preppy

I think that there is a common misconception on what it means to be preppy these days. Preppy isn't a style. It isn't something tangible that you can deffinitively say, "oh look. that guys a prep." It's a way of life, a state of mind. Most people that I would catagorize as preppy, wouldn't necissarily call themselves such. the style of dress that comes from this is always an natural, and unforced style that just seems to suit the person. it's an unexamined look, that naturally looks nice. clothing designers try and imitate this look and market it to the masses, and these days have been quite successful. like j crew and vineyard vines, even the gap and banana republic. but if you examine what it means to be preppy you'll see that it's not something that you can buy, or put on. you don't have to be born of priveledge, but having gone to private school of some kind is almost prerequisite. Whether it's boarding or day, this kind of enviornment is pivotal to the growth and nurturing of the young prep. You can't buy culture or class, and that being said, another key to defining a prep is a love of art, literature and culture. you're average prep is a voratious reader and prides himself on having a solid knowledge of the finer things in life like wine, film, politics, and art. it's easy to be a pocketbook prep, who's trying to buy their way out of wherever it is they came from, but true prep is born deep within and can't be taken away. whether you're a builder or a banker, gardener or gourmand, it's an unappoligetic way to present yourself to the world. hold your head up high fellow preppies, it's a cruel world. i'm off to finish my glass of wine and head to bed.