Fall collections everywhere have been maximizing on the prep-factor: blazers with crests reminiscent of private school uniforms and cardigans straight from the tennis courts. In fact, here are two examples of exactly those items. You can do the whole polo-shirt-and-loafers thing, but there are (cooler) alternatives.

Outfit 1:
The most notorious of blazers is the Ralph Lauren one depicted above, emblazoned with a stunning, gold crest. Everyone should have one. Kate Moss popularized it a little while ago for women, having been spotted wearing a children’s sized one (for the cropped sleeves and shrunken look), but men can rock it too. A fan of simplicity, I think jeans and a white t-shirt go perfectly with this, but one should never shy away from adding a little more pizzazz—necklace, a tie, interesting belts, a scarf, go wild. Some more interesting shoes would work as well.

Outfit 2:
The traditional tennis cardigan is a nice touch to a well-crafted outfit. This guy has it right: he paired an intensely preppy outfit (pastels, bow tie, white shorts) with some genre-clashing accessories (chains, hat, sneakers). Blending the tame with the outrageous is a good middle ground and expresses his sense of humor and light-heartedness. It says, “I don’t take myself too seriously, nor should you.” And that’s a good thing. This tactic works with the aforementioned blazer, too, or any particular items that might be ‘too much’ on their own.

Ladies Touch by Maggie M; a freelance writer and fashion consultant.