Dressing preppy is actually quite easy, but it generally isn’t particularly cheap – unless you know your way around a thrift shop, I suppose. Preps tend to wear higher end, high quality clothing brands such as Burbery, Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic and Lacoste. Clothes for this look need to be in immaculate condition and, of course, 100% clean.

If you’re into this style, you need to take good care of your clothes. Depending on the outfit, this may be as simple as not leaving garments in the dryer too long, or it could be as advanced as ironing an outfit or having it dry cleaned.

Preps generally place an importance on color coordinating their outfits, often in simple ways such as adding in a matching headband. They also tend to avoid large jewelry pieces (which are considered tacky and even gaudy by some), and when choosing jewelry, opt for simple small classics, which may include diamonds, silver or gold.

So what items do you need to purchase if you wish to dress preppy on a regularly basis?

Well, there really are only so many classics for this look and you can’t go wrong with any of them. Just think of preppy characters from television shows or movies that you’ve seen. Items that they’d likely be wearing include polo shirts, khaki pants, boat shoes, bermuda shorts, blazers, sweater vests, knit sweatrs, plaid skirts, argyle sweaters, cashmere, oxford shirts, ballet flats and polo dresses.

As for colors, this look often involves patters such as argyle or plaid, but also encompasses a love of pastels, navy blue and bright, cheerful colors.

Lastly, what about makeup?

When it comes to makeup this is one look where less is definitely more. Light foundation, warm blush, a little eyeshadow and some mascara should be enough. A little eyeliner is okay too, but should be applied in moderation.

Have fun prepping!

A (Big) Splash Of Color

If you love color as much as we do, you’ll be thrilled that bold, bright colors continue to make a splash in all sorts of ways and on all sorts of garments this winter. Gone are the default dreary grey and black winter staples (well, they’ll never be gone, but at least there are more cheerful choices these days…) and in are radiant reds, sunny yellows, orangy (yes orangy) oranges and precious purples. Go ahead and extend your bright color choices to more than just a sweater, blouse or a scarf this year, as a bright red or a beautiful burgundy trench coat can really turn heads as well as compliment your wardrobe!

Red Fendi Trench Coat:

Welcome To The Forties

We also love that a more polished look is in as designers inspired by retro styles have come out with a variety of garments including long skirts, plenty of pleats, high waistlines and a general look of times of yore, as in the forties! We particularly love the forties blouses that have become stylish again! Also, a lot of women are starting to wear pantyhose again! For some they are uncomfortably old school, but for the pale legged fashionistas around here, we love the tinge of color and class that pantyhose offer our otherwise barren legs. Below is what is known as a “pussy bow blouse” – and we absolutely love them!

Plié, Please (The Ballerina Look)

This trendy look allows us to channel our inner ballerina with soft fabrics, pleated pieces, and loose flowing skirts with form fitting tops. These, of course, should be worn in soft light colors, such as creams, beiges or pastels. The other options are greys or blacks. If you’re looking for an ultra feminine look this winter, you may want to try an outfit inspired by this ballerina look.

Leopard Prints and Faux Fur

Prints have made a huge comeback as of late, with leopard print leading the way. Leopard shoes, boots, dresses and accessories are all extremely trendy this season and frankly you’ll be seeing them everywhere if you’re not already. Another hugely popular trend which mostly applies to accessories, shoes and boots is faux fur detailing. Of course, this has been around for a few years now, but look for it to truly explode this winter.

Check out these gorgeous Christian Louboutin leopard print shoes – RRRRRRRoooWWWWWW!

Also Christian Louboutin does it again with these absolutely gorgeous faux fur boots.

It’s no secret that Kanye West enjoys wearing high-end fashion, and has become a male fashion icon over the years. However, according to Elle Magazine (U.K Edition), now he’s taking the step that many music moguls with an eye for the refined seem to do — he’s launching his own fashion line. A female fashion line, no less.

With assistance from designer Louise Goldin, Kanye’s women’s fashion line is set to debut during Fashion week in NYC this fall. Insiders insist that Kanye is much more than just the face of the line, and it taking a hands on role in designing the look and feel of the line. It should be interesting to see what this duo comes out with to keep us warm once the weather turns cold again.

