ALL HAIL ZACK MORRIS
With New York Fashion Week wrapping up and the start of the new fall fashion season upon us, thoughts that industry might try something unique have been eliminated. According to almost everyone attached with the fashion industry, the biggest thing to hit men’s fashion this fall is going to be another "re-imagining" - the triumphant return of the preppy look.
As a certified preppy from the 1990's, heed my warning. Prepare yourself for an onslaught of madras and checkered tops, button down collars, blazingly colored polos, tweed blazers, argyle vests and white penny loafers.
At first glimpse, prep – a method synonymous with the WASP-y elitism and junk bond-fueled frivolity of 1980’s – appears out of sync with today’s more varied humanity and the truths of a rough economy. However, the preppy style of post-millennium America pledges to be much more accessible to the masses, thanks in large part to a more tolerant and popular financial climate.
Anyone who has been connected to a fraternity inside the last ten years or so has probable glimpsed (and purchased) more than their equitable share of up-turned polos and tattered khakis. The Abercrombie-fueled fashion faux pas of the popped collars and destroyed khakiware that emerged shortly after the millennium will, gratefully, sit this fall season out.
In reality, this tendency is directed at men who might have previously been alienated by the stuffiness of prep style. The look can now be worn by almost anyone.
For slightly older, mid-career guys who have a hard time finding stylish casual clothing that still suits their age, this trend could provide an alternative to the drab golf-shirts and activeware that currently occupies most of Stein Mart's mens department.
Younger men who aren't fond of the vintage-inspired tailored clothes that originated in the aftermath of the metrosexuality craze, could look at the come back of preppy as an ironically, snarky opportunity to mature their Aeropostale and American Eagle wardrobes, without compromising their foothold on what they think is cool. It's ironic that these same men, mostly in their late-20’s/early-30’s, are the same Gen-Xers and Gen-Yers who initially toppled the grasp of Beverly Hills 90210-themed style years ago.
The resurrection of prep isn't so much about buying into a way of life or displaying your status. In the end, it doesn’t matter how you mark your clothing; it's how you feel wearing it.
MAKE IT WORK
New to the preppy way? Invest in a few on-trend items that will transition into fall.
• A polo shirt is essential. Go for green, yellow, purple, teal or bright pink.
• Khaki trousers can go to work with a navy blazer; on weekends, wear them with a T-shirt.
• Team a lightweight cardigan (fitted, not baggy) with a T-shirt and rugged blue jeans.
• Take inspiration from nautical/patriotic themes and colors.
• Seersucker jackets, pants and shorts help beat the summer heat.
• If boat shoes or top-siders aren’t your style, try loafers or slip-on Chuck Taylors.
