Photo by Muffy Aldrich
The Modern Guide to The Thing Before Preppy

Thursday, January 26, 2023

The Darien Sport Shop, Darien, Connecticut

Photos by Salt Water New England

The seeming eclecticism of the preppy culture throws a lot of people.  Preppy includes young and old, pretty and substantial, sporting and evening events, town and country.

When I was growing up, one store that encompassed more of this than most was the Darien Sport Shop.

The suits and more formal wear were downstairs, with skis and lacrosse sticks on the third floor.  I remember one visit where I bought a Thule and had it installed on my wagon while trying on a little black dress.

The store offered many interesting brands before they were available locally anywhere else.  The children's section (second floor) took youngsters seriously before other stores, with miniature versions of classics.

And of course, Mr. Z. reigned over all.

I still have and wear quite a few garments purchased there a few decades ago.  It is no longer THAT store, but for its golden era, The Darien Sport Shop belongs in the Prep Pantheon. 

  

   


 

















 

8 comments:

  1. I grew up in Darien in the 90s. The sport shop was indeed the place. One correction, the sports section was on the first floor. Kids shoes, sports equipment , presided over by Mr Z junior. Skis and outerwear were the third floor. I returned to town a few years ago and the store has the same basic feel, though mens wear is definitely more contemporary now. Think stretch golf shirts and designer jeans as opposed to sack coats and weejuns. Sign of the times . Womens section remains largely the same.

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    1. Also, I have fond memories of visiting “Santa” at the sport shop at the top of the first flight of stairs. Being a small town, the man who assumed the role was recognizable as a local father and citizen. I played along for awhile!

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  2. I didn't know there were going to be cameras present the day I was serving drinks a the sport shop. ;0)

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    1. Thank you for your service, Will. You light up the picture.

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  3. I was first introduced while in college in the late 80s to the DSS by a college friend from Darien who I would get a ride from Boston while my dad would pick me up for the rest of my journey home to Long Island. Snowstorm abound I once stayed overnight at his house in Darien and we proceeded to the DSS. I loved this store. Now in my fifties I always find the time to stop by with my kids on our journeys from Boston south I95 for them to get a true feeling of a quality sporting store with a classy bend, something which is a rarity these days!

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  4. A most superb shop! Thanks once again!

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  5. As I winter here in Seaside/Water Color Fl most of the clothing stores coincide with the above pictures. A beautiful area where the inhabitants and visitors alike dress in this lovely attire. A wonderful respite from hoodies.

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  6. Pronounced “Dairy-Ann” 🤣🤣 Seriously, Vineyard Vines & Barbour under same roof redefines eclectic (in Virginia it’s Carhartt). Bravo

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