is currently in and out of style.
We asked fashion expert Will Oser ‘15 his opinion on the latest fall styles. Will has observed that a lot of students are wearing wing tip shoes. More specifically, students seem to prefer Cole Haan’s Lunargrand wing tips. He feels that the wing tips have made a strong comeback within the Prep community. They are a classic shoe with a new twist: colorful bottoms and different designs. Will also commented that bow ties have become more popular as well. One item that Will said is out for the fall season is the bright pastel colors. Not many students wear them anymore, and the one’s that do, don’t wear them too well. He believes that they are being replaced by autumn tones, and green seems to be the most popular color for the fall!
Next, we asked Kenny Tarantino ‘16 his opinion on the hottest brands this fall. Kenny said that you see Vineyard Vines everywhere! Button-down shirts, belts, ties…Vineyard Vines is definitely on the rise in Prep fashion. PJ Walshe ‘15 agreed with Kenny’s observation, but added that fitted clothes are becoming the most popular choice. Walshe also feels that Clark’s and Oxfords are on the rise! Footwear wise, Kenny feels that Sperry’s are and will always be the most popular shoe choice for Prep students. Meanwhile, for the students who try to be as casual as possible, Kenny told us that the turtleneck-cardigan combination is a classic style.
Personally, I agree with Kenny that Vineyard Vines is definitely the most popular brand name between Grand and Warren. However, I would like to add that Polo Ralph Lauren remains very popular choice of attire. Many Prep students wear Polo button-down shirts and Polo sweaters with a mid-zipper. American Eagle, which is a little less popular, has come out with some great fall designs for button-down shirts and flannels at a very affordable price. I also feel that the Prep varsity cardigans are becoming more popular each year while the blazer-turtleneck combination is becoming more disdained by students. Shoe wise, I have seen an abundance of Sperry’s with a comeback of loafers. Many students are now wearing Madden and Alfani loafers.
We thank Will, Kenny, and PJ for their fashion insights and encourage all Prep students to form their own, unique styles!