Memorial Day, formerly knows as Decoration Day, is not only observed in remembrance of Americans who’ve lost their lives in wars but unofficially marks the beginning of summer. To my friends on Nantucket for Figawi, I’m looking forward to making it out next year. To everyone else, relish the remainder of your weekend.
Image via Nick Onken
Image via Duke University Archives
Duke may not be the first university to come to mind when you think “prep”, but the Durham private school certainly represents a bolder southern variation. These three students usher in a 1980s spring with their light-hearted display of madras. Though you can still get your hands on plaid jackets like these, opt for the eccentric patchwork madras sport coat that works just as well with navy chinos or khakis.
left a comment on 3/23/2011 at 10:25 PM:
Interesting post! I have followed the preppy movement since the 1980’s and its slow fade to the background in the succeeding decades. I did go to Duke in Durham to study law in 2000. What I did not expect was the existence of a look, noted in the post as a “southern variation” of preppy. I would not necessarily call it “bolder” and neither would I call it “ivy”, it is more like Southern Traditional Americana (brass buttoned blazers, khakis, loafers, regimental ties, etc.). I guess it’s the Ben Silver look. This look can likewise be found in UNC-Chapel Hill where one of the purveyors of this look, Alexander Julian, still keeps shop.
left a comment on 3/15/2011 at 7:17 PM:
My grandfather went to Duke University. I was accepted to Davidson College.
left a comment on 3/15/2011 at 10:09 AM:
Love the blazers and I agree with @Angel, the fit is great! A lot of people in college cannot dress themselves, nor find the right cuts.
left a comment on 3/14/2011 at 10:34 PM:
At first glance I thought it was a modern day photo. Shows you how little change there’s been in collegiate preppy style.
left a comment on 3/14/2011 at 8:18 PM:
Whitney you are right UNC also has a tradition for southern prep and the gentleman in the middle is actually a UNC student while the other two are Duke students and the uncles of one of my best friends. The photo comes from my friend’s album and was first posted on http://pleasurablerevelation.tumblr.com/
left a comment on 3/14/2011 at 2:57 PM:
I still have one of those in the back of my closet. Sadly (but much to my wife’s delight), the college-age 36 no longer fits my fatherly 42 frame.
left a comment on 3/14/2011 at 12:55 PM:
Glad to see my alma mater finally getting the style accolades it deserves. We’re quite the dapper bunch.
left a comment on 3/14/2011 at 12:20 PM:
Whats impressive about this photo is that the Gents in this photo all have very well fitting clothing, hard to find student aged men who know how to buy proper fitting attire. Very cool.
left a comment on 3/14/2011 at 9:55 AM:
I really think you should head 8 miles down the road and take a look at UNC… the less devilish (but still quite preppy) rival. Go Heels!
http://joyisstyle.blogspot.com
left a comment on 3/14/2011 at 4:09 AM:
Duke University, birthplace of the Campus Sartorialist.
http://www.campussartorialist.com/
Two Duke students await moving into Alspaugh Hall during freshman week circa 1960s. Penny loafers and shift dress silhouettes have remained timeless classics among the prep set for more than five decades now.
Image via Duke University Archives
left a comment on 3/16/2011 at 7:28 PM:
@Jenessa: I’ve not seen nude hose on anybody in a long time, whether on or off a college campus. It seems that sheer black hose or the dreaded leggings are all that women under 60 wear with skirts and dresses anymore.
left a comment on 3/11/2011 at 11:25 AM:
AMAZING, The girl on the left is super preatty and the hair is amazing. Lovely lovely picture!
left a comment on 3/11/2011 at 9:47 AM:
Great photo. Ironically the hard shell suitcases have resurfaced over the past few years.
It appears the girl on the left is wearing nude hose. You’d be hard pressed to find those on a college campus today. Love the dresses!
left a comment on 3/11/2011 at 2:23 AM:
It’s great to see Duke get some preppy recognition. A lot of people forget us since we’re down south.
