I've had a couple of people ask me if there was any way to dress and style "preppy" on a budget. The first thing I have to say is the "preppy" style is all based on perspective. What looks one way to one person may be something completely different to another. It all depends on each individuals tastes and preferences. However, I have to say if I had to stereotype myself I would say I am preppy. That being said an ideal prep's style comes from money which not everyone has (especially college and high school students) so I have done my research and found some great ways to incorporate the "preppy" style into your wardrobe on a budget.
1. Outlet Malls
This might be the most obvious step, but I had to put it in this post. Outlet malls have great brands at amazing deals. However, most factory stores won't have as good of quality as their regular stores because they are charging less for the product itself. Nevertheless "preppy" stores such as Kate Spade, Ralph Lauren, J. Crew and more have Factory stores that have sales all year round that can range from 20%-70% off. (If you have a student ID they may give you another discount, usually from 10%-20% on top of the sales.
2. Factory/Discount Websites
Certain Brands and Companies have discounted websites that will sell brand products at a less expensive price. Like Outlets, the products may not be as good of quality products as the real stores, but they are still very nice.
Basically the outlet online. J.Crew is a popular brand for prepsters and the factory stores has great pieces for better prices that the actual store.
Kate Spade's newest line that has similar designs as the regular brand, but for a much better price!
Instead of purchasing Tory Burch. Try her ex-husband's brand C. Wonder. The brand has similar designs to Tory Burch pieces, but are less expensive.
Basically the outlets for the high-end department stores.
Rue La La has recently been my favorite website because they have high end brands for really great prices. The only trick is that the sales are flash sales, meaning they only last for a little while and then go away, so if you want something you have to act quick. The company is great at having good brands such as Tory Burch, Lilly Pulitzer, Jack Rogers and more. So you have to make sure you are checking your e-mail to see what sales are going on!
3. Inexpensive Multi-Use Products!
Many preppy brands have products that are titled as one thing, but can be also used as something completely different, and you can get these things at a great price. Let me show you some examples…
Thirty dollars might be a little expensive for someone to just spend on a pencil case, but this one also comes with an eraser, two pencils, a ruler, and a sharpener. However, when I purchased this product I had a completely different use in mind. I have really been wanting a Kate Spade clutch for a long time but haven't wanted to spend $150+ on it. The pencil case can easily be used as a clutch, makeup bag, etc. (plus you get extra little goodies with it!)
Although this is just a tray there are many uses for it. This would look great in the center of a coffee table or on a vanity to display perfumes. It's a great price for Lilly and it can really be put anywhere you want to add a pop of color and pattern to any room!
These tumblers are more than just plastic cups, they are great for colorful decor. You can use them as cuts if you would like, however I personally use them to brighten up my vanity and desk. I put acrylic beads in two of them for my makeup brushes on my vanity and on my desk I have pens in one, and pencils in the other. And for the last two cups I use for drinking fruity beverages!
4. Monogram It Yourself!
One of the biggest thing in preppy style is Monograms. Many websites have monogram shirts, hats, jackets, etc. that you can purchase, but it can get kind of expensive. Instead I just head over to Joanne Fabrics or Target and purchase plain shirts for around $5-$10. Then I just look up the monogramming places in my area which usually costs from $5-$10 per item. A monogram shirt on websites usually costs about $35. That means by getting it monogramed yourself you are saving $15+.
5. Purchase Children Sized Clothing
I am an extra small-small when it comes to Vineyard Vines women's clothing so I love the fact that I can purchased the children boy's t-shirts because they are basically half priced. There are many products that are very similar to what you could purchase in the Women's section, but the price in the kids section is hard to beat. I would recommend if you are looking for button downs and t-shirts to look in the kids section before the Women's because they are so similar. I normally purchase a medium-large in the Boys Section for shirts (for reference). You don't just have to do this for Vineyard Vines, it works for all different brands too! Just don't purchase online if you don't know your size, make sure you try on at least one item before making the purchase to know your sizing in the kids.
I have found that these alternatives work well compared to spending a whole lot of money on one product. Yes, sometimes there is a compromise you have to make, but its is definitely worth it! Let me know what idea is your favorite!
