Uber preppy business casual

IS: How about staying with the colors, and dropping the ducks and Weejuns? Are you in upsate New York, or in NYC? Khaki, olive. brown, or (GASP- Joe G.) navy trousers can be found many places in NYC. Start with Brooks Bros. In recent years their quality was so-so, but several of the Forum members have recently remarked they've moved it up a notch. Ralph Lauren might also work well- particularly Purple Label items. Don't know what your budget is but I'm thinking Paul Stuart/ Luciano Barbera labels on the higher end, and hitting Century 21 on the other for great quality dress slacks at great prices. The last time I was there they had quite a few varieties. If you'd like specific stores to visit beyond the biggies, I can help, as can many Forum members who actually live there. I'm planning a business trip next wknd, and can be on the lookout if you can furnish more specifics.

Gosh... that sounds like the position i'm in. 21 year old working NYC for the summer, business attire w/ no tie or suit, casual but clean Fridays. Are you sure we aren't working for the same company? Anyway, I think you could show your preppiness in your shirt choices. Think blue and white striped shirtw/ button down collars, brown belt and shoes as well earthy toned dress slacks. It's hard to dress preppy w/ out coming across too casual. I'm not quite sure if you could get away w/ the weejuns outside of Friday's. I have a professor who dresses like this, but the tie he wears pulls the look together. Sorry I'm not much help. I'm much more of the black pant, european shirt type that you're trying to stay away from. I'm basing my wardrobe on simple dress pants and great European shirts like Lorenzini, a couple Brioni's my Dad's letting me borrow, and Canali. These have some patterns like stripes, windowpanes, etc. so that I don't get too uniform like. Want to keep some individuality. Good luck w/ the classic preppy East Coast look. It's hard to pull off, especially in NYC business I would think. Cheers, Pete