The definition of preppy fashions refers to a time in history when the boarding school elite wore their clothing in a very underplayed yet completely unique way. Imagine seeing an individual walking down the main street on a busy afternoon, wearing striped shirt, crew neck sweater, khaki chinos, blazer and loafers and you have the epitomy of preppy fashions.

The reasons the image hasn't made the impact it perhaps merits, is the association with the Hampton elite of Upper East side. On many occasions, people have made some attempts to undermine the image by stereotyping the look as upper class. There are striped shirts but no floral shirts which to my mind highlights the essential style of preppy clothing.

The combinations of clothing that preppy fashions offer are endless. You can match chino trousers with men's jacket, preppy jerseys with casual loafers, and when it is colder, men and women wear a preppy coat, with a cool pair of jeans. Striped shirts can be worn with jeans, under a preppy sweater or as part of a winter look with jeans.

The emergence of this style was demonstrated at many of this year's fashion shows, when men wore striped shirts, and dressed to fit the stereotype of the city they were in. If a man dresses according to his own style, women find him more desirable. The sweaters and coats on show at high end retail stores make full use of the preppy image, and promote it as a lifestyle choice.

As a high street style, smarter fashions have emerged stronger, particularly when celebrities have smartened their acts up. It represents a return to innocence, the man dressing in a checked shirt walks taller, and the woman with a preppy sweater makes an honest living. These ideals are an intrinsic part of preppy, and the combinations are varied.

There was a time when Fashionmen wore oversized suits with shoulder pads, essential clothing. This trend dissappeared in the 1960's with as clothing was cut to fit. The contemporary man wears everything to fit, and it strikes me this is a more individual look.