New England’s Influence on Fashion: Americana Prep

The Romance of Preppy America

When you think of fashion in America I’m sure your mind immediately pictures busy New York streets during fashion week. Or maybe you think of L.A.with its Beverly Hills mansions and Rodeo Drive designer shops. I’m sure places like Boston, Massachusetts or Portland, Maine don’t cross your mind. As a fashion lover from Maine who is endlessly infatuated with my home region of New England, this always made me feel a bit defeated. I wanted to be where the magic was, where the fashion was vibrant and the clothes exquisitely sourced vintage pieces. Yet, I’ve always wanted to stay in the Northeast by the rocky ocean coasts, small colonial houses, and stubbornly kind people. It is through my studies in school and my own journey of developing personal style that I’ve learned just how important of an influence New England and its culture have been on American fashion. In fact, it's the source for some of your favorite current day “aesthetics” like “coastal grandmother”, “old money”, and “Fisherman core”. So let’s dive into how this rustic and simple region of the U.S. has left a lasting impact on the fashion identity of the nation.

The Old Money Look, alternatively the “Ivy League Look”

As we know, New England was the first major region of settlement in America. Development spread through the Northeast towards New York and eventually South. However, this primary concentration in the Northeast led to many of the country’s wealthiest families originating from this region. Some of the names synonymous with American “old money” such as Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, and Carnegie. Similarly, the concentration of population during America’s infancy led to some of the country’s oldest and most prestigious academic institutions being born here. In fact, four of America’s eight Ivy league schools are in New England (Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, and Rhode Island) while the other four are also in the greater Northeast region (New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania). There are also numerous long-standing prestigious preparatory schools for young boys and girls that have followed in style to the Ivy League schools they feed into. These college campuses were places where students from the region’s wealthy families would come to study to be lawyers, doctors, and professors. It only makes sense that their proximity on campus, their geographic region, and their shared socio-economic statuses lead to the creation of a culture and  aesthetic style to represent them. Thus was born the “Ivy League Look” or what TikTok likes to call “Old Money”. In the 1930s the Penny Loafer was introduced by G.H. Bass, it became an instant hit. Varsity sweaters adorned with school logos were worn during sporting competitions and soon became common to represent school pride. The lingering influence of British tailoring showed through khakis and chino pants often paired with the loafers. As well in well-tailored wool blazers. Integral to this look is well-made clothing, due in some part to clothing being a more artisan work at the time. Quintessential to this look are high-quality fabrics like wool for sweaters or blazers, or crisp cotton for dress shirts. As well as rich, neutral colors for understated elegance. This style being born from wealthy American families has made it a foundation for a classically American look, as it was worn by people who were prominent American figures. Those wearing this look often represented the idea of American sophistication. 

The Greatest American Designer 

One of the greatest patrons of this Ivy League look that became an icon of Americana style was none other than Ralph Lauren. Originally from the Bronx, New York, Ralph began simply by designing men’s ties. This soon turned into a full men’s collection, which drew inspiration from the rustic style of New England’s coastal towns. As well as the romantic lifestyles of America’s Gilded Age families who spent summers playing tennis, golfing, boating, horseback riding, and lounging in resort towns. Styles included the khaki chino pants, polo neck t-shirts, graphic sweaters of coastal motifs, and tennis sweaters. During the mid 20th century Ralph Lauren took off as a clothing and lifestyle brand that represented nostalgic New England lifestyle. Not only did it become heralded by the people who embodied that lifestyle, but it also became an aspirational look for people worldwide of American simple sophistication. Ralph Lauren helped to internationalize and establish this aesthetic as a classically Americana. 

Fashion Born from Function: Coastal Grandmother and Fisherman Chic

One of my favorite characteristics about the Northeast is the simplicity of life which in turn creates a simplicity in style. Here, clothing isn’t about show, it's about practicality and function. People need warm jackets for the winter, boots that can withstand the snowy weather, layers that keep you warm out on a boat, or layers that keep you cool during hot winter days. Not to mention the same wealthy families that gave way to the “Ivy League Look” typically all came from New England and had coastal residences in resort towns like Newport, RI, Bar Harbor, ME, or on Cape Cod, MA. Therefore, this element of functionality was naturally integrated into their style as well.  

