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Many fashion experts point out that the basic appeal of Preppiana is that they are "investment clothes," meaning that they will comfortably ride out the whims of fashion. Though a Preppie item will almost always be cheaper than, say, a Pucci or Gucci equivalent, the investment can be substantial: a plaid skirt can sell for $115, a blazer for $100, a seersucker suit for $135. However, as a Brooks Brothers spokesman points out, the clothes appeal to women of all ages and backgrounds. "A career businesswoman can buy a corduroy suit or a British-looking hounds-tooth jacket and wear it for years. More college students than ever are buying these clothes." Says a fashion coordinator for a big Boston store: "Personally, I think it reflects the political atmosphere. It's a reassuring look, reminding people of earlier times that were perhaps saner." Like school days. ∎
*Though the male of the species is often called a preppy, when describing women's fashion the word is usually spelled preppie.