What types of stories does Immortally Preppy write?

We publish weekly deep dives into three areas: the history of Ivy League style icons, the technical details of heritage garment construction (like the perfect collar roll), and practical guides for finding and styling Rugged Ivy gear today.

How often will I receive new issues?

We’ll send you a new story each Saturday.

What is Preppy?

What is the difference between Preppy, Ivy, and Trad style?

While these terms are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings based on timeline and formality:

Ivy/Trad Style (1950s-1960s): This is the historical, classic clothing worn by Ivy League students and subsequently by the business establishment. It's more formal and conservative, epitomized by the slim fitted suits, narrow ties, and crisp white shirts seen in shows like Mad Men. Ivy/Trad is the parent style, associated with boardrooms and professional settings.

Preppy Style (1970s-Present): Preppy is the stylistic descendant of Ivy. It emerged as a distinct term and look after the Ivy League look fell from popular fashion in the late 1960s. Preppy is more casual, flamboyant, and heavily influenced by sportswear and leisure activities. It incorporates brighter colors (pastels, madras), is associated more with country clubs than boardrooms, and has a more playful, relaxed aesthetic.

In essence: Ivy/Trad is the formal parent; Preppy is the more colorful, casual child that came later.

Why is it called Preppy, Ivy, and Trad?

Preppy: The term comes from "preparatory school" (or "prep school"), referring to the elite private schools that prepared wealthy students for Ivy League universities. The style originated from the uniforms and clothing worn at these institutions.

Ivy: Named after the Ivy League universities (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, etc.) where this style flourished in the 1950s and 1960s. The "Ivy League Look" became synonymous with the clean-cut, conservative aesthetic of these prestigious institutions.

Trad: Short for "Traditional," this term emphasizes the classic, time-honored nature of the style and its resistance to fashion trends. It's often used interchangeably with Ivy to describe the more formal, conservative iteration of the look.