Summer’s comin’ Time to get preppy
Which means its shorts season. Okay, so people have been wearing shorts for a while now, but I haven’t worn pants for over a week, and since I only have three good pairs of shorts. I thought I would write about them, since I am in dire need.
First of all, when it comes to shorts there are five main different preppy styles.
First there is the classic Madras. Madras was popular in the sixties, because it had non-colorfast dyes so it bled every time it was washed, making the plaids look different each time. This is just what I’ve read though, does Madras shorts today still do that? I had never seen Madras before last year, but I kind of like it now. I guess its grown on me, because I used to think it looked a little wacky with all the different plaid patches. I like these ones from J crew, but I don’t know what they would look good with since the colors are so random. Probably a white shirt of some sort, but I’d definitely try them on in the store first with something else, just so that you know you don’t look like a preppy hobo.
The second style is the Khaki Dock Short. This is a very simple refined look that looks great with a nice belt. Leather can be good, but vineyard vines whale belts like the one shown 
are really the only way to go in my opinion. One thing to watch out for is to make sure that the shorts are long enough. Sure models can wear shorter shorts but normal people really shouldn’t. I would say that the length of the ones in the picture is acceptable if they are shimmied down the waste a little bit. Dock Shorts don’t have to be like board shorts, but all to often there are guys wearing expensive shorts that are far too short. Maybe it is society’s fault for making us dislike guys wearing shorter shorts even if it looks acceptable, but for goodness sake, please just get shorts that fall around the knee. No one wants to see your strange tan lines, or upper thighs… Anyways I think everyone should have a good pair of khaki dock shorts, or another color, to replace that pair of cargo shorts that nearly everyone has. Okay, so cargo shorts can be not that bad. after all J Crew is advertising a pair on their main page, but for the most part cargo shorts convey a sense of college douchebaggery. Get a pair of Dock Shorts (God knows I need a pair) and you’ll look a lot more refined. Who needs those 5 extra pockets anyways?
The third style is the Seersucker. Seersucker is a really great unique cotton, that looks very preppy in the summer. People make suits out of this stuff they like it so much. Like the dock shorts since it is just striped and unpatterned, it is a good idea to get a nice canvas belt from Vineyard Vines or somewhere. I think one of the best things about seersucker, is not only the feel and the look, but since it is cotton, they are very light shorts without being see through or anything. Therefore they are perfect for really hot summer days. These ones are from Ralph Lauren, and are pretty well priced at $50. I realize I tend to just show clothes from the same few brands; Ralph Lauren, J crew, Vineyard Vines, but I promise I’ll try to branch out to more Brooks Brothers and other lesser known preppy brands. (I chose these because they all looked good, and were moderately priced for shorts.) .
The fourth style is the patterned bermuda shorts. In the last few years, the patterned shorts became very popular with nearly every company associated with preppiness embroidering some sort of symbol, whether it be a martini, a swordfish, or a map of nantucket. The trend for this year seems to be moving towards bigger logos, and less embroidering. I’m not sure I like this, it reminds me of gangster clothing, like Billionaire Boys Club. Either that or boxers… Maybe it just hasn’t been done well yet. Regardless, I really like these Ralph Lauren patterned shorts on the right the right. They took a similar logo to the one on their match crest polos and patterned it on the shorts. I really like this idea, and I think its a really good way of taking something that’s been done, a lot, and instead of just smacking a normal pony on it, being creative and putting their match crest polo scene.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
One thing that ’s nice (or also kind of not so nice, depending on your income) is the price of all these shorts. Apart from a few exceptions, nearly every pair of shorts I’ve seen in a preppy variety is between $49-$69. This is a little steep at first if you don’t have a very good income (like me) but its nice that nearly every pair of shorts is in this price range, when other things like shirts and pants can vary greatly. Hey, most Vineyard Vines belts cost around $40 - $50 so shorts being that much could almost be a steal. Moral of the story: if you’re preppy, make sure you have a fair number of different shorts. There are a lot of sale going on, and with everything in the same price range, its the perfect time to pick up one of each kind to expand your wardrobe. As for the new theme of large logos on shorts, its up to you. Maybe wait until they’re a little more refined looking, but if you like them, don’t let me stop you. Oh yeah, and don’t forget to make sure that the shorts you buy are at least upper knee length : )
Comments
4 Responses to “Summer’s comin’ Time to get preppy”
Leave a Reply
My thoughts on shorts:
1. First of all, I’m incredibly jealous that you get to blog about shorts right now, as it’s the middle of Winter down here in the Southern Hemisphere, and I’m clad in 3 layers today. However I through reading all of my US magazines I’m getting a feel for planning my Summer wardrobe already, which I quite like.
2. The madras. I used to hate this when it first re-appeared a year ago - I thought it was tacky. But I have come around for no apparent reason, I guess that they too, have grown on me. Must be worn with a plain and neutral shirt or polo though.
3. I like the dock short, unless its too stiff (like Dickies) and then really ages you. I agree just above the knee is the perfect length for shorts, because they can still have a formal appeal at this length. Mid thigh should only be seen on or on the way to the beach.
4. Patterned bermudas - can’t stand them. Especially when the pattern is embroided a la Ralph Lauren, I think they look like boxer shorts. Too much look for me!
for being a “prep” i am a little uneased by the fact that you ahve never had the pleasure of experiencing the magic that is madras.
maybe you are just catching on to some of the basics, and it is good that you have those with experience to watch ang guide you in your ventures.
should you be short on cash, a great alternative to purchasing novelty shorts would be to purchase novelty pants, which can be worn day or night. during the day pair them (madras, seesucker, critter, colored…) with a polo, button up (gigham, linen, etc) or tee depending on where and what you are doing, dont forget the ribbon belt. most madras and seersucker are light so they are just as good as wearing shorts, but should you feel “risque” i would sugest rolling/cuffing the bottoms a few times in a care-free manner. at ngiht, throw on a club belt, tuck in the shirt, and toss on a navy blazer or sport jacket. add a tie or bowtie for more formal events. loose the flip flops, boat shoes, or canvas sneakers in exchange for driving mocs, loafers, or a less weathered pair of sperrys.
Unless you are going for a “gangsta” look, your shorts should absolutely not cover your knees. A 9″ inseam is the absolulute maximum. I prefer 7″.
Also, in my opinion, polos with the HUGE pony logo’s and made up numbers such as ‘3′ stitched on are NOT preppy. They are opulent, trashy and showy. Being preppy is about being classy and classic. Leave the big pony logos to the gel-headed, armani-wearing guidos in New Jersey.
I disagree. I think that if the shirt looks nice having a big logo is okay. All too often companies throw their logo around aimlessly, but I think a big pony polo looks fine because it still keeps the refined Ralph Lauren look.
I just think that shorts should fall at the knee. Not too far above or below. Having them a little above is fine, but ones that are extremely short, in my opinion may be okay for tennis or running, but in every day life, it would look much better if they were just above the knee. Not the middle of the thigh.