Sarcasm mascarades as the Preppy's sense of humor.

Preppy clothes are built to last, since they certainly won't go out of style.

Wool, cotton, and the odd bits of silk and cashmere are the only acceptable materials for Prep clothes. They look better. They require professional maintenance. They are more expensive.

A tip: if you're invited to your friend's country club to go the lost and found bin and pretend that you left something there. Next thing you know, you have a fabulous sweater.

It is the inalienable right of every man, woman, and child to wear khaki.

Always underdress. The goal is not to look as if you made an effort for the particular event. If you can dress for a different party (i.e., wear black tie to a cocktail party, or tennis clothes for lunch), so much the better. You give the impression of being much in demand.

The University of Miami is not a campus with visible school spirit, just visible tan lines.