It’s certainly not a surprise around here when another celeb decides to enter the fashion arena, as we have written articles on both the Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. Handbag Collection as well as the now defunct but once sort of popular Sarah Jessica Parker “Bitten” Fashion Line. So I guess the question is, after Kanye West, which celebrity will be next? If Kanye’s line is a success, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a slew of new celebrity fashion lines hitting the runways. It will also be interesting to see whether any future controversies caused by Kanye would negatively or positively affect the sales of his fashion line.

Color remains king – Bold colors are still turning heads and help to make a sunny summer day even brighter. Bright orange, yellow, and red are popular, gorgeous and will definitely help you stand out from the crowd. Speaking of colors, you may have noticed that nautical blue and white stripes have become hugely popular and will be one of this summer’s biggest trends.

The trend has even hit swimsuits and we especially like the Mark Jacobs nautical inspired swimsuits. Tommy Hilfiger is also a designer who is offering strong nautical inspired looks, including blue and white bermuda shorts, an anchor printed dress and an especially cute oxford shirt dress which you may have seen featured in a recent issue of Marie Claire magazine. Nicole Miller also has a stylish blue and white striped dress which is part of their summer collection.

Biker clothing, whether you ride a Harley Davidson motorcyle or the bus, are still in style and appear to only becoming more popular. So basically anything leather goes. Of course, if you live in an area that is especially warm during the summer months you may want to opt for leather accessories or leather evening clothes as the material will obviously make you warm.

Don’t forget a hat! Perhaps due to the amazing hats on display at the recent wedding of Kate Middleton to Price William, hats are seeing a surge in popularity. While the hats you see at the beach or on the street won’t be as fancy as those worn by the royals, they do serve a utilitarian purpose of protecting your head from the sun, as well as of course a fashion purpose. Lacoste has a strong offering of fashionable hats for both lady and men.

Also, if you’ve gained a few pounds over the winter and are a little hesitant to move from winter clothes that cover to more revealing summer clothes, don’t sweat it, simply check out our article on how to dress slimmer.

Apparel: High-waisted wide leg trousers have made a big comeback on the runway. In particular, wide leg trousers by Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch and Tommy Hilfiger are very trendy. Pair them with a full sleeved tee to complete the look.

Hemlined full skirts have replaced mini-skirts which have been in style for the last few years. Pair with a feminine tee to finish this style off.

The color favored by designers this season may surprise you: it’s orange! Whether the shade is rich mango, ripe pumpkin or something akin to the setting sun; it’s the in-color. Wrap yourself in this bold color and you are ready for Spring 2011.

Footwear: Ballet flats, kitten heels or platforms are all popular. Oscar de la Renta is favoring elegant patterns on wedge shoes. Also, chunky wooden clogs in a lighter fabric like canvas or linen still continue to be in vogue. Calvin Klein spring shoe collection includes flats with subtle tones and high heels in white, light brown, black, red or ivory.

Handbags: Cross body bags and totes are some of the suggestions from Ralph Lauren. Added to those would be the embroidered or small mini-bags with fringes. Weathered or slightly structured leather in tan, brown, cream or soft white is also good choice to keep in pace with the trends. For his part, Calvin Klein puts forward an understated style Spring 2011 handbags with a subdued color palette from grayish metallic to classic navy and black.

If your skin tone is fair, you may want to avoid black and instead try choosing a softer low-toned grey. While black is always in, it can appear harsh on those with fair skin tones, especially in the winter months when we’re generally at our palest. This year bold and brave colors are everywhere and definitely cutting edge. Also we’re seeing a lot of sequins and if you’re keeping up with trends you may even have put on a shimmering sequin dress for this year’s new years party.

Here are a few color picks:

Endive – A refreshing yellow-green that can be matched with Chocolate Truffle and Lagoon.

Golden Glow – An earthy yellow that delivers the desired look with Purple Orchid or Woodbine.

Living Coral – tomato red that looks fabulous when paired with Lagoon.

Lipstick Red – velvety red looks great when teamed with a sensual dark shade.

Oyster Gray – pale gray with a sweet touch.

Rose Dustis – feminine and romantic bright beige.

Winter Fashion Textures

Stock your wardrobe with winter tights in trendy colors. Thick opaque tights can help you keep warm in your short skirts and still look fashionable. Fur provides the season’s main embellishment on garb as well as accessories.

Faux-fur is the chosen fabric for this winter. Velvet and leather stand as timeless fashion textures for almost every winter and this one is no exception. Furthermore, super soft leather can be astoundingly feminine when chosen in the right colors.

