Living in New England, we are certainly familiar with ‘preppy’ style….JCrew button downs, Brooks Brothers khakis, Sperry boat shoes, Lily Pulitzer sweater sets….Ginger loved this look and wore it often…..while there are many preppy looks I like, I do think if you are 100% preppy it is too predictable, and sometimes can be frumpy – two things I avoid at all costs! This dress is from JMcLaughlin, though I was happy to find it at Revolve in Belmont Center………JMcLaughlin is definitely preppy, but in a more upscale, sophisticated way……

Other ways to avoid frumpy when you wear preppy style:

• Fit is key!  Never baggy, should be fitted to look current.
• Accessorize boldly.  Avoid the pearl studs and matching bracelet. Here I wore diamond hoops and layered, unmatched bracelets – chunky gold is fun too!
• Wear a heel.  Sure, a ballet flat would not be bad, but a heel changes the look altogether.

  

Dress shown above I have worn on vacations, out in the evening, at a business summer event – not something I would wear to work (too short)…..here are some other JMcLaughlin pieces that are perfect for work:

Upscale preppy is classic and current…….shoe and accessory choice adds your own personal touch…….it really doesn’t get any easier!

This is a far cry from the wide wale cords, cable knit sweaters and LLBean boots we wore in the 70s!   HaHa!  Don’t you agree?