AboutMichelle Expertise I'm currently accepting questions again... because I kinda feel bad for not answering the questions. ps, just dont make the questions too hard to answer :)
just view my profile for more details, because I dont feel like typing any more stuff here. Ive been an Allexpert for quite some time, and I love this subject :) I'm also the top expert in this category. BUT PLEASE READ MY ANSWERS, BECAUSE FOR MY PAST 3 QUESTIONS, PPL HAVE NOT COME BACK TO READ THE RESPONSES. SO IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO READ THE RESPONSE, DONT ASK A QUESTION!
Experience
Publications My writing has appeared in my school newspaper publications where I write articles on fashion.
Education/Credentials Fashion shows, magazines, etc.
Expert: Michelle Date: 5/4/2008 Subject: How to get the preppy look for less
Question QUESTION: Michelle,
I've started to like the preppy look recently, I've tried to dress somewhat preppy in the past, and I've felt confident and satisfied with myself, and that i looked good. Here's my question; How can I get the preppy look without going bankrupt? I'm a 16 yr old female in highschool who has been struggling to find a job, and still no luck.If i did have a job, I wouldn't be able to get much money anyways, because I'm overly involved in after school activities. I don't have much money and I have to ask my parents for money, and they have 3 other kids to worry, so i dont get much.I get around 20 if i ask, so i usually have to make most of that 20 for a month. I want to be able to get the preppy look for less, without making it obvious. Also, if it's possible to just get the look by wearing certain clothes that i already have differently, without having to shop for a whole new wardrobe because I don't have the money for that. I'm a jeans type of girl, so i would like to be preppy, but still have some of me portrayed in my style.
Here's the things that are in my closet currently;
*Flats
*like around 5 polos, no designer names
*t-shirts
*tank tops
*jeans
*4 pairs of plaid shorts
*hoodies, only 1 zip up (pink)
*slacks
*dress up type skirts
*blouses
*gauchos
*bustier type shirts
*jean jackets
*i have accesories like hair ribbons, hair bands, beaded necklaces, and such.
I think that's about it, If you need more clarification just let me know.
In addition; my current hairstyle is the posh bob, so i want to know what type of hair accesories are appropriate for my type of hairstyle to add more umph to the preppy look.
Your answer will be greatly appreciated.
Janet
ANSWER: Hey Janet!
Looks like you've got it all down, nice job!
ok, so basically I'm just going to show you some ultra preppy stuff for less, at least i'll try!
so here it goes:
I'm sorry that the cheapest around here is $15-20, spending up most of your money for that month. Try to mix and match things that you already have in your closet, it seems like a lot to me!
ok so here are the basic steps to get you going...
Look at your existing wardrobe, and dump out everything that is hopeless. Ex: a black skull t-shirt and ripped jeans can't possibly look preppy. 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 at 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.
Go to the mall once you're loaded up on basics. Head for stores like Abercrombie, Hollister, American Eagle, and Aeropostale. You can also go to Forever 21 and Wet Seal. Once you are in the store, head straight for the clearance. Get a few cute and different tops. Don't load up on Abercrombie tees. You can just get those at Marshall's. Also, get a really nice tote. You can get one from American Eagle as low as $7. Yes, it's true. Look at the website.
Stock up on cheap, preppy accessories. You can get cute necklaces, bracelets, shoes and earrings at cheap stores like Forever 21.
Get your hair done! Look at your hair. Is it bland? This can be fixed. You don't need highlights if you have plain hair but if you have crazy hair, you will have to dye your hair. If your hair is black, buy Color Oops! to remove the color. If you can't get Color Oops!, get brown highlights to soften up your hair. Next, go online and look up pictures. Look at pictures of celebrities like Nicole Richie and Vanessa Hudgens. They have nice, easy-to-do hairstyles. Print out the picture and head for Supercuts, you can get $15 haircuts from there.
Have a good and upbeat attitude. Be happy and friendly all the time.
and here are some tips:
Budget yourself or else you will end up with two shirts and nothing else because you dumped out your whole wardrobe.
Aeropostale is a cheap store. But don't get your entire wardrobe from there or any 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.
Forever 21 is very budget-friendly.
Side-swept bangs are a good look, if you look good in them.
oh, and you are missing one thing thats ultra preppy...
BELTS and MINISKIRTS!
you HAVE TO CHECK OUT THE WETSEAL AND FOREVER 21 CLEARANCE... GO TO THEIR WEBSITES. ITS GOING TO BE AWESOME!
CHEAP AND PREPPY, what more could you want? :)
I hope I have helped, if you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you, that really helped alot but how do you put It all together to make it look preppy, like how do I put an outfit together to get the preppy feel?
If you can answer this question too I will be extremely grateful.
Answer Hey Janet,
I'm glad that helped.
So here are some of the ways you can put together that preppy look. Oh, and I forgot to mention earlier, that boots are rly preppy too.