The style labelled as “coastal grandmother” today is really just the summer wardrobe of the people who live in these resort towns. The white linen pants and button ups made light material to wear on hot summer days. Cashmere and knit sweaters were easy layering pieces for chillier nights or afternoons on the boat out on the windy ocean. Light blue stripes on pants and shirts have long since been a symbol of nautical life with their connection to French fishermen. It is this fashion born out of practicality that really makes this style so iconic and timeless. True style, in my opinion, is rooted deeply in authenticity. Sadly, I feel we often lose today in a globalized world with rapid trend cycles. 

Similar to the coastal grandmother, is the “fisherman chic” look that is predicted to be popular in 2025. It takes inspiration from the wardrobe of those living in fishing towns along the coast. Their wardrobes needed styles fit for the dynamic climate by the ocean with its wind, rain, and snow. Rain boots and yellow rain jackets were necessities for being out on the rainy and misty ocean. Wool cable-knit sweaters wear a fashion brought from fishing communities in England, Ireland, Scotland, and throughout Europe. They made for warm layers during harsh winters or out on the frigid ocean. Then we often see garments with fish, lobster, and boat motifs. While now these images serve as nostalgic symbols of this lifestyle, they were once decorative symbols of culturally significant items. 

L.L. Bean and the Outdoors

One of the brands that embodied this utilitarian fashion was L.L.Bean. It was founded in Maine to create sporting apparel and gear for avid outdoorsmen. Their creations were for hunting, fishing, camping, and all other activities done in the Maine woods. Their famous styles include items like the Bean Boot: A two-tones winter boot made for snowy days and rugged terrain. Or their Boat and Tote bag. A canvas tote made to carry all items needed for a day out on the boat. Their rugged jeans, warm fleece pullovers, and even moccasin slippers have remained quite popular over the decades. Other brands that capture the lifestyle of New England include J. Crew, Land’s End, and even Patagonia or the North Face. 

True Style comes from Authenticity
Perhaps my greatest learning from writing this, and my desired takeaway for you readers is that true style comes from a place of authenticity to your reality. What I believe makes this classic Americana prep style so timeless is that it was derived from everyday lifestyle. It carries nostalgia for literally a whole way of being, it’s not just for the sake of fashion. It wasn’t meant to be a display of wealth or make a statement to anyone. The concept of trying to recreate specific outfits or to buy senseless items just for the sake of dressing on trend kills the very essence of what makes it stylish. To have true style you must truly embody what you wear, not simply dress in order to represent an aesthetic. This is why we love style icons like Carolyn Bessette Kennedy who do more than just wear their clothes, they live in them. Their clothes are conducive to their lived experience. So, if you are looking to find and develop your personal sense of style, think of  where you come from,  your hobbies and interests. Try dressing in a way that is not only aesthetic, but feels authentic to your everyday life and how you see yourself. 

2025 Sustainable Consumption Guide

A Healthier 2025 for the Planet

Is your New Year’s Resolution to be more sustainable? Good, it should be. Being a sustainable and thoughtful consumer is crucial to changing the culture of fast-fashion and consumerism we’ve built in the United States. We are meant to treasure our goods, make them last, consider the environmental and ethical impact of each purchase we make, and make the best purchase possible given our individual circumstances. 

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, hot and cool girls care about their environmental impact on the world and shop responsibility. In 2025, fast fashion is out and caring is back in.

Don’t Buy Until It’s Empty

The first and most important principle: reduce. Although the aisles of Sephora are seductive, you don’t need 6 different blushes and 8 bronzers. One principle to live by is to only replenish your belongings once they’re empty. If it’s a tried and true favorite, buy another. If you didn’t love it, you can try buying a new recommendation. This discipline in spending habits will help shift you into the mindset of a more sustainable consumer. Someone who values and uses their goods to the fullest extent. It will also lighten your mental burden in many ways. Reducing the quantity of products we buy minimizes clutter which frees the mental burden of disorganization. A more de-cluttered, organized space also leads to more efficient morning routines. Reducing our consumption in turn means reducing our waste, a key factor in our personal sustainability journeys. Not to mention, your bank account will thank you too for cutting unnecessary spending. A happy bank account means a happy mind.  

