Life with Style: Urban Prep

Mr. B and I recently returned from a trip to Palm Beach, a locale known for its prep appeal. In college, I often sported the prepster look. In fact, my sorority's "uniform" was a mixture of popped collars, pearls, boat shoes, and oversized sunglasses. As we get older, I think clothing becomes less of a way to associate with a group or type and more a form of personal expression, so over time I've shed my preppiness a bit and embraced more of a classic urban look.

However, prep has classic appeal, so as I was packing for Palm Beach, I found myself mixing in a bit of my former looks with my current. I pulled out my brightest dresses, craziest patterns, and flirtiest frocks...then mixed them with vintage jewelry and more structured accessories. I often get chilly at night while at the beach (it's that mixture of a tad too much sun and the sea breeze), so I like to pack a sweater or jacket.

The look below combines the easy breezy prep of Palm Beach with the classic modernity of urban chic to show that you can pull many influences into your style without looking costume-y. There are two shoe options -- one for the more daring and one for the more traditional. Either way, you would certainly look preppy chic.