Photography by Ian Jacob
Photography assistance by Sarah Jacob
Production assistance by Megan Ayscue
Styling by Michelle Price
Fashion and location provided by The Royal Poinciana Plaza
Fashion-forward, statement-making locals aren’t hard to come by in the palm beaches, but we’ve rounded up six standouts who dress to impress while letting their preppy personalities shine.
Scott Sharp, 51
Founder and CEO, Lady Jetset
Scott Sharp used to fill his days zipping around as a professional IndyCar and sports car racer. He’s now the team owner of Extreme Speed Motorsports and supports local charity events through his, and his wife Bethany’s, company Lady Jetset. The business allows shoppers to rent high-end fashion for a fraction of the price and get it delivered to their destination.
“As a company, we pride ourselves in partnering with many local charities,” says the North Palm Beacher. “We recently were a big part of the Furry Friends Charity function in Jupiter.” Sharp finds dressing for events to be just as fun as providing the wardrobe, especially when there are different venues involved. “A refreshing style makes you feel great,” he says.
Where do you enjoy shopping locally?
My wife finds me great stuff at Daniel Cremieux.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to wear but never had the chance to?
A dark navy tux.
What’s one piece of clothing or accessory you could never live without?
Jeans and T-shirts.
KITON stripe seersucker sport coat in cashmere silk and linen; $6,710; available at Kiton at The Royal Poinciana Plaza; kiton.com
ORLEBAR BROWN giles linen tailored-fit shirt, $245; griffon two-tone navy wash tailored-fit trousers, $275; available at Orlebar Brown at The Royal Poinciana Plaza; orlebarbrown.com
Jack E. Lighton, 44
President & CEO, Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Chances are, if you cross paths with Jack E. Lighton at a Palm Beach event or inside the confines of Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC), you will spot him in a gingham wrinkle-free button-down shirt, dark dress jeans, a blazer and a Cole Haan shoe. “I am often on my feet at The Sea Turtle Hospital at LMC and Cole Haans are comfortable, they look good, and they are built to last,” says the president and CEO. As the ocean is his centerpoint, blues and whites dominate his wardrobe, which he complements with fun Palm Beach colors.
But turtles aren’t the only thing on his mind—he stays busy serving on the Board of Directors for the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, volunteering for the North American Veterinary Health Center Foundation and appearing on a podcast that focuses on philanthropy in The Palm Beaches.
Where do you enjoy shopping locally?
I shop at the trifecta of The Palm Beaches: The Gardens Mall, Worth Avenue and The Royal Poinciana Plaza.
Who is your fashion inspiration?
I believe my fashion point of view was set by my home towns of Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, and The Palm Beaches. Both of these environments are known for boating, water, a “club look” and navy blazers. I think my wardrobe did evolve based on places I frequently visited with my family: Newport, Harbor Springs and Cape Cod.
What’s one piece of clothing or accessory you could never live without?
My navy blazer!
KITON plaid jacket in cashmere silk and linen, $8,650; nerano shirt in soft pastel pink, $610; logo “k” belt in calf lester, $1,250; available at Kiton at The Royal Poinciana Plaza; kiton.com
Nick Mele, 37
Nicholas Mele Photography
When not behind a camera for his business, Nicholas Mele Photography, Nick Mele is out and about donating his time and services where he sees fit. He designed a paddleboard for auction at
the Eau Palm Beach benefitting the Loggerhead Marinelife Center and supports Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. He and his wife, Molly, are also the junior co-chairs for the Kips Bay Decorators Show House Palm Beach, which benefits the Boys and Girls Club. To Mele, style is another form of expression and communication.
“It’s the first thing people learn about you before you even open your mouth, and it’s a great way to stand out from the crowd,” he says. As of late, Mele’s been trying to make the popped collar “cool” again.
Who is your fashion inspiration?
I don’t know if there’s any one person. I’m a child of the ’90s and a lover of the ’80s. I like the quirkiness of Wes Anderson movies and the classic style of Slim Aarons photographs. My father taught me to not care what other people think—dare to be different.
How do you define “preppy,” and how do you embody this in your everyday life?
When I think preppy, I obviously think prep school, country clubs and resort towns. It can have a negative connotation if taken too far in the wrong direction. To me, it’s about knowing how to dress for the occasion and being well put together.
What’s one piece of clothing or accessory you could never live without?
My wedding ring.