Another good photo: http://www.pleasurablerevelation.com/2010/07/post-100-ebullient-duke-summers-day.html
or for all madras fans: http://pleasurablerevelation.tumblr.com/post/3493560112/vintage-duke-in-madras
Hope y;all had a great Spring Break!
RWF
http://www.CampusSartorialist.com
left a comment on 3/11/2011 at 1:41 AM:
Love how it looks like the girl on the left is holding a cell phone.
A photo-booth shot of John and Jacqueline Kennedy while they were dating. John was known to carry the strip, from which this photograph belonged, in his wallet.
left a comment on 2/28/2011 at 11:00 PM:
This is the picture of JFK I have on my wall, B&W though.
http://www.source4docs.com/eBay/jfkjnscp-s.jpg
left a comment on 2/27/2011 at 1:30 AM:
They are a really handsome couple! Compleatly amazing I want this on my wall.
left a comment on 2/26/2011 at 11:53 AM:
I actually think this is the most beautiful I’ve ever seen jaqueline. nice. JKF looks the same as ever, the guy didn’t age.
left a comment on 2/26/2011 at 11:15 AM:
Classic, and I agree that Jackie’s haircut is just great.
www.thestyleomnibus.blogspot.com
left a comment on 2/26/2011 at 8:37 AM:
There are so many lovely details in this tiny photo, where do I begin? Both are completely killing it. Great shot, wonderful find! Best, Mariah
left a comment on 2/26/2011 at 4:04 AM:
Oh, I love her hair. If I had the guts, I would get a pixie cut. I just can’t bring myself to do it.
left a comment on 2/25/2011 at 10:30 PM:
Leave it to Jackie to be dressed for a country club lunch while crammed into a photo booth! A lovely image.
left a comment on 2/25/2011 at 2:05 PM:
Awesome, I want this framed on my wall. It’s even cooler because I have that exact same tie.
Image via Alfred Elsenstaedt
Several of you expressed interest in viewing more photographs of the stylish young ladies from Princeton’s inaugural admission of women in 1969. Here, a freshwoman in a Saint James-esque nautical striped ribbed cuffed tee pairs a button “Bring back the old Princeton” with tongue firmly planted in cheek.
left a comment on 2/16/2011 at 7:30 PM:
I just found myself half-wishing that some silly person had sneered at the fit of her shirt or something.
Anyhow, she’s gorgeous.
left a comment on 2/16/2011 at 3:16 PM:
I bet you all wish you went to Princeton :)
Now its just a bunch of grungy hipsters…
left a comment on 2/15/2011 at 6:13 PM:
gorgeous, intelligent & (almost) understated.
The look says prep, but the button screams punk rock. love it.
left a comment on 2/15/2011 at 12:00 PM:
Wow. Perfect. Pictures like this, leave me wishing I was born in a different era.
left a comment on 2/13/2011 at 9:52 PM:
So beautiful in its understated simplicity. Thanks for posting!
left a comment on 2/13/2011 at 6:55 PM:
My father went to Princeton at the time the university began admitting female students. He is fond of recounting a public talk given by the President of the university where he welcomes the female students by saying “Now you have the opportunity to meet and marry Princeton men!”
left a comment on 2/13/2011 at 2:07 PM:
Thanks for sharing another of these photos! I really enjoy them, both this and the last one are fantastic in each their own!
left a comment on 2/13/2011 at 1:23 PM:
The button adds an oh-so-subtle bit of mischieviousness. Love it.
left a comment on 2/13/2011 at 12:42 PM:
Indeed. This is something that is missing with most American female looks. Understated, natural, and classy. Much more attractive than the female “role models” available for most young women these days.
Cute. Two thumbs up.
Joey Dee left a comment on 6/1/2011 at 4:14 PM:
Great photo. God bless those in service, and may they all come home in health soon.