Ivy Style - Gentleman's Gazette

#ivystyle #ivyleague #notsponsored

SHOP THE VIDEO:

For many people out there, the terms Ivy, prep, or trad blend together in a way that makes it very difficult to distinguish between the three. While there are certain similarities between those styles, the real difference is in how the garment's worn. For example, the prep look is more nautical in appearance and more suited to the beach, in Cape Cod, or the Hamptons, that being said, last time I was in Cape Cod, it was really disappointing to see how few people actually dressed properly. Ivy style, on the other hand, is a dressier version that was originally developed in the halls of the Ivy League schools.

So what exactly is Ivy style?
At the core, they're just two things. On the one hand, it's you wanting to address and represent that you're a member of an Ivy League school. On the other hand, you wanted to be a little bit rebellious maybe against your father who will put on a formal outfit and in that same instance, you would dress down your outfit.

So today, one could argue that the differences between Ivy style and prep style are about the degree of formality, yet in reality, it's more about semantics. While Ivy leaguers will opt for penny loafers, prep style followers go for boat shoes. So preps will roll up their pants and wear their shoes without socks as soon as it's warm enough, whereas Ivy Leaguers will usually wear socks and only skip them during the really peak heat of summer. Prep style enthusiasts will rarely wear a full suit instead, they will go with Blazers, sport coats, maybe seersucker pants, Nantucket red chinos, or anything in between. They like to add color and not so much into the suits. Ivy Leaguers, on the other hand, still wear suits about half of the time; usually more casual suits, flannel suits, but they also like tweed jackets and combinations maybe with an elbow patch that gives you a nice old school feel that is still casual yet more formal and maybe a little less colorful than the prep style.

So what are typical Ivy style items that you can use in your outfits to get that distinguished look?

First of all, I think it's the penny loafer. Introduced by the GH bass shoe company in 1936, it became an instant hit with students. It was particularly popular with the Ivy League undergrads because it was much more casual than an Oxford shoe or derby, at the same time, the ease of just slipping on a loafer paired with a leather texture or even a suede, may be the perfect companion to the formal yet somewhat casual Ivy style.

The second classic staple in Ivy style is khaki pants or chinos. We had an extensive guide about chinos which you can check out here but basically, it's pants made out of 100% cotton usually in earthy tones such as khakis, sometimes olive green, shades in between, sand, or stone. Yes, you can also get them in other colors such as Nantucket red or maybe navy but those earthy tones are more typical for the Ivy style. They combine well with a blazer, dress shirt, and a tie, or with a sweater or polo shirt.

The third thing to invest in are knit ties. You could either go with silk knit ties in two tones or maybe with a mottled yarn so you have a multitude of colors.

The fourth Ivy style item to invest in is a herringbone tweed sport coat. It could either be a color like oatmeal or something like you can see right here next to me. It's a darker mix and it's perfect for the for the fall-winter season. Herringbone is very classic and traditional. It's different and visually more interesting than a solid worsted suit, at the same time, it's not a bold windowpane. It sits right in that sweet spot. Of course, it also has somewhat of a country appeal so people who picked up equestrian sports really liked the fabric. Also, it doesn't wrinkle very much, it's usually cut a little more roomy, always single breasted and never double-breasted, and it's such a perfect staple of the Ivy style wardrobe.
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Gentleman's Gazette

[nas]

My father worked in a company called VAN Jacket, Inc., which introduced the preppy style into Japan in the early 1960's. Still to this day, I am heavily influenced by the preppy style and Ivy look, because my father bought novelty goods from VAN back home and I was surrounded by them when I was growing up. Unfortunately VAN went bankrupt, but in 2000 they came back. I am not a big fan of VAN anymore because it lost its 'vibe' they had back then, but I think it still subconsciously affects my present clothing style. Not just my clothing style, also my taste of style in general. I am kind of glad that you mention Japan when you talk about Ivy Style, which helps to bring me back my good old memories.

[fashionsenseforthewiseands]

These looks are classic and timeless. They will most likely be around for decades/generations.

[technolotree]

0:40 - Rafael's dream of visiting a fully realized Ivy styled Cape Cod like the 1950's in "Pleasantville" are crushed immediately....

[alexandralapernice]

I learn sooo much, even though as a woman it don’t actually need it, but the videos are so well made! I wish there were be an equivalent channel for women 🧐

[crayon-uq]

Prep was based off of preparatory schools mainly boarding schools where Ivy was based on Ivy league Colleges. Ivy is a more mature style then prep but are now interchangeable. It also has to do with location Nantucket was a little different then NYC or Pennsylvania prep or Ivy...

[Superbates]

You, sir, are a treasure. Amazing knowledge of men's fashion, history, and assistance. This video about prep and ivy fashion and history was immensely informative (and please don't hold my Princeton degree against me; lol). Thank you again.

[greggsimpson]

May I respectfully offer several observations: I'm a 68 year old Prep and Ivy. Navy blazers and other jackets should always have 3 buttons on the front. The Brooks Brothers and Paul Stewart garments reflect this. Think- the Brothers Brothers Sack suit.
Also, trouser cuffs are a must. They should be 1 3/8". Cuffs add the correct weight to lighter trousers. No mention has been made of monograms. They should appear on dress shirts and always be small and discreet.

[jlafontaine]

One of my favourite type of videos... really loving the channel rn!! Keep up the good work Raphael👌❤

[WhiteDervish]

Oh, man! I cannot explain how big of a fan of this intro music.

[NRCissus]

I watch these cause I find his voice soothing.

[pitiedvod]

Really hav enjoyed the Ivy, Prep, and Trad style videos. I tend to switch between the Ivy and Trad styles in my work environment, where it it too casual an environment to go full formal business suit and out at events and we can never have enough tweed and they will never take away my loafers.

[jacobtufts]

Never heard of this style until now even though I'm 16 I work in a haberdashery just shows how much there is to men's fashion great video Thanks!

[tedstudt]

Wow. Just realized I had 3 major staples of this in my closet - chinos, tweed coats, and knit ties. Guess I just need penny loafers. I do like the easy slip-on-and-go nature of penny loafers.

[timeattackdreamer]

After watching this video as a student at Columbia, I am off to the mall!

[gerrybennett]

Ivy and prep was also about color. Pinks, greens, light blues were all used along with chinos and penny loafers no socks to set one apart from the crowd. Still current for me. Love the look

[jnjtiger]

Letter sweaters were not something everyone could/should wear. They are award sweaters literally awarded to varsity athletes who contributed significantly to team. You will sometimes see Class numeral award sweaters. These date to the era when first year students could Not play on varsity teams. Rather there were “first year” teams, and major contributors to those teams were awarded Class numerals. Finally, there are “interwoven” letter sweaters. Here the letter is not sewn on the sweater, but actually woven into the sweater. These signify major accomplishments, which may vary by school. Certainly know that at some schools they were awarded to team captains. At Princeton, if your team won the Ivy League championship, you were awarded a white interwoven sweater as captain of that team. Versus the traditional black sweater with orange “P”. Also note that authentic Harvard letter sweaters have “straight line” H. Otherwise, probably a sweater from Tommy Hilfiger.

[halfnorfolk]

I need a grey "shaggy dog" sweater badly! I have all of the common Ivy/Trade staples in my wardrobe. This is the one piece I need!

[jamesthacoolcat]

Nice video. Very interesting about ivy style.

[dtmstormphotography]

I love wearing suits especially 1940s/80s/90s suits! I wear suits all day, everyday, all year long! Suits are my style & Favorite Thing to wear

[lucaspoole]

Great video as always, can’t wait for the trad primer!