Playing it straight

"Goddam preppie" was a phrase rather overused by Ali MacGraw in Love Story, as she hurled this pseudo-insult to her screen husband again and again. By the end of it, I was rather glad she had popped off. What is a preppie? Well the look was rather Ivy-league student inspired and tres populaire in the late 70s. A bit like our country look but smarter - blazers, tweeds, Fair Isles, rather "proper" clothes and, ghastly thought, red, white and blue was a popular colour combo back then. Thankfully fashion has evolved and preppie is now an excuse to indulge in nice classics. The Bella Freud mac featured isn't ridiculously expensive, but stands out for particular mention as it is cut well and hangs beautifully, unlike some macs that are too stiff and have no sense of humour.

Beige cotton shirt, pounds 60, Sahza, available from Selfridges, Oxford Street, London W1, enquiries: 0171 629 5592. Beige stretch trousers, pounds 89.95, Karen Millen, 17-19 Neal Street WC2, enquiries: 01622 664032.

Blue stripe cotton shirt, pounds 89, navy blue cotton wrap cardigan, pounds 185, Joseph, 23 New Bond Street, London W1, enquiries: 0171 629 4774. Blue check trousers, pounds 50, Warehouse, 19-21 Argyll Street W1, enquiries: 0171 278 3491.

Beige mac by Bella Freud, pounds 170, from Pellicano, 63 South Molton Street W1, enquiries: 0171 713 6466. Camel cotton polo top, pounds 39.50, Thomas Burberry, 191 Regent Street, London W1, enquiries: 0171 734 4816. Black cotton stretch skirt, pounds 169, Nicole Farhi, 158 New Bond Street, London W1; Harvey Nichols, Leeds, enquiries: 0171 499 8368.