As the author of The Official Preppy Handbook, Lisa Birnbach introduced the entire world (you know, everything beyond Connecticut) to the distinctive “preppy” look that defined the early 1980s. Over 30 years later, some of the very same styles that she immortalized are back in vogue!
Nowhere is the preppy look more evident than in men’s hottest styles for summer. For example, yesterday my teenaged son came home from shopping with four new pairs of shorts – ranging from eye-popping Kelly green Tommy Hilfiger golf shorts, to classic Ralph Lauren Polo khakis, to subtly faded “Nantucket reds.”
Loud shorts aside, how do you define preppy today? It’s not just a rehash of the 1980s (although I have found a few pieces which are virtually indistinguishable from their original counterparts). Instead, it’s more of an evolution of a classic style, infused with a slight, modern twist. Earlier this week, The Trend Spotter’s “How to Rock Men’s Preppy Style” described the preppy attitude in this way:
“Ralph Lauren. Tommy Hilfiger. Lacoste. When it comes to preppy design houses, these names all have one thing in common; they’re classic, clean and collegiate. Where did the preppy style originate, and when is clothing considered preppy? ‘Preppy’ styling originates from the youthful subculture of classic American universities and the subsequent choices of upper and upper-middle class students associated with such contexts. Put simply, it’s a style of attire that alludes classic colors, prints and apparel. It can be ascribed to the Ivy League styling of dress, which underwent a progression in the 20th century.”
Luckily, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get that Ivy League look!
This preppy watch for men by SKMEI, with an oh-so-preppy red and navy striped nylon watchband, is the perfect place to start. The round face with gold-tone stainless steel case is timeless enough to wear to work, but simple and sporty enough to wear on the weekend.
The watch has quartz movement with analog display and is even water-resistant! (In general, the watch withstands splashes or brief immersion in water, but it is not suitable for swimming.) Most importantly, it keeps great time.
SKMEI Watch Co., Ltd specializes in producing all sorts of multi-functional diving electronic watches, LED electronic watches, heart rate watches, voice and time-table watches, and dual movement quartz watches, as well as sports watches.
This SKMEI watch retails for $89.59, but with Amazon Prime you can scoop one up for only $16.59 – just in time for Father’s Day or upcoming graduations. I think that Lisa Birnbach would approve!
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PHOTOS: Watch image used with permission by SKMEI.
DISCLAIMER: No financial compensation was received in exchange for this post. I did, however, receive a promotional sample of the SKMEI men’s watch mentioned above in order to fully evaluate the product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers.
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