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The Unofficial Preppy Uniform: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Risinger, Cody Ryan
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ksuhonors1462127014

Abstract Details

2016, BS, Kent State University, College of the Arts / School of Fashion.
The purpose of this study was to explore the classic American style labeled preppy; to evaluate and interpret its static and dynamic elements over time. Going beyond Ivy Style, this research begins in 1962 when Esquire magazine presented an editorial by Jerry Darvin, The Basic College Wardrobe. The timing of this article was designated as a starting point as it is beyond the height of Ivy Style in the 1950s, yet predates the emergence and popularity of preppy fashion brands. Analysis of Darvin (1962) and Birnbach (1980) Preppy Handbook revealed several overlapping elements and garments that define the preppy style: navy blazer with gold buttons, button down oxford shirt, khaki pants, loafers, and repp ties. Based on specific parameters, instances of the five key preppy pieces were identified and interpreted from editorial and advertising content in the September issues of Esquire magazine from 1962 to 2015. As the style evolved and intersected with fashion, changes were seen in terminology, fabrication, fit, reason for wearing, and pop culture surrounding the wearer. Political leaders, media celebrities, and the rise of mega-brands have all had their influence on preppy menswear. Understanding the origins and evolution of these individual pieces enhances our knowledge of classic American menswear, increasing appreciation for the significance of uniform, and the concept of uniform in society. Preppy is the fashion of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Catherine Amoroso Leslie, Ph.D. (Advisor)
Kim Hahn, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Suzy D'Enbeau, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Jean Druesedow (Committee Member)
99 p.
American History; Communication; Sociology
Fashion; Esquire; Menswear; preppy; Ivy Style; Uniform; American Style

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Risinger, C. R. (2016). The Unofficial Preppy Uniform: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow [Undergraduate thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ksuhonors1462127014

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Risinger, Cody. The Unofficial Preppy Uniform: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. 2016. Kent State University, Undergraduate thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ksuhonors1462127014.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Risinger, Cody. "The Unofficial Preppy Uniform: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow." Undergraduate thesis, Kent State University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ksuhonors1462127014

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ksuhonors1462127014
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© 2016, some rights reserved.Creative Commons License The Unofficial Preppy Uniform: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow by Cody Ryan Risinger is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Based on a work at etd.ohiolink.edu.
This open access ETD is published by Kent State University Honors College and OhioLINK.