The All-American Preppy Look
I saw a blurb on “Seven Sisters Style“, a new book published by Rizzoli, in Vogue Paris (of all places). Many of the images seem to date from my mother’s day, but much of the style is timeless nonetheless. Jacqueline Kennedy, Ali MacGraw, Katherine Hepburn, Meryl Streep, and yours truly, are all graduates of a seven sisters college.
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ALAÏA
Belted leather biker jacket
Jil Sander
Gathered Knit Midi Dress
SAINT LAURENT
Cropped leather jacket
SOPHIE BUHAI
Triple Francois 18kt gold vermeil earrings
NILI LOTAN
Jimmy Leather Puffer Jacket
SAINT LAURENT
Le 57 quilted leather shoulder bag
DRIES VAN NOTEN
Belted wool blazer
SAINT LAURENT
Blade velvet slingback pumps
THE ROW
Silvia silk-twill scarf
SAINT LAURENT
Logo-embellished leather loafers
VALENTINO
Crocheted Cotton-Blend Midi Skirt
LOEWE
Braided leather bangle
JOSEPH
Delcie tie-detailed ramie midi dress
LOEWE
Gate knotted leather slippers
ZIMMERMANN
Postcard fringed crocheted straw bucket hat
CARTIER EYEWEAR
Santos de Cartier metal shield sunglasses
Oh I have to get my hands on this! I went to Smith and I hope Gloria Steinem makes an appearance 🙂
The best examples/display of American preppy style can be found in Ali MacGraw’s ‘Love Story,’ and “Goodbye Columbus.’ She wins best in show for an adorable young preppy woman! She is still fabulous–a true natural beauty. She looks and acts her age. I am a huge fan!
Love this! That is some Peter Pan Collar!!
Jamie
CeCetoppings.com
Hands down, Ali McGraw defined it’s fashion timelessness beyond campus and club. Her image of American preppy remains definitive – first in the classic Mademoiselle magazine campus feature, and then to a global audience in ‘Love Story.’
Smith ’86 and I am pre- ordering immediately. Thank you for bringing this to my attention!
I didn’t go to one of those schools, but these images ARE from my time, but a touch earlier. I graduated from high school in 1969…I could have been wearing any of those outfits!
Very cool! Smith ’03
I’m with Bisbee, a bit before me but within my memory, especially the bottom image. I do remember peter pan collars with initial pins and little print shirts and shorts. Still love the look, can’t help it. John Meyer of Norwich and Villager.
Yep, Smith. My daughter was accepted last week, but she wants a larger school. She is at Andover, which is probably half the size of Smith.
Ditto to Bisbee and April. A bit before my time, but close enough to bring to mind the clothes of that era. Villager and John Meyer – plus Ladybug and “nothing blouses”. The styles don’t seem at all ridiculous when I look at old photos, unlike those of the ’80’s and ’90’s.
I wore clothes like that in the 60s, when I was in elementary school! And there are photos of my mom and her sister dressed like that in the 50s and 60s. My grandmother and great-aunts were Seven Sisters grads (Smith and Wellesley) although my mom and I rebelled (Oberlin and Yale) but now one of my nieces got into Smith and it looks like she might attend–circle of life, I guess. The Smith campus is gorgeous!
Mount Holyoke ’02, definitely ordering this book as well – thanks for sharing!
Love,love, love this post. Gotta take some time now to check out each piece!