If there’s any one TV star I can recall brightening my childhood weekdays right up, it’s my main man Mr. Fred Rogers. From the adorable intro to his television show, to his everyday switcheroo from suit to cardigan, what’s not to love about this man? He loved to teach kids and we loved to learn from him- even when it came to style.
Mr. Rogers’ loungey prepster style is something I’ve always admired and coveted, so I think it’s time we pay homage to this stylish man in khaki. Interested? Read on, neighbors!
Mr. Rogers’ Wardrobe Essentials
1. Cardigans
(Cardigans: Red, Purple, Blue, Yellow, Green, Orange)
Honestly, it would be impossible to write this post without featuring cardigans! If there was a Cardigan King, it would be our pal Fred here. I’m pretty sure he had a cardigan in every color of the rainbow in that closet of his. Whether it was button-up red, zip-up maroon, or hand-knitted taupe, Mister Rogers showed us how to rock this classy wardrobe staple- thrown over an oxford shirt and khakis for the ultimate in prepster loungewear.
2. Comfy Shoes
(Shoes: White Oxfords, Loafers, Blue Keds, Striped Toms, Brown Oxfords, Espadrilles)
A close second to his love of cardigans is Mister Roger’s obsession with his adorable blue sneakers. In every episode, he would come into his house and change from his dress shoes to a pair of comfy blue kicks.
Fred’s constant commitment to comfort over style is something that I wanted to convey in my shoe choices, which is why I went in search for shoes that would be comfortable yet still cool. I love, love, love those green loafers, the red striped toms, and the blue espadrilles above. And to keep an old classic alive, I also scrounged up a pair of blue Keds; they’re perfectly classic, just like our favorite TV host.
3. Preppy Pants
(Pants: Grey, Khaki, Black, Skinny)
When it comes to pants inspired by Mr. Rogers, be prepared for a breath of fresh air. No more of this of this blue jeans nonsense (although I managed to find one of a few photos in existence of Mr. R. wearing jeans on his show, above). Nope, instead we explore the wonders of pressed pants and cuffed khaki – Fred’s favorites.
I love jeans as much as the next girl, but sometimes it’s nice to wear something different, which is why I chose some fun pants in neutral colors like grey, beige, and black. I love how these look so much more relaxed than the usual denim uniform most of us wear- but also still manage to look put together and chic. Oh Mr. Rogers, what can’t you do?
Outfit Inspired by Mr. Rogers
(Clothes: Cardigan, Button Up, Watch, Headband, Flats, Pants)
For my outfit inspired by Mr. Rogers, I pulled out all the stops.
I started off with a white oxford button up, pairing it with some truly heaven-sent cropped pleated pants. For your feet, I chose the cutest little red flats you could ever imagine; and for the opposite end (your head), I pulled a cute checkered headband that can be worn either hippie headband style, or the traditional style (depending on your preference). For some color contrast, I picked out a lovely yellow cardigan, and last but definitely not least, to add some whimsy to the outfit, I found the cutest watch in the whole world, with our friend Mickey Mouse on it. Wear this outfit, and I guarantee you’ll be whistling Dixie- Mr. Rogers would be so proud.
Thoughts?
At the end of the day, I have no problem admitting it: I truly love this man’s style. Mr. Rogers always managed to be effortlessly prepster chic while still putting comfort first- something everyone should keep in mind when getting dressed day to day.
Now I want to know what you think! Do you find Mr. Rogers’ style as inspiring as I do? Did you watch his show? Did you like my outfit breakdowns and inspired outfit? Whatever your thoughts, let me know in the comments!
I love this article. Partly because my entire childhood was based around the comfort of his show, and partly because it made me realize that I dress in a female version of his clothes. And I love the outfit you put together-very wearable, and cute!
Hilarious! This could easily be a joke, but it’s truly inspired. I loved mr. rogers’ ritual cardigan and shoe change.
Love this post, haha! I used to be in awe of his colorful cardis as a kid.
I loved this post. It brought me back to my childhood days.
Such a creative post! I love how College Fashion takes inspiration from male fashion icons as well as women, and from such unique sources! Mr. Rogers’ show was my favorite as a child, and I have to agree with you, he has great preppy style.
of course!
so this is why I love cardigans so much – all that subliminal messaging as a child.
Thanks Mr. Rogers!
so cute! thanks 🙂
I love this article. Not only is Mr. Rogers awesome (I went to see him at a play when I was really young) but the fashion actually works. Good job!
Great post! When I saw the title, I thought “really??” but it actually works! How clever 🙂
I LOVE this post!
Mr. Rogers was one of my top 3 favourite shows as a kid.
hahahaha i LOVE it!! Very creative!
Pretty cool. This outfit kinda seems like a risk to me – not everyone can pull it off. However i love your outfits
I love the final outfit! It’s comfortable, yet looks very chic…If only we could wear layers in the sweltering heat of my country!
This post made my day. I’m super excited to rock a Mr. Rogers cardi when the temp drops and put it on with the show theme music in the back ground – my room mate will deal. haha
Great job!!!!!!
Can we see some inspiration with Dr. Huxtable (from the Cosby Show) sweaters when it gets closer to fall/winter? Aaaaand this one might be a stretch, but he’s one of my FAVORITE men ever…could you do Sherlock Holmes? Pleeeeeease. I would love to see your interpretation on “mystery chic” lol 🙂
I love this post! Great job!
May we never say this blog isn’t original.
i never watched this show so I dont know who Mr.Rogers is but those looks were super cute and fashionable. LOVE this post! 🙂
Mr. Rogers is one of my heroes. But I never realized until this post that I dress like him already!
I absolutely adore Mr. Rodgers! I remember waking up early just to watch his show every morning. And my favorite part was when he changed into his cardigan and cool shoes. Thank you so much for doing an article on my childhood hero!!!
ain’t gonna lie, this is a pretty strange concept…
Mr. Rogers is still my favorite childhood TV show. He’s so real. Great post, staying true to him and fashion too.
I love Mr. Rogers! He had to be the sweetest man ever. However, I wouldn’t go all-out Mr. Rogers like the look here. It can get a little too grampa-ish! Rock a cardigan and comfy shoes but pair it with cute shorts and feminine accessories.
I’m pretty sure Mr. Rogers is the reason I ever wore cardigans and preppy pants! XD This was great!
To be authentic the cardigan should be closed by a zipper, not buttons. Mr. Rogers’ cardigans were always closed by a zipper.
Wow–SOOO creative!!!! I love it.
Hahahaha, this is too funny! I bought a shirt at H&M last year that made me feel like Mr. Rogers…but not in a good way :p
I like the idea for the inspiration but I would have liked to see some outfits that weren’t interpreted so literally.
Where can I buy a Mr. Rogers’ sweater (for men)?
You show pictures of it on this website. Other sites only show
up-dated (ugh!) versions of it. I’ve checked several men’s stores
and websites and can not find the REAL DEAL. Thank you.
I am very happy to see your article. I found it in the
August News of Family Communications, Inc. I
am also happy to see all of the responces. Fred
Rogers is a mentor of mine. I am a 56 year old
dad. If one also chooses the attitude of being
a humble, but intelligent, and special human
being, on a special mission from God to be kind,
then what could be a better way to go out into
“your world” everyday, remembering Mr. Rogers.
How about the women of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
as being role models for one’s own thinking?