If you’re reading this, it means one of two things: either you don’t play golf but you’re interested in learning, or your significant other is an avid fan and you would like to participate in Sunday night’s dinner conversation.

As for this girl, aside from a putt-putt course or two in the early 2000s, I have yet to swing a 9-iron – but, see, we’re learning things already. So, fellow beginners, I am here to walk you through the basics, from club terminology to golf-bag essentials. Let us begin.

Golf Clubs, A Cheat Sheet

Driver: This is the one you use to tee off with.

Irons: These clubs range from 2 to 9, and are used to hit the ball toward the green from 120 to 190 yards away. Low-numbered irons are for longer shots, while high-numbered irons are for shorter shots.

Gap Wedges: For hitting short, angled shots near the green or out of a sand bunker.

Putter (thank you, putt-putt – we know this one!): Just tap it in.

Hybrid: Also called a “utility club,” this one is the most versatile of all. It combines elements from irons and drivers that help get shots airborne from long distances.

The Golf Bag Essentials
(in addition to those clubs)

• 6 – 8 golf balls
• 2 – 3  tees
• Extra pair of gloves
• Raincoat
• Pitch-mark repair tool
• Coins to mark your ball on the green
• Pencils
• Sunscreen
• A spare towel or two

Now, hightail it to the greens (we have faith!). Our Fore! Women’s Golf Style and Fore! Men’s Golf Style Boutiques opens Wednesday, April 10, at 11AM ET.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

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They are the emblem of all things preppy – but were they always? Take a peek into the history of this iconic American brand.

1930s: Paul Sperry invented the first boat shoe after using a knife to cut treads into the outsole of a sneaker. He was inspired by his dog Prince’s ability to effortlessly trek over ice.

1940s: The U.S. Navy began manufacturing the Top-Sider for its sailors. Due to the rationing of leather shoes during WWII, the design increased in popularity nationwide.

1980s: Top-Sider was mentioned in the tongue-in-cheek style guide, The Official Preppy Handbook (yep, it was a thing), and subsequently featured in many a John Hughes film.

2000s: After a decade out of the limelight (preppy just wasn’t cool in the 90s), Top-Siders appeared on Fashion Week runways, spurring a new generation of Sperry lovers.

Today: The nautical brand is a made-for-everyday staple. They launched their first stand-alone store in 2012 on Manhattan’s 5^th Avenue.

Our Sperry Top-Sider Women and Sperry Top-Sider Men Boutiques open Wednesday, March 27, at 11AM ET.

By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.

When it’s ungodly chilly out here in New England, I immediately dream of summer on the Vineyard. Blame my Northeast residence, but everything about that little island just screams quintessential prep to me – in the best way possible. So – in the name of summer daydreaming – I’ve set about planning my ensembles for my ideal summer day on the Vineyard. Care to escape with me?

9AM: The Vineyard has activities for days, and a little morning sailing sounds like the most whimsical way to start the day. And what’s sailing without some nautical stripes?

12PM: Nothing beats New England clam shack fare. High-waisted shorts (paired with a pearl necklace, of course) are the perfect casual bottoms for such a low-key experience. As a bonus, they slide on perfectly over your bathing suit.

2PM: It’s the Vineyard, so the beach is a given. A printed one-piece makes for the ideal preppy option.

4PM: When temps cool off, it’s time for some antiquing. Like any good New England town, the Vineyard has plenty. In my summery dream, I’m wearing this retro-inspired dress.

7PM: It’s been a long day, so go ahead and indulge your palette. It’s a given that stellar restaurants are everywhere in this huge tourist destination. And for the attire? This dress is dark enough for night, but breezy enough to bring in that beach mentality.

Countdown to summer… commence.

Our Head-to-Toe Preppy: From Plaid Skirts to Polos Boutique is open now.

Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You’ll love Rue La La. Join now.