How to Look Like Nancy Drew

Wear your hair naturally, straight or curly. If you put your hair in a braid, ponytail, or up in any way, wear a ribbon. Do not put your hair into a messy ponytail or bun. Bangs are okay. Part your hair to the side and wear a headband if it is down. You can dye it strawberry blonde or red if you want and get colored contacts for blue eyes.

• You can curl your hair neatly for special occasions, as Nancy does.

Stay fresh and clean. Take a shower at least once a day. Brush your teeth and wash your face twice a day. Shave into your wardrobe—lots and lots of plaid. You can usually get plaid clothing such as skirts and jackets from department stores (Kohl's or Candies in the U.S.). A little sleuthing is likely to get you a pair of adorable plaid shorts. For a well put together outfit, use a complementary color combination. Match one or two colors from the plaid design with a top, jacket, headband, etc.

Have a preppy, classic wardrobe. Be modest and wear preppy clothes from stores like J. Crew, Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, etc. If you want more high-end clothing, try Burberry, who is known for their plaid. Be original too. An interesting option is pleated or pencil skirts. They add to the timeless sincerity of the outfit.

Know that headbands will also add a charming touch to the outfit. Nancy Drew’s style is in stores right now, so you can usually find quite a collection of cute, wind-banded headbands in stores. Keep your color combinations in mind when buying them.

Wear dark brown penny loafers or black ballet flats. They are practical and sincere, just like Nancy Drew. If you can't find penny loafers or ballet flats, try Sperry boat shoes.

Wear tights or hose. They add polish and also keep you warm. Neutral, flesh, ivory, or white are best for the look.

Wear a brooch for a touch of class. It will look lovely. Nancy wears one with her initials on it. If you don't have one like that, opt for a pretty butterfly brooch.

Get your clothes from a traditional, upper-class store. Get timeless, classic clothes that will always look stylish. DO get brands such as J.Press, Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Jack Rogers, J. Crew, Vineyard Vines, Lacoste, Nantucket Brand, Amanda's, Burberry, Lilly Pulitzer, Bloomingdales, & Saks 5th avenue. Other brands are also fine.

Consider wearing some sweaters or cardigans that complement your wardrobe. Nancy Drew often ties sweaters around her shoulders.

Wear short scarves around your neck. Nancy knots them on the side of her neck. You can get scarves at thrift stores or just about any store that sells garments.

Always wear something comfortable. Don't wear something like a leather jacket (makes too much noise), flip flops (makes running difficult), and jeans (brushes and makes noise when walking or running). These kinds of clothes give you away very easily. Try to wear matching clothes, so you look sophisticated. Sporty clothes are good for running and don't make much noise.

Always have a keen eye. There is always something interesting happening. Never let anything out of your sight. Nancy Drew saw everything very quickly, and you have to do the same to be like her. (Remember everything is some evidence, not all in the same case, though!)

Increase your vocabulary and stay away from slang terms. Never swear around people who might take offence to it (such as older people, teachers, or children) or say racist/sexist/homophobic comments. This makes you ugly on the inside and rude.

Buy preppy style clothes. Just because you got some clothes from an upper-class store doesn't mean they are preppy. Buy clothes that are classic and clean-cut. Don't be afraid to splurge on these a little, as preps tend to hold onto clothes for a long time. Remember to make sure your clothes are always clean and always match. Good fabrics are essential. Get rid of any polyester. Buy mostly 100%cotton, wool, and cashmere. Wear preppy colors. Bright and happy, like green, pink, light blue, nautical red, white, and navy blue and preppy patterns such as plaid, stripes, gingham, polka dots, argyle, floral, paisley, nova checks, and tartan.

Here are some suggestions for that type of clothing:

• Polo shirts
• Oxford shirts (unlike polos, oxford shirts should always be long-sleeved; if it is warm outside, roll up the sleeves)
• Rugby shirt
• Cable-knit vests and sweaters (traditional cricket sweaters)
• A jacket or blazer (navy blue is a staple; try seersucker or madras plaid in summer, tweed or corduroy in winter)
• Chino pants-could have cuffs
• Khaki pants. The prep equivalent to jeans
• Bermuda shorts (khaki, madras plaid, seersucker, linen, or preppy prints and patterns)
• Skirts (khaki, madras plaid, seersucker, linen, preppy prints and patterns such as Lilly Pulitzer)
• Tea dresses and summer dresses (in madras plaid, preppy colors, seersucker, or linen). A-line dresses, halters, and flowy dresses are acceptable.
• Tennis- and golf-inspired shirts, skirts, and dresses

Wear preppy shoes and accessories like these:

• Pearl necklaces and earrings are a must, as well as diamond jewelry (make sure it's small, not fake-looking, and doesn't look too trashy or tacky)
• Most preps wear their mother's, grandmother's, or aunt's old diamond and pearl jewelry as an "old money" thing.
• Small handbags in simple colors and patterns or large, monogrammed tote bags (L.L. Bean and Lands' End have good choices). Vera Bradley handbags and wallets are also very preppy but make sure to get the right pattern (in preppy colors)
• Hair accessories such as headbands (silk/satin scarf headbands or hard headbands with ribbon bows) and grosgrain ribbons in preppy colors, prints, and patterns.
• Ribbon belts in various preppy prints, patterns, and colors or, especially for guys, black or brown leather belts.
• Preppy girls wear ballet flats, top-siders (boat shoes), ribbon/canvas flip-flops, Rainbow sandals, and simple leather high heels and wedges in shoes.
• Wearing a pair of top-siders without socks is classic preppy.

Stand up to others. You can't let your partner be let down. You have to be nice to be a prep. Don't be too nice, though, because people will think that you are a weirdo. And Nancy Drew isn't a weirdo. She will speak up and be kind to everyone.