The Drunk J. Crew meme emerged as a satirical commentary on the oddly limp and disheveled posing found in the retailer's fashion catalogs during the early 2010s. Internet users on platforms like Tumblr and Twitter noticed that models, while dressed in pristine button-downs and cashmere sweaters, often looked as though they were stumbling home after a long night at a country club or a charity gala. This visual irony turned the 'preppy' aesthetic on its head, making the template a go-to for representing situations involving high-society debauchery, hangovers after 'fancy' events, or simply feeling physically overwhelmed while trying to maintain a polished appearance. It thrives on the hilarious juxtaposition of luxury clothing and absolute physical defeat.