Madras, seersucker, Topsiders, oh my! Resort wear has hit the co-ed set in full force. While undergraduates are known as the best of the label whores, sometimes the goal of carefully planning an outfit is more than flattering your figure. It implies, of course, that you’re en route to the country club your parents can afford.

The perk of resort wear is that it’s classy and respectable until it reaches Frat Row. You can be adorable without dressing like a desperate-to-impress freshman, all it takes is a little dedication to the cause.

Collecting argyle sweaters and linen trousers can help you transition into a non-party persona for the workplace with no trouble. Here are some tips for dressing to the yuppie role without coming off as a complete douchebag:

1) Collars down. At all times. Ladies, if you’re going for the cleavage factor and rocking a Lacoste to the bar, pair it with pumps, ass-flattering denim, and go crazy. Unbutton as low as you dare, but find a cute contrasting cami to toss under that pique polo.

2) Set a limit to the number of pastels you go with. Your boyfriend can wear as much pink as he likes, and so can you, but just remember that the phrase “too much of a good thing” came about for a reason.

3) Pearls are lovely… in moderation. A pearl necklace is a great staple, and you can wear your own for composite pictures! Joking. Ish. Also, solitaire cultured pearl earrings are simple and classy. Wearing the set altogether may just be a touch overboard; pick one and go with it.

4) Be careful with prints. Madras needs a solid piece to balance it out. No tartan and argyle in the same ensemble. Mixing patterns is fine so long as one is bold and one is subtle.

5) Layering is key. Button-downs with cardigans or pullover sweaters are always great, and look adorable with a little denim skirt or pair of twill shorts when it’s a little warmer. Blazers and jackets are great to pair with a cute cami or silk going-out shirt, keeping you sophisticated enough to go to a nice wine or martini bar, and casual enough to go to a house party. It also gives you the option to adapt to whatever temperature you happen to encounter. And on that note…

5) Dress for the weather. Resort wear is geared toward a warm environment, but remember that you’re not likely to go yachting in mid-winter during the workweek. Seersucker generally is only allowed between Memorial and Labor Days. I don’t ordinarily follow the “white” rule, but this one I concur with. It just looks awkward unless you’re living in a fantastic climate.

Suggestions for perfecting the look? Try J. Crew, Vineyard Vines, Vera Bradley for some extremely Connecticut accessories, Polo by Ralph Lauren, and Lacoste.

Want to look yuppie on a budget? You sound just like me. Hit up outlet malls, overstock.com, or bigger department stores like Macy’s to pick up those sale items. Polo shirts don’t need a pony or gator, and argyle isn’t affiliated with a particular label or brandname. Happy shopping!