With more than a touch of preppy, the twist is in the audacious use of color, mixed patterns and proportions, the Tommy Hilfiger Spring 2011 collection is where rockabilly meets the country club set.

The women’s looks are a play on Babe Paley’s iconic style. A refreshing trove of basics, beginning with boyfriend-cut trousers and menswear shirting, get punked with shrunken fits and crop tops. Unabashed preppy staples like pleated tennis skirts mash up with bandeau tops, sarong knots and teasing cut outs. Evening gets a soft edge with back-baring georgette gowns while a sequined navy blazer, windowpane and eyelet up the ante on daywear.

Governed by shades of blue from periwinkle to classic navy, the palette ranges from ballet pink to butter to pale mint green. As always, a pop of Tommy Hilfiger red embellishes, especially on the heel of dressed-up sneakers and boat shoes. Color-blocked handbags in clean, angular shapes add a final touch of gloss.

The menswear is for the neo-preppy rocker who considers seersucker short suits and leopard loafers a way of life. Tossed-on and quirky, his prepster look is dictated by perfect-fit pants in thin red pinstripe, well-worn oxfords, a navy blazer updated with Hilfiger red piping and a smattering of bright plaids.