Preppy Sneakers
Okay so first of all I apologize for using the word preppy in just about every title, but it helps the blog rank better in google, so I get more visitors which is worth it for me. So please bear with me…
Anyways back to the topic at hand. I got a suggestion to talk about shoes and so I thought I would. Today I am going to talk about sneakers, because I am young, and besides sandals, they are what I wear most of the time. Also, I am only going to talk about ones that are under $100. I understand that most preppy clothes are quite expensive, and you are paying for quality, but since it is my blog, and I don’t have the resources to spend $200-$400 on a pair of casual shoes, I am going to talk about ones that I could afford.
When going for the preppy look, there isn’t a huge variety of sneakers, but I do like the selection. I would like to mention first that an excellent alternative to sneakers would be Sperry Authentic Original Tops
iders. Sperry does have a great deal of other shoes, most of which are very nice, all of which are extremely well made, but for the preppy look, you have to go with the classic Authentic Originals. I grew up in these things, and although they can be stiff and uncomfortable at first, once they are worn in they are a damn good shoe. Topsiders, not only have a preppy feel, but unlike sneakers they can be both casual and semi formal. Of course you couldn’t wear these with a suit, but they can certainly be worn to certain parties and summer events. Sperry Topsiders are pretty affordable at $65, but ones like the Gold Cup shoes are a little out of my budget at $160. For a very similar look check out Brooks Brothers Boat shoes here
, or find other traditional ones here at J Crew
When I said before that there wasn’t a very big variety of sneakers, I kind of lied. But the truth is that most of the variations aren’t very appealing to me, mostly because many are uncreative. Preppy sneakers have become almost an after thought, because it is assumed that they aren’t really a particularly preppy item. So while skateboard companies are producing thousands of different shoes, because that is what their customers want, preppy companies make far fewer. So I’m only going to talk about sneakers that I would certainly wear, and ones that I think look good with most clothes that a preppy person would wear.
The main two variations are leather and canvas, and I think I’ve gotten a pretty good mix of both. Canvas sneakers are not quite as sturdy or thick as leather ones, but they have a much preppier feel and look.
Lacoste Shakespeare 3: A sort of blend between the boat shoe and the sneaker. These a
re $130 on Zappos, so a little pricey, but very nice looking. The alligator on the side I feel really adds something and goes well with the navy and white laces. These are good for when you don’t want to wear boat shoes, but still want a slightly preppier look than normal sneakers.
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Next there is the Ralph Lauren Roster 3 Leather Sneakers. Although I am not a huge fan
of the white and dark green, these are a sharp looking pair of sneakers, and the pony on the tongueis a nice touch. These look more like sneakers you would run in or play a sport, rather than just every day use, but they are preppy enough to go with some outfits. At $65 they are reasonably priced as well.
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Third, there is the Lacoste Recoil 2. This shoe is similar to the Roster 3 in that it has a more sporty than everyday feel, but with the flat laces and streamlined shape, it is a little bit more functional with preppy clothes. Like all Lacoste shoes however, it is expensive and somewhat hard to find. Zappos does not carry it and it can’t be found in Lacoste’s online store so I assume its quite new. Like the other Recoil sneakers, I expect it to cost around $125, when it does become available.
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Now on to canvas sneakers. The first pair I like is the Lacoste L34 Canvas Sneaker
s. These cream colored shoes look a little thicker than most canvas sneakers, so I assume they are a little more comfortable. Since they are cream colored, they go with a lot of different outfits and can be worn with both shorts and pants. That’s what I love about canvas sneakers, they can be worn with shorts without looking goofy, when leather sneakers usually cannot. The Lacoste L34’s here cost $90.
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I particularly like these Ralph Lauren Brendall Canvas Sneakers from Ralph Lauren. The gold stripes on the side make them a little more interesting, and the navy with the white toe, is very preppy looking. Just like white or cream shoes, these navy ones can be worn with a wide variety of clothes, and aren’t too expensive at $69.
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The final pair of canvas sneakers that I like are the Ralph Lauren Blake Herringbone Canvas Sneakers. A very simple and slightly retro look, these shoes have a nice logo on the tongue and le
ather back to keep them interesting. Like the Brendall sneakers, they are preppy enough to be worn with most outfits including shorts. At $59 they are also affordable. Ralph Lauren usually lowers the price of their sneakers significantly towards the end of their lifespan, so I picked up a pair of Dungan washed Canvas Sneakers for only $39 recently.
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So there you have it. Event though its the summer now, and most people are wearing sandals, its still a good time to examine your sneakers. I have a friend who thinks he dresses preppy, but he only wears white New Balances. Sorry but that just doesn’t cut it. These shoes show that there are preppy sneakers out there, and that it is still possible to have a good looking preppy outfit with a pair of sneakers.
Next time I’ll talk about Loafers and mocasins, the other types of casual shoe, and after that Sandals. I don’t know if there’s really a need to talk about formal shoes, as there aren’t really any that are considered preppy. Preppy people dress in nice clothes , and since all formal clothes are nice clothes, formal shoes don’t really have anything to do with preppiness…
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9 Responses to “Preppy Sneakers”
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Converse Jack Purcell sneakers are quite classic.
Thanks for talking about sneakers (its the hardest shoe that can be found in the preppy style that we r all looking for) anyways I find funny that sneakers are the least preppy shoe, when their atcually called “tennis shoes” in it’s full name (tennis being a very preppy sport)
I loved!
talk about more shoes lol! i am going shoping this week and i need ur input on preppy shoes
Don’t forget the classic Tretorn Nylite! They’ve become widely available again after dropping off the scene for several years, and are very comfortable and affordable. I seem to be living in those and my Sebago Docksides this summer.
Sadly, the two Ralph Lauren pairs are no longer available
At the very least I can’t find them. Anybody got leads?
I totally loved your add on preppy sneakers. I needed something to wear to the country club and I found it thanks to you guys.
Thanks alot your poped collar buddy. B. Cash (yes last name is Cash) no relation to Johnny.
Do you know where I can find plaid sneakers. I can’t find them anywhere I love plaid it’s my favorite coler. If you know where I can find shoes in plaid. let me know.
popped collar buddy. B. Cash (yes last name is cash no relation to Johnny)
Try These Links - I think they might help. Thanks for reading.
http://www.nextag.com/plaid-shoes/stores-html
http://www.thefind.com/apparel/info-Plaid-Sneakers