Advertisement

A preppy timeline: The 1980s continue into the 21st century

The '80s live on: Some important dates in the preppy movement occurred well into the decade. And after. RELATED: A field guide to L.A. preppies Author Lisa Birnbach surveys today's 'True Prep' Is khaki due for another day in the sun? Really? $200 Dockers?

The ‘80s live on: Some important dates in the preppy movement occurred well into the decade. And after.

RELATED:
A field guide to L.A. preppies
Author Lisa Birnbach surveys today’s ‘True Prep’
Is khaki due for another day in the sun?
Really? $200 Dockers?  (Bob Daugherty / Associated Press, L.L. Bean, Timothy White / The CW)

1983: Arthur Cinader and his daughter Emily launch a little mail-order catalog called J. Crew, which, in 1989, will become a bricks-and-mortar retailer and establish itself as a crucial curator -- and supplier --of the preppy aesthetic.

RELATED:
A field guide to L.A. preppies
Author Lisa Birnbach surveys today’s ‘True Prep’
Is khaki due for another day in the sun?
Really? $200 Dockers?  (Ann Johansson / For The Times)

1989: George Herbert Walker Bush takes office, becoming the preppiest occupant of the Oval Office since JFK, although, by failing to make the gin and tonic the national libation, he stops short of completely pandering to the preppy constituency.

RELATED:
A field guide to L.A. preppies
Author Lisa Birnbach surveys today’s ‘True Prep’
Is khaki due for another day in the sun?
Really? $200 Dockers?  (Bob Daugherty / Associated Press)

1998: Brothers Shep and Ian Murray launch a line of all-over nautical and animal print neckties inspired by Martha's Vineyard, (pictured) and Vineyard Vines is born.

RELATED:
A field guide to L.A. preppies
Author Lisa Birnbach surveys today’s ‘True Prep’
Is khaki due for another day in the sun?
Really? $200 Dockers?  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Advertisement
2006: Brooks Brothers announces a collaboration with Thom Browne -- the official tortured soul of the neo-preppy brat pack. Dubbed "Black Fleece," it debuted in fall 2008 and was the marriage of the former's rich preppy heritage and the latter's updated approach to tailoring and details.

RELATED:
A field guide to L.A. preppies
Author Lisa Birnbach surveys today’s ‘True Prep’
Is khaki due for another day in the sun?
Really? $200 Dockers?  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

2008: Designer Scott Sternberg's Band of Outsiders label turns the Sperry Top-Sider inside out. The collaboration, and the deconstructed kicks, help give the humble boat shoe an updated cachet of cool.

RELATED:
A field guide to L.A. preppies
Author Lisa Birnbach surveys today’s ‘True Prep’
Is khaki due for another day in the sun?
Really? $200 Dockers?  (Amy Sussman / Getty Images)

2009: No less an august institution than Harvard University inks a 10-year licensing deal for a line of preppy menswear — inspired by vintage photos of students on the campus — and called Harvard Yard.

RELATED:
A field guide to L.A. preppies
Author Lisa Birnbach surveys today’s ‘True Prep’
Is khaki due for another day in the sun?
Really? $200 Dockers?  (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Most Read in This Section

Advertisement