Interestingly, lace is making waves this season. Put together a lace top, denim jacket, dark washed pair of jeans and a pair of leather riding boots – and you have a fab fall outfit ready.

Let’s take a look at some of the hottest looks for Fall 2010:

Chiffon tank tops in white lace, insect lace boat neck sleeveless dresses, single shoulder lace sheath, lace mesh panel skirt, tie back tops in pink lace, knitted lace jumpers and the list goes on.

Lace in its many forms has definitely made an impression on the red carpet this season. Celebrities and fashionistas from all walks of life love it for the many accents it can add to a look. For example, a black laced legging can showcase your legs while a brown frilled lace skirt can make for a positively dainty look.

A coral colored lace jacket on a white spaghetti top will give you the a look that’s perfect for fall. Or try the fabric in nude with full sleeves deep necked dress. There are so many options, some are even opting to wear what I’m sure are ineffective yet stylish lace-based coats. Obviously, these may not keep off the cold but can make for quite the bold look.

Jute wedge pumps with lace feet covers, black laced sandals, comfort cushioned soles with pointed heels in the same fabric, black laced ankle boots or just a strapped sandal with a pair of laced socks can detail your foot line.

And of course, handbags. Feel the gentle touch on your palm as your hold a laced clutch or for a bolder look go for a lace and sequin touched clutch. If you feel a laced purse can be too delicate, pick something in leather with a laced bow topper to accessorize the clutch. A black and white lace and crystal party clutch will definitely make you an eye-catcher.

You can find these dresses, as well as everything you need to dress like a million dollars this Spring at Fashion Bug

Treat your skin well

In order to achieve healthy and supple skin all winter long, remember to moisturize your body immediately after showering. You might not have time to do this every day (especially if you’re rushing off to work in the morning), but even if you can manage to fully moisturize a few times a week you should notice a difference in your skin and ward off any would-be dryness.

Additionally, if you tanned in the summer sun (tisk, tisk, you know it’s unhealthy), then you’ll want to cover up your skin and shield it from the elements as much possible. Also, if you are going out with exposed skin then make sure to tend to it with protective creams before it encounters the winter winds. Doing so should help you to avoid the dry, irritable skin that many of us have to overcome in winter.

Winter Hair Care

The prime cause for dull hair in winter is the fact that it is exposed to extreme temperatures which dries it out. One way to combat this is to avoid frequent shampooing which can contribute to over-dry, brittle hair. You can also consider replenishing your hair with some moisture to get back the shine after shampooing by using a conditioner that keeps the health, shine and vitality locked in your hair strands. Furthermore, try to cut down on the usage of curling irons and blow dryers as we all know these damage our luscious locks. 

Treat Your Clothes Well Too

When it comes to taking care of your clothes in these incliment months, don’t forget to treat your leather well by using appropriate treatment sprays. Letting the elements take their toll on your leather garments is a guaranteed way to lessen their lifespan and make them appear dull!

It seems to us she’s channeling MJ with the one glove. Now while some may consider this “trendy” we know that it won’t work in real life. Here are some of our favorite fashion trends that are appropriate for every woman. We always prefer styles that are ALWAYS in style seasonally, year to year.

Actually, if you invest in classic fashions that you can wear from year to year you’ll have the extra money to purchase a great trendy piece, but we suggest you stay away from this Lady Gaga style!

Winter 2009 Fashion Trends:

Our first pick for best Winter 2009 trend is a well made coat, and, as we mentioned above, a well made coat is ALWAYS in style. Wool or FAUX fur are very popular. We suggest that you stay away from too-trendy colors such as sky-blue or yellow. A classic blue, red, black, beige or plaid coat is a piece you’ll be able to wear for many years to come.

Boots are always a fashion-do in the winter. Here’s our best suggestion – buy a pair of SERIOUS WINTER BOOTS. You may need them. You don’t need to be wearing your brand new Jimmy Choo ankle boots in snow and slush. Again, keep classic, but don’t be afraid to step up and buy a pair of over the knee boots. Read here to find out how to get the most out of your winter shoe and boot choices.

Skinny Jeans. We’re so glad they’re still on the fashion radar. We love them. Pair them with a long tunic and you’re good to go, or, if you have a Victoria Beckham build enjoy showing off a pair of low rise skinny jeans with a big buckle belt.

A stylish handbag is always a way to be trendy. What to look out for for winter? Animal prints and FAUX fur (of course) and Metallics. Quilting and studs are always popular winter handbag trends.