Ah, the days of the infamous popped collar. Middle school was an unfortunate, but apparently necessary, time in life that many of us so ardently attempt to eliminate from every corner of our memories. Who knew a moose adorning the left corner of our polos could ultimately determine what social circle we were accepted into?

Preppy style has received a bad reputation in the eyes of many college-aged students, marred by the regrettable associations that so filled our preteen years. Visions of Hollister polos and Abercrombie kids jeans dance through our heads at the very whisper of the word ‘prep.’

Yet despite these less-than-promising connections, it can be seen everywhere (and even on campus), that the original prep is back. And no, while Hollister is certainly not making a comeback anytime soon, perhaps what is making a comeback is looking polished and put together.

Michael Kors watches gleam in the sunlight as they accessorize girls’ wrists, and riding boots have become standard issue footwear for even the laziest of days. These tiny touches have begun to sneak into our everyday wardrobes, a trend that has flown under the radar for many months, but with the arrival of this semi-winter, has seemed to explode all over campus.

The East Coast has always had the upper hand over its West Coast brethren in this polished department—many years of Ivy League trust fund babies and ladies-who-lunch have painted the right coast with their various cable-knit sweaters and casual khakis. For many on Iona’s campus (and many others as well), the trend is not new. Yet, it still seems that this prep is new.

The new prepster of 2012 no longer lists capris khakis and Abercrombie polos as staples in her closet—now the prepster pays attention to the wrinkles in her slimly cut blazer and doesn’t let a chip appear in her neutral nail polish. Somehow, the new prepster always has a perfect necklace to match her outfit, and never leaves the house without a swipe of lipstick or a second look in the mirror to make sure everything is just right.

J. Crew’s catalog has become the prepster’s ultimate bible, with new twists on prep dancing about every page. J. Crew and other labels, like Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren, have always maintained this sort-of original, American style that serves as a foundation for their collections, simply adding extra bells and whistles as time continues to pass.

As we continue to move through 2012, however, it seems as though many students and other style-mavens alike are looking to return to the basics (but maybe with a little bit more color). ‘Preppy’ has transformed itself to have a whole new connotation now, one that is more refined and polished as opposed to the trend that was so exclusive back in middle school.

And that is also another perk of the trend: the fact that it has become so widespread due to its original simplicity. Colorful collared shirts and all sorts of blazers can easily be found on any rack in Target or Old Navy, and Forever 21 has skyrocketed to the top of this trend (and many others) simply due to the infinite amount of clothes that they have to sort through.

The fact that the preppy trend has become widespread and popular enough to replace many days of sweats and Uggs seems to serve as a testament to the allure of the trend itself. Is it perhaps a statement by our generation saying that we are finally growing up?

While that may be taking the trend too far, it cannot be denied that this preppy style is a breath of fresh air whenever it is seen about campus. Prep is back- don’t be scared.