A little more about the preppy way of life

I'll start by discussing the basics of preppies' outward appearance. First of all, if it's made in the UK, it's automatically superior to anything made anywhere else because that's where all their ancestors are from. Clothing is purchased based on quality of materials and construction, as well as flattering tailoring, but most importantly its ability to be worn year after year without looking dated. Not all preppy clothing is expensive; preppies unabashedly take full advantage of sales, clearances, outlets, and discount stores, and frequently brag about how little they paid for an attractive item. Popular preppy clothiers include Brooks Brothers, L.L. Bean, Banana Republic, Orvis, Duckhead (does that sill exist?), Lacoste, Ralph Lauren (incl. Polo, Chaps, and Lauren), Barbour, and Burberry. Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, American Eagle, Aeropostale, and Juicy Couture are ABSOLUTELY NOT PREPPY; they are patronized by people who think they are being classy by spending too much money on clothes that make them look like white trash and will make them the envy of everyone else on the #9 bus. A&F was preppy until the late 1990's but fell out of preppy favor with its racy quarterly catalog. Adults and adolescents tend to dress generally the same, as one of the foundations of the preppy lifestyle is tradition and continuity, though adolescents often rebel by taking on a disheveled appearance, exposing shirt tails, leaving trousers un-ironed, and wearing shorts with tattered hems. Timeless classics form the foundation of the wardrobe. Outside of whatever is worn for their profession, men wear cotton chinos, polo or golf shirts, shorts for casual activity (weather permitting), oxford shirts, blazers, sweaters, and sweatshirts if appropriate (either plain or bearing an acceptable college or university name). Preppy mens' jeans are seldom expensive (plain old Levi's, Lee, and Wrangler are popular) and worn when deemed appropriate. Bowties are a popular touch of whimsy and a nod to tradition. Except for black tie events, a Southern preppy is never incorrect when wearing khaki chinos, a navy blazer, and oxford shirt with either bowtie or necktie; such is still frequently worn when attending football games at some universities. A bowtie may be thought too whimsical for a funeral; it depends on whether the wearer is known by other attendants to wear bowties almost exclusively. Colors and patterns run the gamut, but are selected based on their appropriateness for the occasion. This sense for appropriate clothing choice is ingrained into the preppy from birth and honed from years of observing peers' and elders' clothing. Shoes are chosen for their durability, comfort, and practicality first; attractiveness comes second. Preppy men are rarely given a second thought when they sport hideous shoes that feel marvelous on their feet. Sperry Topsiders are a perennial favorite; they make the wearer appear not too serious or stuffy, and also serve as a pleasant reminder of sailing and seaside leisure. An aversion to socks is frequently observed among preppy men except at very formal or somber occasions. Jewelry is worn sparingly, if at all. Few preppy men wear more than a wristwatch, wedding band, and signet ring. Watches tend to be costly but will last longer than the wearer. Baseball caps are perfectly acceptable for casual occasions or leisure, but decorations are restricted to acceptable schools, fraternities (until age 30), golf equipment manufacturer logos, vacation spots, leisure activities, and organization logos (e.g. Ducks Unlimited, beach clubs, yacht clubs). Only camouflage used exclusively for bird hunting is worn. Preppy men's bodies run a range of sizes and shapes, from rail-thin to morbidly obese, whereas preppy women are expected to maintain a reasonably trim figure, though there's no shame in an age-appropriate neck wattle or turkey wings. Men practice neat grooming, keeping hair clean and attractively styled (rarely buzzed down), nails clipped, and whiskers trimmed.

Accessory items include boats, horses, automobiles, second homes, and children.

Boats and horses are not for all preps, as not all preps really care for their related activities. Those who like sailing keep expensive boats in marinas near their beach houses, and have the right to wear canvas belts with nautical flags or marlin fish embroidered on them. Horse lovers keep expensive horses in stables, visit them a couple times a week, and parade them around in occasional shows and competitions. Expensive English-made clothing and gear are a requirement for horsing around, making the sport that much more appealing, because if it's English, it's just plain better.

True preps usually select cars for their reliability and range of options. Many true preps are content to drive Ford SUVs as long as they're fully loaded with all the available bells and whistles. A prep may only drive one brand of car his whole life because his family owns a dealership. Mercedes, though expensive, is renowned among preps for its sound engineering and comfortable ride. If you see someone driving expensive cars that don't stand the test of time, such as Range Rovers and Jaguars, he may be merely nouveau-riche.

Second homes are found in remote or less developed locations such as mountains or beaches. These homes are smaller than a prep's primary residence and are always furnished and decorated to reflect their surroundings - rough-hewn pieces in warm wood tones and Native American blankets & rugs at the mountain house, light hues, sea grass, and wicker at the beach house. No matter how primitive the immediate vicinity, the preppy vacation house is always within a short drive or walk to bars, restaurants, antiques shops, sporting goods stores, and women's boutiques. Preppies like to get away from it all, just not too far away.

Like so much else they do, preppies have children for no reason other than it's just what's always been done. They have no need for them, as children are completely obsolete and serve no useful purpose, but they feel compelled to reproduce because not to do so would be too much of a shocking change from the norm. Getting married, having children, and buying a big house with an oversize yard and trees that may kill everyone in the next hurricane is simply what's done.

The preppy personality is one of gregariousness, pleasantness, politeness, respect, and humor that is only slightly off-color (except in the exclusive company of close male friends). Preppies are always expected to practice proper table manners, even at casual functions. Preppies say "yes ma'am," open doors for women, assist the elderly, listen as much as they speak, enjoy getting tipsy but not falling-down drunk, dance without embarrassment, and can hold thought-provoking conversations about politics and business when appropriate. Talking about money is taboo. Preppies don't discuss how much their possessions cost (unless it was a great bargain) or how much they earn; everyone knows the cost of everyone else's stuff anyway because everyone buys the same stuff. Salaries are more of a mystery; those who appear well-to-do could be living paycheck to paycheck, with their parents helping out, and others who live modestly may be raking in 500K a year. No one knows because preps don't intentionally display wealth. Gossip is conducted in intimate gatherings, but not at parties. Everyone knows the dirt about everyone else, but it's never discussed at polite functions.