[tallandbuff]

Are the rumors true?

[CTbrooktrout]

Isn't that a subjective question? It depends on what each person defines as preppy. Of course what is preppy to you or another person maybe be classified totally different by someone else. To be honest though, the same chain stores exist all over the country so style wise I'm sure we're buying the same stuff that people in California are buying except the winter gear, lucky them maybe?

[njohnson]

How can you classify 3 million people under a single word? Sure there are preppy people, just like in every other state in the country.

[vvolin]

Preppy? Maybe we can define "preppy" first. From my standards, the word does not apply on this side of the Atlantic. And I do not mean it necessarily in derogative terms.
V

[MikefromCT]

I think it depends on where you are. In the early '80s there was a book released called "The Official Preppy Handbook," and it jokingly listed some of the real "preppy" towns nationwide. Among them in this state were Farmington, Fairfield, Westport, New Canaan, a few others I'm sure were listed. The preppy image/stereotype is definitely perpetuated by life in those towns. Upper and upper-middle-class life with a strong emphasis on private school and higher education. That and expensive clothes and cars. Same thing with Avon, Simsbury, West Hartford, and most towns in Fairfield County. Rule of thumb: When in doubt, just look for a Starbucks and you'll see plenty of them. There are about 5 in my town alone - 'nuff said.

[windfarmer]

Just for the record, "preppy" does not mean you shop at Abercrombie or Hollister. In fact those labels are the opposite of what "preppy" stands for. Preppy is about being subdued in your demeanor, never being over-emotional, dressing appropriately and modestly, wearing expensive digs but without giant brand names plastered on the front. Real preppiness is a good thing. Being rich, spoiled and looking like a Gotti boy or Paris Hilton is not what preppy is about. That's what I call trashy. Martha Stewart is preppy.

and yes, preppy people exude a certain air of snobbishness, but that's only because they don't KNOW you. Perhaps we should call it, "guarded."

[Rich Lee]

Having grown up in the '80s, the definition that comes to mind is alligator (crocodile) shirts with collars turned up, often worn in layers, with paired with khakis.

Was/is Connecticut "preppy"? When I moved here in 1987, I remember going to the movie theatre in Brookfield where a BMW was featured in the movie. Almost in unison, the audience blurted out, "That's my car!" In all seriousness, the strangest phenomenon at the time was keeping the window (Mulroney) price sticker on the car for months after purchase!

What definition does the OP have for "preppy"?

[njohnson]

I did a google image search. haha look at the text to the left. I guess we are seen as preppy...

[kidyankee764]

It depends on what your definition of "preppy" is, but I know that in the suburbs, most people wear brands like North Face/LL Bean in the winter and things like Gap, Banana Republic, etc. A lot of girls wear uggs and some kids wear Abercrombie. Go to any of the middle class towns in CT and you'll find they dress not much different than other kids around the country. In general though, I'd consider people in CT to dress plain and traditional. Not standing out, but not dull. Hope that makes sense, lol

[nish2006]

Originally Posted by njohnson

I did a google image search. haha look at the text to the left. I guess we are seen as preppy...

Wha..? I'd describe that guy as metrosexual, not preppy ! Doesn't the term itself originate from someone who attends prep school?