So you want to look preppy, but you are on a bit of a budget - maybe getting that new laptop is more important to you? This article will show you how you can get the preppy look without breaking the bank.

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[edit] Steps

Look at your existing wardrobe and dump out everything that is hopeless. Eg: a black skull t-shirt and ripped jeans can't possibly look preppy, but if you add the ripped jeans to a light pink sweater, it could. If your entire wardrobe is from Hot Topic, dump out only the worst things. Make sure you have enough clothes to get you through a while.
Go shopping. Go to stores like Marshalls or TJ Maxx. For $15 or so, you can sometimes get Abercrombie jeans from Marshalls. You can find shirts for as low as $5. Buy basics like jeans, tank tops, polos, henleys, shirts, etc.
Hit the mall once you're loaded up on basics. Head for stores like Abercrombie, Hollister, American Eagle, Aeropostale and J. Crew. Once you are in the store, head straight for the clearance.
Apply makeup.
- For eyeshadows, try natural colors like beiges, light pinks and whites or pastels, and in the summer, look at light champagne shimmery powders.
- Use mascara, but curl your eyelashes first to open up your eyes.
- Use blush, but not too much - you only want to add a healthy glow to your face. Remember, less is more when it comes to makeup.
Get your hair done Go online and look up pictures of celebrities like Nicole Richie and |Vanessa Hudgens. Print out the picture and head to your favourite hair salon.
- If your hair has been dyed black, buy Color Oops! to remove the color. If you can't get Color Oops!, get brown highlights to soften up your hair.
Look after your skin. Preps look after themselves, so keeping your skin glowing and radiant is important. Wash your face in the morning, before you go to bed and use the proper skin care products to achieve flawless skin.
Have fun. Being a prep is about attitude too. Have a good and upbeat attitude. Be happy and friendly all the time.

[edit] Tips

Don't do this just to fit in with your peers.
Don't forget to check the sale racks at real preppy stores, like J. Crew, Ralph Lauren, or Lilly Pulitzer.
If black mascara is too obvious, try clear or brown. It really opens up your eyes and highlights your lashes.
What to buy: polo shirts, jacquards, solid color shirts, V-Necks, skirts that aren't too short, khaki shorts, dressy tops and classy jewelery.
For shoes, try flats, flip-flops, heels, boots, wedges, espadrilles and cute tennis shoes.
If you live in the UK or Ireland, try shopping at Marks and Spencer.
Budget yourself or else you will end up with two shirts and nothing else because you dumped out your whole wardrobe.
Don't get your entire wardrobe from one store. It will look bland.
Get good pieces that will go with a lot of clothes. A hot pink shirt and blue plaid bermuda shorts are not going to match a lot of things.
Wearing head-to-toe Abercrombie complete with ripped jeans is not going to make you look preppy. You will look like you shop only in clearance.
Being obsessed with Hello Kitty and Dinosaurs is not preppy.

[edit] Warnings

Don't change over a day. Changing over a summer or other long period of time is a good idea.

[edit] Things You'll Need

Basic black flats.
Designer bags.
Polos, Oxford shirts, ribbon belts, argyle sweaters and other preppy clothes.
Classy jewelry.
- Only wear 10K and 14K gold or pearls - no plated jewelry - simple is elegant.
- Don't mix white and yellow gold - make sure your eyeware is classic and the golds match if you wear wire frames.
- Wear your college class ring on your right hand, index finger.
- Invest in a good watch - Seiko at the least - Movado and other Swiss watches are good. There are too many fake Rolex's out there unless you live in the Hamptons or in Palm Beach.
- Always wear diamond studs with screw backs - never CZ - 1/2 total carat is a good size for the under 40 bunch. 1 carat total carat for over 40. If you want to wear other earrings, wear stud jackets. No colored diamonds unless you know how to pull it off.
Check Catholic Charity, Junior League, and Salvation Army Thrift Stores.
Buy only OLD label designer clothing - stay away from NEW labels.
Look for good leather Italian shoes, e.g., Ferragamo - used are fine - shoe polish and cleaning works wonders.
Know the the difference between old and new money.
Invest in a good Coach bag - classic style.
Stay away from costume jewelry.
Stick with classic fragrances, e.g., Estee Lauder White Linen, Chanel, etc. Newer floral fragrances can be preppy too-examples are Marc Jacobs Daisy and AE Real.
Get a good classic hair cut every 6-8 weeks.
Know your geography and don't pretend to know something when you're clueless.
Learn to speak a good quality NE or Midwestern dialect English unless you're born and raised in the deep south. Never cuss and never, ever use slang.
Learn and use etiquette & good manners. Buy an Emily Post Etiquette book and use it.
Shop at Aldi's for food....dress to the hilt when you go.
Drop people's names, not labels or stores. You never remember where you purchased anything - or say a city name, not a store.