Preps are a rare breed of animal often found in aquatic or coastal regions. The color pallet of a prep takes inspiration from this environment. Hunter green, periwinkle blue, and a light sand color are each hues a prep will don. Unlike the bold and colorful patterns more commonly associated with their southern relatives, New England Preps (such as your’s truly) take inspiration from their neighbors across the pond. The origin of prepdom lies in jolly old England whose tweed jackets, elbow patches, and collared shirts were each worn with a practical purpose. These preps are understated and reserved in both dress and manner. Prominent logos and other such nonsense are frowned upon in prep culture. Instead, frayed collars and broken in boating shoes are worn with pride, symbolizing the wearer has a certain degree of respect for the clothing which he or she returns to season after season. Above all else, a true prep can be spotted using two signatures: a clean haircut and good shoes. One must look presentable from top to bottom. All else is peripheral.
