Tradition or Trend? Southern preppy style at College of Charleston

By Kara Floyd, Ashlee Johnston

It’s no secret that a certain style dominates the local fashion scene in Charleston, South Carolina. With its emphasis on tradition, manners, and gender roles, this is the Southern preppy style.

Here at the College of Charleston, there’s a fair share of locals and out-of-staters. And in a world where new fashion trends pop up every day, the classic Southern preppy style has come back on campus. However, most students seem to have a negative connotation with Southern prep.

"I try not to judge people for conforming too much, because, like, we all do it, of course. But I don’t know, it’s kind of sad. Sometimes I wonder how much of this, if this were not like the main style, would you still wear?" says Jules Smevog, College of Charleston junior.

Cami Michels, also a College of Charleston junior, was a little harsher.

"If I had to say not nice terms, I’d generally think they’d might be racist or homophobic," she said. "I’m not gonna sit here and lie."

Not every student shares this sentiment, though.

"That's probably not the best thing to do is judge them based off their outfit or how they look," says Austin Hood, College of Charleston senior. "I associate people who wear the southern preppy style with someone who's maybe from Charleston or from the area."

But whether it’s classic chevron or Lululemon leggings, that southern preppy look still dominates the Charleston fashion scene.