WHAT PREPPY IS ALL ABOUT

Some of you may fathom what I am writing here while others will have no clue.  It doesn’t matter one way or the other, after all, this is only an editorial so please lighten up.

I'll have to be honest; I don’t get the whole preppy thing.   Neither I, nor anyone to whom I'm acquainted has ever used the term preppy.  I never heard it once where I prepped, nor did I hear it in college and I'm an Ivy League man.  Well, I'll take that back, I did hear it once when there was a movie showing one night-I think it was called "Love Story."  Anyway, lately, I’ve noticed a trend as to what preppy is all about.  It seems everyone has an opinion on the subject, I as well.  Yet, as my grandmother always told me, “opinions are like rear-ends, everyone has one.”  As the word preppy is an established word, I shall use it for the remainder of this editorial.

Not too long ago, preppies, or whatever you want to call it used to mean something.  I’m of course talking about the “Old Guard,” who were not only the well to do, but also a no-nonsense, tough as nails breed-which my grandfather and father belonged.  They were/are the same breed that lived in aging houses amid items that people of today don’t even want or see any value in owning.  They were the same breed that congregated within a society that had strict codes of dress, conduct, and speech.  Contrary to popular belief, this breed is a simple lot that maintains a simple structure system.

Antiquated as they may seem-at least by today’s standards, this breed does have merit.  It was the culture of my grandfather and father that loathed anything that diminished human dignity-even before it was in vogue.  They displayed fervor for civility restraint and understatement, while at the same time executing a generosity that helped make America the generous nation that it is.  They cultivated a belief that higher learning was a necessity and art and culture was essential to the soul.  They came from a time when men wore shirts and ties, not only for work, but also for just about any activity that required human contact. To be seen any other way was considered tacky. I can recall times when my grandfather would wear a bow and never leave the house, because "a man should dress like a man."
They understood the importance of women in pearls and satin gloves, who knew how to make an entrance without effort.
To them it wasn't fashion; it was the proper way, the old-fashioned way, and old-fashioned is always good.
This "old guard" smoked when they wanted to smoke, drank when they wanted to drink; they played hard, and worked even harder. OK, they really didn't work that hard, but privilege does have its frustrations, just ask anyone with a trust fund.  This is the “Old Guard” and this is what preppy is all about. 

Unfortunately, the "old guard" with all its endearing qualities is a dying breed, thanks to books like the "The Official Preppy Handbook," all that is left in this day is the supposedly "true prep," pun intended.
Even though many refuse to believe it, the "preppy" culture has changed.  It has become more of a sartorial joke.  When celebrities get in on the act, like the title of an article I read not too long ago, “Kanye Goes Prep,” three words by the way that should never be used together, there is something wrong.  Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against Kanye West, o.k. I lie, but that’s another article.  What annoys me is the whole preppy role-playing that is becoming the norm.

Now, that Kanye has allowed segue into clothing, there are a few things I need to get off my chest. I know that in recent years, Ralph Lauren has become somewhat of “prep” God to many but honestly, if you own Polo Cable-Knits in every color of the rainbow, then you have completely missed the point.  The image relayed is definitely not "preppy,"only "look how wealthy I am."  At the very least, you should demand stock in old Ralph's Company just by the sheer price of his merchandise.  Quality is one thing…stupidity is another. I’ll give it to R. L., never has one man sold the idea of aristocracy better than he has.  Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against Ralph Lauren or any person making a name for themselves (after all, we live in a capitalist society) but I take issue with those that adorn himself or herself in high-end snobbery and try and pass it off as the gospel according to “preppy.”  By gosh, get a monogram and call it a day. 

In addition, lately, there seems to be much debate concerning which stores are truly preppy (a debate no real "prep" would ever have).  Ask any "prep" where they acquire their clothing and you’re likely to hear about establishments that began well before the sixties, save a few pieces of hand-me-downs.  Anything after that time is simply passing as good taste. Would "Chip" the purist from Connecticut wear Ralph Lauren Polo? Perhaps, If received as a gift.  Would "Chip" rejoice in Patagonia being the new leaders of “preppy” outdoor wear?  Never, they’re too Johnny-come-lately.  On the other hand, how about LL Bean or Orvis?  Of course, LL Bean began in 1912 and Orvis began in 1856, but more profoundly, because that’s what “Chip” was wearing the first time he hunted with grandfather.    A blend of loyalty, sentimentality, and good old-fashioned tradition defines a preps view on clothing.  Good quality pieces that last year after year are what’s desired and never with branding and logos.  When they do finally buy clothing, it’s an investment.  A complete outfit from coat to shoes may cost fifteen-hundred dollars but you’d never know it, (unless you were gifted with a discernible eye) but rest assure, you’d see that same outfit some umpteenth years later either on their person or an offspring.  This is what preppy is all about.

I suppose those and I who've been bred in this tradition should be flattered by this new interest except who really cares.  Do I enjoy the lifestyle I live?  Sure.  Do I somehow feel a bit of superiority to someone whom society deems less in class or status?  Of course not, because in the grand scheme of things, it matters not.  I get it, we as humans have an inherent need to belong to something, even when that something deserves no more praise than anything else does. The reality is that “preps” are just people.   The true spirit of prep is not about what type of boat you sail, where you prepped, or even “which type of shoes are more preppy.”  “Prep” is about living as ones ancestors lived, and I’m not speaking literally, but to rejoice in the simpler times of our forbears. To appreciate ones name and build upon that name and most of all to respect culture, the society in which one lives and live modestly.  Because, in the end we are all just people, at least in my opinion, but as grandmother used to say, "Everyone has one."

Danforth Prescott III, contributor