Get Preppy

Craig of That Dapper Chap shows us how to achieve the preppy style and stay on trend this summer.

One trend that I've spotted coming through stronger and stronger in the spring summer collections is the preppy style. While big brands like J Crew, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren have been champions of this style for years, it's becoming more mainstream, so I wanted to give you a little insight in to how you can achieve one of this summers key looks.

Nautical Prep

Craig of That Dapper Chap shows us today's preppy look accessorised with items by Paul Hewitt

I've been really keen on the preppy look for a while and have occasionally erred towards that genre of styling in my daily look. 

After receiving a great little parcel from Paul Hewitt, who sell some really great preppy accessories, I thought I'd use them to build a look to challenge the preppiest prepster.

Getting my preppy style on

The preppy preperation

I chose items in the same colourway and all with a nautical theme. The bright red bow tie is printed with lobsters, the red, white and blue bracelet fastens with and anchor and the nato strap on the vintage style watch is also adorned with anchors. The red and blue belt and pocket square help to bring the colour theme together.

If you like the Paul Hewitt accessories, check back on the blog again soon as I'll be carrying out a product review on their vintage style watch.

The Denim Jean Style Challenge - Look Two

That Dapper Chap shares the second look in the denim style challenge, creating five looks from just two pairs of jeans.

This is a sponsored post of honest and unbiased opinion

Hello again, welcome back to the second installment of the Next denim jeans style challenge. If you haven't already read the details of the challenge or the very interesting denim survey results by Burton Menswear, find it HERE

All photography by the very talented Ian Clark of PhotoByIan, check out his other work HERE

The two pairs of jeans from Next.co.uk that I used for the challenge

Look 2 - Preppy Afternoon

For this very preppy look I again chose the smart jeans which can be found HERE. Available from Next.co.uk for £35.00.

Working from the ground up we have some white pumps, sockless of course with a roll on the hem of the trousers, perfect for the warmer spring days that should just be around the corner!

Its back to college with this very preppy look

Plain white pumps with no socks, perfect for the coming weather

The shirt is a pale blue poplin shirt with button down collar, again keeping it really preppy and very Ralph Lauren. Over that I've added a red cardigan with a grey trim, keeping is slightly unbuttoned for a relaxed feel. The bow tie adds some formality and the watch continues the preppiness. 

I also added a navy blazer with a grey trim, to keep out the spring breeze and some glasses, a great bag and a book or two for that intellectual look.

The glasses, bag and books help create that preppy image

The right accessories continue the theme

All 'prepped' and ready to go

This cool belt adds a bit more interest and is a very preppy addition

The lobster bow tie is a great nautical touch

The full look. Preppy style with the Next smart jeans

Photography

All photography by Ian Clark. Check out his work at HERE

Find him on Twitter HERE

Find him on Instagram HERE

The Outfit

White Toe Cap Pumps - Next £25.00

Dark Raw Jeans - Next £35.00

Pale Blue Poplin Shirt - Next £20.00

Cardigan - Primark £10.00

Lobster Bow Tie - Paul Hewitt £35.00

Blazer - River Island

Brown Croc Briefcase - Antoni Manuel £250.00

Silk Tie Belt - CNYTTAN £54.00

Watch  - Daniel Wellington £149.00

Red Jasper Bracelet - Parvenu London £29.50

Glasses - Specsavers £60.00

I hope you've enjoyed part two of this five part series. Check back again for part three where I'll share a look that most people would never expect to see That Dapper Chap wearing! Even a dapper chap has to chill sometimes!

THANKS FOR READING!

NEXT Christmas I'll give you my heart

That Dapper Chap chooses 10 items from the current range from NEXT and hopes that Santa sees his list before the big day.

Looking forward to the new year and to Spring (I know it seems a while off!) I've pulled together a few items from Next for a more preppy look. Chinos and shirts, with great sweaters, shoes and a blazer for work and more formal events. The majority of the items can also be mixed and matched to form different looks.

The blue striped shirt

I chose this shirt as, while I own a few shirts, a lot of them are patterned, but I have very few striped shirts. This classic blue and white design readily lends itself to the preppy look. Add a bow tie and some chinos and you're there.

The Blue Striped shirt £20

The Orange Sweater

V neck sweaters are great as you can wear them over a T-Shirt or a shirt. They also look great with a tie or bow tie, which again helps create that preppy look. I've chosen one in burnt orange to inject some colour into the coming darker months.

The Orange V Neck Sweater £20

The Stone Chinos

I'm a fan of chinos as they can be worn in so many ways. Take a look at my previous post on Chinos here for more info. Again I'm staying with that preppy look and have opted for a stone colour, wear with the blue striped shirt, a bow tie and some brogues to complete the look.

Stone Slim Fit Chinos £20

The High Shine Shoe

These shoes will go great with the look I am creating here. Wear them with the stone chinos and the orange sweater and the blazer that I'm about to show you. The high shine makes them more dressy but roll up the legs on the chinos and lose the socks for a more current and relaxed look.

The High Shine Toe Cap Lace Up £55

The Check Blazer

Blazers are still big news for us gentlemen, and are again a versatile item which can be worn with jeans and a sweater as the per image below, or dressed up with a shirt and tie for the office. This blazer is 100% wool so you'll be warm as well as stylish.

The wool check blazer £99

The Check Waistcoat

I couldn't resist choosing the matching waistcoat for the blazer above. Okay, so I've moved away from the preppy look a little, and gone for more of a heritage feel here. I make no excuses, its a great piece and it's on my christmas wish list!

The Wool Check Waistcoat £45

The Printed Shirt

I love this shirt and it's been on my wish list since I saw it at the Next SS15 press day a few weeks ago.  It can easily be worn in the preppy style with the stone chinos or chino shorts in the warmer weather. 

The Pink Ecru Printed Shirt £22

The Leather Derby Lace Up

Coloured shoes are great and make a bit more of a statement than the standard black shoe. These navy leather lace up derby shoes are just the ticket. I'd wear these with the stone chinos, the blue striped shirt and the cardigan following cardigan. I'd also add a bow tie to increase the preppiness.

The Navy Leather Lace Up Derby £48

The Blue Cardigan

Cardigans are a great staple items in any mans wardrobe. Available in a huge variety of colours, make sure you get a few in your collection. I've chosen one in bright blue to inject a little bit of colour while maintaining a classic preppy look.

The Bright Blue Cardigan £22

The Mustard Chinos

Last but not least we have a classic chino in a mustard colour which is one on the colours of this season. Listed as Ochre, I feel that mustard is just as fitting a description. I would wear these with the high shine shoes and the blue shirt and cardigan. I'd add a blue and mustard stripe tie to complete the preppy look and finish the colour story.

The Mustard Chinos £20

I hope that you like my selection, and I hope that Santa approves too, as it'll be down to him and the Elves as to what I find under the tree on Christmas morning. Fingers crossed!

Find Next

              

THANKS FOR READING!