Thom Browne

A lot of people laugh or cry when they see what Thom Browne is doing. That doesn't surprise me, but I like the clothing Mr. Browne is designing for Brooks Brothers. I appreciate the way he uses traditional influences -- for example, 1960s business suits -- to create a style that is new and exciting.

Some of my favorites from the 2008 Black Fleece collection:


These suits are quite becoming. I like the flood length pants worn with polished ankle boots. The dark suit manages to be a little bit preppy and hip at the same time. It has a sort of military look, and of course I adore uniforms. Support the troops!


Pinstriped trousers look great with a short overcoat and plaid vest; matching tie and coat lining are a nice touch. Knickers are uncommon these days, but here they are in a sporty and youthful outfit that I'd be happy to wear.


Here are a couple of spectacular outfits that have "preppy" written all over them. The plaid sport coat is fresh and sophisticated. The other outfit is delightfully playful. Argyle socks never looked better.

So much for last year.

Thom Browne's 2009 Black Fleece collection is available now, and we'll take a look at it soon.

Harry

Chatting with kids at a polo match, looking sharp in his black and white uniform. Nice boots.

Wet Look

I hate to tell you, Tommy, but sailors don't dress like this.

Okay, I admit that I like this ad. I can't resist wooden boats or handsome well-dressed men. And I particularly like cardigans, repp ties, and parkas with hoods.

But I should say that Tommy is not a brand that I wear. I like its preppy vibe -- and I might wear it someday -- but for now I'm content to admire Tommy from a distance.

Preppy?

I like the look, but it begs the question: Preppy?

I saw two young men dressed like this on Cape Cod about ten years ago, standing on line outside a restaurant on a summer evening. Instant double take! The look struck me as both preppy and sophisticated. It inspired me to start wearing shorts with a coat and tie.

I like mixing dressy and casual clothes this way.

I'm sorry, I got this picture from the web and can't even remember the designer's name. Maybe one of my readers can give me a clue.

Preppy Mayor

This old photograph of the Mayor of San Francisco is in today's issue of the San Francisco Chronicle.


A young Gavin Newsom poses at his house in a sailor suit school uniform, circa 1974. He is wearing the uniform from Notre Dame des Victoires School.

Rugby Shirts, Faux and Real

Rugby shirts are among my favorite weekend clothes. They are so versatile. I can wear a rugby shirt with everything from sports gear to a sport coat. A rugby shirt is the first thing I grab when I need to dress in a hurry.


Ralph Lauren suggests wearing a rugby shirt over a dress shirt and tie, like a sweater. I like the look so much it has become one of my standard weekend uniforms.


I wear rugby shirts from Ralph Lauren's Polo and Rugby lines. I have a couple of Rugby's customized with crests, badges, and numbers. But to be honest, Ralph Lauren rugby shirts are fashion items, not authentic rugby gear.



I have several "real" rugby shirts. Barbarian Rugby is one of my favorite brands. The Canadian company supplies rugby gear to the best teams in America, which of course are in the NCAA. Barbarian rugby shirts are heavy, durable, and customizable. This young man is wearing an Iowa State University rugby shirt.


Canterbury of New Zealand is probably the most well known name in rugby gear. Many of the world's best professional rugby teams wear Canterbury uniforms. Retail customers can buy replica jerseys, or choose from a full line of rugby fashions.


Canterbury's crest combines English and native New Zealand motifs. It is sure to get compliments and start conversations.


The back of the collar sports the company name. I only wish the script was more legible. But that is a minor complaint. Canterbury makes my favorite rugby shirts and I wear them a lot.

Palm Beach Style

Iconic designer Lilly Pulitzer needs no introduction here. Let's see what she is offering the well-dressed man these days.

The Charles Blazer is beautiful. Lilly's attention to detail, just outstanding. Clothes like this are a good reason to stay in shape. The cut of this jacket may be the most flattering you will ever see in a navy blazer.

Lilly's signature palette goes well on these Capri Trunks. The look has been copied, but there is no substitute for the original.

Lilly can be understated. What a fabulous polo and shorts! The woven belt brings it together. Nice and neat.

Luxurious cashmere socks beg the loafers to come off. The bow tie with a patched pattern is my idea of summertime fun.

What an outfit. Argyle, pink/green, collar turned up. Flamboyant and über preppy. To dress this way, a man must have self confidence because these clothes are guaranteed to attract attention. Trust me, I know, I wear clothes like this. People on the street have laughed at my not-subtle-at-all attire a few times, but I take it as a compliment. I'm preppy and proud of it.

Sweater Vests

The sweater vest is a key element in the preppy wardrobe. Every prep should have a few in different colors or patterns like argyle and Faire Isle.

Sweater vests look great with bow ties. What could be more preppy?

Some might argue that this outfit is too flashy, not conservative enough for a true preppy. I guess it depends on your definition. This is obviously Ralph Lauren's idea of preppy. I think this guy looks fantastic, although I would choose a leather watchband.

Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl has been described as a guilty pleasure, but I don't care. Give me boys in prep school uniforms (okay, girls too) and I'll watch.

Did I mention that I like blue blazers?

One look tells you Chuck is a bad boy. Leaving the collar up is a bit much, even for me. Demerits for pleats. But I like the belt.

The topcoats pictured below work well with the preppy uniform. I really like the windowpane, which looks great with that scarf and the school tie.



Prim and proper schoolgirls. Yeah, right.

I like the uniform pictured at the rear of this group. It has that androgynous preppy quality.

I wonder if Gossip Girl's popularity will lead to imitations and/or spin-offs. Sure it will. And we can probably count on a remake in about twenty years.