Over the past few seasons, fashion has taken a well-documented turn for the preppy. But the buttoned-up shirts, sharp tailoring and cardigans have not just washed up on the shores of womenswear. No sir. Manly Bay has also succumbed to the tides of librarian lookalikes.
I'm not sure whether it wascaused by the rise of Gossip Girl or street style blogs documenting the seemingly effortless style of European men, but either way, it's a turn for the good. And I'm not the only one pleased that ill-fitting jeans, T-shirts, hoodies and jandals are no longer the only options for Kiwi menfolk.
Auckland-based blogger Isaac Hindin-Miller, of isaaclikes.com, has long been New Zealand's champion of the preppy look. His daily uniform of well-cut trousers, buttoned-up shirts, cashmere sweaters and beautiful blazers is a perfect example of how to look like ivy league material.
Whether you're headed to the office or a casual brunch, there are various ways to instil a hint of Old Money into your wardrobe. The key is always looking like your outfit was thought-out. For work, swap Hindin-Miller's Chuck Taylors for suede ankle boots, like the Kathryn Wilson ones pictured above. Extra points if you add a skinny tie and your blazer is velvet.
For a more dressed-down feel, wear a checked shirt open at the collar with a fitted cardie and skinny jeans. There are a number of well-cut men's cardigans on offer at the moment, at a range of prices. Make sure it isn't baggy around your torso to avoid looking like your granddad.
Other looks to consider include vests, boat shoes and pastel colours. Next thing you know, you'll be joining a polo team and fooling everyone into thinking you're a trust fund kid.
