I was thoroughly obsessed with The Official Preppy Handbook when it was published in 1980, and employed it as a full-on sartorial and lifestyle guidebook, even though in retrospect, it’s  abundantly clear that the book was intended as satire. Did anyone else all but memorize layouts like this one?

Preppy style had a huge impact on me then, and even now—especially now, maybe—I find myself returning to the classic items I read about all those years ago. This is particularly true in the summer months, when I endeavor to keep things as simple as possible when getting dressed. Some of the following items are pretty straightforward, and others are slightly tweaked, like this collarless popover—a stylish take on the standard white button-down.

Likewise, the oversized proportions of this striped tee appeal. As does the fact that it is red, white, and blue—to my mind, one of the great color combinations.

My hands-down all-time favorite chino is the Nili Lotan East Hampton pant, and while it comes in more versatile hues like black and khaki, I pretty much love the idea of a big bold yellow. Here’s a cheaper and also quite cute option (alas, not in yellow).

I’m also thinking of giving these wide leg chinos from Everlane a shot: a few of you have raved about them, and they remind me of these (much) pricier Caron Callahan pants.

This Lacoste polo dress has a very easy, wearable A-line shape.

I’d pair this very well-priced T-shirt dress with an armload of Maasai bracelets.

I’m liking the idea of a seersucker shirt, which would have the crispness of a jacket, minus the weight (meanwhile, here’s a pretty good blazer, if that’s more your speed).

These sneakers are by a brand called Bata Heritage that was founded over 100 years ago in the Czech Republic. They’re like Converse, but better, because they’re not all branded.

I very much like the way the webbed black shoulder strap modernizes this spiff straw bag from Clare V.

This classic canvas tote from Kule is made rather exciting with the addition of a a super-cool Bowie-esque lightning bolt.

This braided leather belt makes me think of French fashion editors like Emmanuelle Alt, who often wears one, and who in her own button-down-and-jeans way seems influenced by preppy style too.