Nu American Preppy: Men's fashion trend for 2011

It's the Ivy League set, darling...but with a modern 'not-so-country-club' edge for men's fashion in 2011.

This ode to a casual lifestyle in American 1950s suburbia will see chinos, gingham, plaid, pastels, boat shoes and blazers cut a swathe into 2011 as the preppy style continues with the vengeance of an excitable schoolboy.

Filtering down from the catwalks of Milan, Paris and New York we will see high street fashion adopting some of the less extreme styles that included crop tops for men, 'meggings' (male leggings) and floral and lace in favour of an American- vintage-come-college-cool take on the trend.

Think Jude Law in The Talented Mr Ripley, with rolled up chinos atop of boat shoes sporting an 'I've just stepped off my yacht onto the boardwalk' feel. The key to this trend is the ankle exposure, so whatever pants you're wearing, be they slacks, jeans or a longer-style of shorts, make sure they're rolled up a few times or to well over the ankle bone.

The polo shirt in a palette of pastel shades, nautical stripes or bold, bright colours is another staple along with a pair of white trainers or the more modern twist of the canvas espadrille that we have seen in previous season's gone by.

Accessories make a strong appearance with the man-bag becoming ever more popular, ties bringing back the school-boy element of the preppy look and hats continuing to add a bold flavour.

What do you think of the American preppy trend? Tell us below...