Reduce Waste by Finding Reusable and compostable Swaps

Now that we’ve talked about reducing our consumption, let’s look at what we do have and reuse. Consider areas in your life where you create single use waste (items used once then throw away). Think about how you could swap them for a reusable alternative. My favorite swap I have made recently is from disposable cotton pads that I used to take off my makeup, to cloth rounds that were made from wash clothes. I no longer need to throw out a cotton pad every day and continuously buy new packs that are wrapped in plastic. Other swaps might include: reusable and washable snack bags instead of plastic ziploc bags, wax paper to wrap leftovers instead of cling wrap, canvas bags for groceries instead of plastic or paper bags, razors with refillable razorheads, s glass or metal tumbler for hot/iced coffee, metal water bottle for school/work, washable cloth pads or period underwear instead of pads and tampons. Investing in long-lasting products to avoid daily waste is an investment in the future. Some items may need to be single use, typically hygienic items, consider biodegradable options instead of plastic. One of my favorite swaps has been from plastic tooth floss picks to compostable ones made of corn-starch. 

Consider Each Purchase

Just as you meticulously plan each stunning outfit for every event, we must be meticulous with each purchase we make. When you are out shopping and think you see a “cute” shirt, wait at least a week until purchasing it. If it has been a week or even two, and you can’t stop thinking about this one shirt, perhaps it’s a sign this piece will truly be a valuable addition to your wardrobe. Odds are, if it's just a shirt you thought was “cute” in passing, you’ll forget about it quickly. Besides, something being “cute” doesn’t always mean it needs to be in your wardrobe. This is especially important given how fast trends come in and out of style nowadays. Something you bought on an impulse because it was trendy might become hideous a month later and become a waste of money, space, and resources. 

Buy Second Hand

My favorite way to save money on the items I have been yearning for is looking for those same items on my favorite second-hand websites. These include: Poshmark, Depop, ThredUp, Ebay, and TheRealReal. Similarly, one of my favorite off-day activities is browsing local second-hand and vintage shops to see if I can find anything to-die-for or any second hand alternatives to items I’ve been wanting. Buying second hand reduces the demand for production of new goods and contributes to a circular economy. Instead of old clothes going to waste in a landfill, they can continue circling through the community to be loved and appreciated. 

Find non-shopping hobbies

Like many of you, I consider retail therapy one of my favorite hobbies and a downright skill at this point. It is important to decentralize consumption from our everyday lives. Recreational shopping, online or in-person, should not be an everyday occurrence. Pursue other passions and interests that fill your time and fill your personal cup of joy. More time doing means more memories and less unnecessary spending. I have always noticed that in the summer I shop far less than I do in the winter, as my time in the summer is typically filled with sun-kissed days, walks outside, refreshing lake swims, new activities, and time with my friends. The cold days of hibernation in the winter tend to give way to endless online browsing for things I don’t really need. Spend time learning a new skill like sewing, baking, pottery, or photography. Discover a new blissful relaxation strategy like reading, writing, or painting. Learn healthy ways to keep your body and mind well by going for walks, trying new workouts, learning new sports like skiing or pickleball or horseback riding. Think of the things you have always wanted to do and actually schedule the time in your week to do them. Besides, the dopamine from pressing the “place my order” button is only temporary and depletes fast. The endorphins from moving your body, or the serotonin from time spent in the sun is long-lasting and renewable. 

Read the Labels

The most powerful tool we have in most facets of our lives, particularly as a consumer is information. Information is power. As consumers we vote with our dollar. We vote for which companies should continue on with their business models. We vote for what food processes we think are acceptable, or what business practices we don’t mind overlooking. Do your closet a favor by reading the labels of the clothes you purchase. What are they made of? If it's 100% polyester I can assure you the company shouldn’t be charging you $50 for it. Is it a wool and cotton blend? Maybe this piece will cost you a bit more but it will live in your closet for a long time to come as it won’t fall apart as fast. It will keep you exponentially warmer, and it will not live on our planet for thousands of years after us. Take the time to inform yourself on what you believe is worth spending your hard-earned money on. If you have the time, research the brands you are buying from. Learn about their missions, their goals, their sourcing, and their labor practices. Decide if you can support their systems, or if there is a brand who deserves your dollar more.  

Support Local

One of the most important aspects of sustainability is economic sustainability. We must support companies that contribute to a healthy economy with healthy practices. Supporting local businesses is what keeps small communities and local economies thriving. It is what pays the bills for your childhood neighbors who own a local cafe, or your best friend’s dad who works at a local accounting firm. Studies have shown that for every $1 spent at a local small business $0.67 of that is spent in the community. While if the same dollar is spent at a national chain brand, only $0.43 remains local. Make 2025 your year of keeping your local business thriving.