ORLEBAR BROWN barnes stripe classic fit jumper; $445; available at Orlebar Brown at the Royal Poinciana Plaza;
orlebarbrown.com
KITON cotton polo, $610; lace sneakers, $1,390; available at Kiton at The Royal Poinciana Plaza; kiton.com
THEORY zaine patton pants; $195; available at Theory at The Royal Poinciana Plaza; theory.com
Jay Zeager, 51
President, Jay Zeager Auctions and Community Development Manager, American Cancer Society
As an emcee and licensed auctioneer for charity and promotional events, Jay Zeager knows a thing or two about the right kind of presentation. Style is important to him because “it shows confidence and [is] a chance to show your personality through your wardrobe.” On a day-to-day basis, Zeager works preppy into his look as he prefers a casual, stylish approach to dressing.
He’s also the community development manager of the American Cancer Society where he oversees Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Palm Beach and the Real Men Wear Pink of Palm Beach. He is proud to don pink for a cause—just don’t expect him to rock neon clothing anytime soon.
Where do you enjoy shopping locally?
Macy’s and Bob Goldfarb Custom Clothier.
What is your go-to outfit of choice?
A stylish, colorful blazer, dress shirt, slacks and my favorite pair of Stacy Adams shoes.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to wear but never had the chance to?
A custom-made suit that I pick the fabrics and pattern for.
What’s one piece of clothing or accessory you could never live without?
My collection of over 100 pocket squares!
KITON cashmere suit, $10,050; cotton sweater, $930; available at Kiton at The Royal Poinciana Plaza; kiton.com
Scott Velozo
Graphic Artist
Scott Velozo has an eye for design as a graphic artist who works with several local non-profits. He volunteers for Compass and the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council. “I’m also impressed with the work that Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches is doing,” says Velozo, who delivers meals one day a week for the organization.
He’s also co-chairing its annual event in April at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens. In search of fashion inspiration, Velozo is keen on perusing #mensfashion on Instagram for the latest sartorial finds. Locally, Velozo is most likely to be shopping at Cremieux for modern, preppy pieces and Ralph Lauren for quality, timeless classics he says “never seem to go out of style.”
How do you define “preppy,” and how do you embody this in your everyday life?
For me, preppy is an effortless New England style. Chinos, a cashmere sweater and a navy blazer can work for almost any occasion. I have an affinity for plaid, and I have lots of it in my wardrobe.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to wear but never had the chance to?
A top hat! I love the glamorous old photos of men in tuxedos with top hats.
What’s one piece of clothing or accessory you could never live without?
Good shoes. It’s usually the first thing I notice when I meet people. It reminds of what Karen Walker once said: “I felt bad because I had no shoes, but then I met someone who had really bad shoes.”
CREMIEUX silk linen blend pinstripe blazer, $1,195; linen square dot printed scarf, $250; boat cotton stretch garment dye short, $155; fazzoletto linen pocket square hand-rolled border, $55; luxury solid linen one-piece button-down collar shirt, $250; available at Cremieux at The Royal Poinciana Plaza; cremieux.fr
Jervonte Edmonds, 28
Founder & CEO, Suits for Seniors
At 28 years old, Jervonte “Tae” Edmonds has written a book (“Adventures of the Rich and Famous”) and founded Suits for Seniors, one of the fastest-growing youth preparedness and exposure programs in the U.S. Through his organization, he mentors at-risk high school students and carves a path for them focusing on career goals, financial mindfulness and motivation. He knows the importance of dressing the part.
“Style is the first impression you give the world,” he says. Never without a white pocketsquare, Edmonds says dressing preppy is someone who is prepared with style and grace.
Where do you enjoy shopping locally?
I enjoy shopping with local tailors like Bob Goldfarb, or NY Men’s Clothing Store in Boynton Beach Mall. These two local vendors produce the latest and greatest men’s professional fashion.
Who is your fashion inspiration?
I would say studying and researching the decades of the ’60s and ’70s inspired me. During these particular decades, wearing nice suits was a very common and admired culture of dress code. I am inspired by the culture and creativity of our history.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to wear but never had the chance to?
I have always wanted to wear a double-breasted tailored suit. To get a double-breasted suit tailored perfectly is a challenge, but if done well, it is a beautiful suit to wear to make a great first impression.
CREMIEUX mc lellan cotton knit double-breasted blazer, $895; fine gauge double-faced merino chalk stripe cardigan, $350; fazzoletto linen pocket square hand-rolled border, $55; bi-color stripe shirt, $295; christys’ london navy ribbon panama hat, $395; available at Cremieux at The Royal Poinciana Plaza; cremieux.fr
THEORY zaine patton pants, $195; available at Theory at The Royal Poinciana Plaza; theory.com
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