By Erika Luft

There’s no denying it. Miniature polo ponies and crocodiles are popping up everywhere, guys and gals alike are paying tribute to the 1980s and flipping their collars. The preppy days are back and in full-swing.

The other day, I was sitting in the Student Center and six people walked by in a row, all wearing the signature Lacoste crocodile on their shirts, and I couldn’t even keep track of how many were wearing some other brand of the traditional polo shirt. Both men and women have been flocking to Lacoste stores around the country, helping to reinvent the success they felt in the 1980s with the sister brand-Izod. And it is about so much more than the polo shirt; Lacoste makes sweaters, shoes, watches and perfume. Those little crocodiles are making a big fashion statement.

If you favor a tamer animal, the classic and always-in-style Polo pony is a sure choice. Ralph Lauren’s collections have always been looked upon as the standard for what preppy is. I don’t think you can go wrong with the designer’s clean lines, classic sweaters and versatile polo shirts. I love wearing a bright polo under a simple sweater, and of course, the collar must be up. Now, RalphLauren.com is offering a great feature where you can design your own polo. They give you the option of 30 or so colors for the shirt and you can choose from nine options for your pony color, making the shirt your very own. This is a great feature because it always ends up that your favorite pink polo shirt has a navy pony on it. Therefore, you can’t wear it with black. So this is a fun way to really coordinate and customize your wardrobe.

“There really is no way to mess up your outfit if you stick with the basics. I don’t like to ever be too much of one style, but even if you’re not the most preppy kid, this is still a style that works for just about everyone,” Jennifer Gettlin, a sophomore undecided major, said.

I must admit, I own more than a handful of these polos. In fact, you could say I’m addicted. I could live in these shirts for the summer, paired with a cable knit sweater for winter. This winter is welcoming the classic preppy look with open arms.

The preppy look is about more than polos and sweaters. When we talk about being preppy, what does it really mean anyway? To me, it’s that all-American girl or boy look: casual, but chic. There is nothing wrong with jeans. However, in order to look preppy, jeans cannot have any holes or tears. Sneakers are ok; loafers are better. A freshly scrubbed face and well-ironed shirt are also necessary portions of this equation.

“This is a great look, but it gets expensive to have designer everything. And in the end, everything turns out to be designer, even the basic stuff. But I do think it is a good look for both girls and guys,” Tyler Puitz, a sophomore accounting major, said.

Argyle is eternally preppy, especially in pastel colors. Ponchos are a great alternative for the fall. They might be the “it” piece of the season. For a day in the city, combine a chunky camel-colored poncho with jeans and a pair of suede loafers, and it is instant style. I have developed an addiction to these as well. To me, they are a great way to dress up any outfit and they are coming out in every shape, size and color imaginable.

Whether it’s polos or sweaters, sneakers or loafers, preppiness is coming back with a bang this fall and winter.