Great Gatsby Attire For Male

Cracking the Code: The Great Gatsby Attire for the Modern Man

The roaring twenties. An era of jazz, flapper dresses, and lavish parties. But what truly defined the aesthetic of this iconic decade? For men, it was a sophisticated blend of elegance and rebellion, a style captured perfectly in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. This article dives deep into the sartorial world of Gatsby and his contemporaries, providing a comprehensive guide to recreating the look for the modern man, covering everything from suits and shirts to accessories and grooming. Whether you're attending a themed party, a formal event, or simply want to add a touch of 1920s flair to your wardrobe, this guide will help you nail the perfect Great Gatsby attire.

Understanding the 1920s Male Aesthetic: Beyond the Suits

The Great Gatsby's attire isn't just about throwing on a suit and calling it a day. It's about understanding the underlying principles of the era's style: refined elegance, subtle extravagance, and a touch of rebellious individualism. While suits were the cornerstone of men's fashion, the details mattered immensely. The 1920s saw a shift away from the more formal, structured Edwardian styles towards a looser, more relaxed fit. This doesn't mean sloppy; rather, it was a sophisticated nonchalance, a sense of effortless style.

Think about the iconic image of Jay Gatsby himself: impeccably tailored suits, but with a subtle looseness that suggests comfort and confidence. This wasn't just about the clothes; it was about the attitude they conveyed.

The Cornerstone: The Perfect 1920s Suit

The foundation of any Great Gatsby outfit is, undoubtedly, the suit. Forget the boxy, overly structured suits of previous decades. The 1920s suit was characterized by:

• High-waisted trousers: These trousers sat higher on the waist, creating a longer, leaner silhouette. Pleats were common, often adding volume and drape. The leg was usually fairly straight, tapering slightly towards the ankle. Avoid overly skinny or tapered legs; a moderate width is key.

• Double-breasted jackets: These were particularly popular, often featuring wide lapels and a more relaxed fit than their predecessors. The double-breasted jacket conveyed a sense of power and sophistication. Single-breasted jackets were also common, but often with wider lapels than what we see today.

• Drop-eight shoulders: This design detail, common in 1920s tailoring, contributed to the looser, more comfortable fit. The shoulder seams sat slightly lower than the natural shoulder line, allowing for more movement and a softer silhouette.

• Wide lapels: A hallmark of the era, wide lapels (often peaked) added a touch of drama and sophistication to the suit. The width of the lapels varied, but generally wider was considered more stylish.

• Fabric choices: High-quality materials were essential. Think fine wool, silk, or even velvet for evening wear. The fabrics had a distinct drape and fluidity. Solid colors were popular, with navy, charcoal grey, and dark brown being particularly prevalent. Subtle patterns like pinstripes or subtle checks were also acceptable.

• Length: Jacket length typically fell just below the hip, ensuring a balanced and elegant silhouette.

Shirts and Accessories: Elevating the Look

The suit forms the base, but the accompanying pieces are what truly bring the Great Gatsby look to life. Pay close attention to these details:

• Shirts: Typically made from high-quality cotton or silk, shirts featured a softer, more relaxed fit than modern dress shirts. Collars were often higher and more structured, often with a pointed or wingtip design. The cuffs were generally double cuffs, allowing for the use of cufflinks. Colors ranged from crisp white to pastel shades.

• Ties: While neckties were worn, they were often wider and less constricting than modern ties. Solid colors or subtle patterns were preferred. Bow ties, particularly self-tied bow ties, added a touch of extra elegance and were common, especially for evening events.

• Pocket Squares: A well-chosen pocket square added a touch of personality and sophistication. Silk pocket squares in coordinating or contrasting colors provided a subtle yet impactful detail. The fold of the pocket square could also be used to express individual style.

• Suspenders: Before belt loops became common, suspenders were the preferred method of holding up trousers. They provided a clean, smooth look and were an essential accessory for a truly authentic 1920s appearance.

• Shoes: Oxford shoes were the footwear of choice, often featuring cap toes or plain toes. Leather shoes in dark colours such as black or brown were the standard. Avoid anything too flashy or modern-looking.

• Hats: Fedora hats were incredibly popular, adding a touch of mystery and sophistication. A fedora, in felt or straw depending on the season, is a key element for completing the Great Gatsby look. Other hat styles, such as the newsboy cap or homburg, were also acceptable.

• Cufflinks: Double cuffs allowed for the use of cufflinks, which added a touch of personal style and elegance. Materials ranged from precious metals to more subtle designs.

• Jewelry: While not overly ostentatious, some jewelry was acceptable. A simple signet ring or a watch with a leather strap added a touch of sophistication. Avoid anything overly flashy or modern.

Grooming: The Finishing Touch

The look is incomplete without the proper grooming. The 1920s man paid meticulous attention to detail:

• Hair: A neatly styled haircut was crucial. Think slicked-back hair, side parts, or a pompadour. The key was neatness and precision.

• Mustache: Mustaches were prevalent, often well-groomed and neatly trimmed. Different styles were fashionable, from pencil mustaches to fuller, handlebar mustaches.

• Shaving: A clean-shaven look was also acceptable, but a well-maintained mustache was a more stylish choice.

Putting it all Together: From Day to Night

The beauty of the Great Gatsby style is its versatility. It can be adapted for various occasions:

• Daytime Events: A single-breasted suit in a lighter color, such as a light grey or beige, paired with a light-colored shirt and a subtle tie. A straw fedora completes the look.

• Evening Events: A darker-colored double-breasted suit, perhaps in navy or charcoal, with a darker shirt and a more formal tie or bow tie. A felt fedora adds a touch of sophistication.

• Cocktail Parties: A velvet jacket or a lighter-colored suit with a more playful pattern can be appropriate for a cocktail party. A bolder tie and perhaps a pocket square with a more prominent pattern add a touch of personality.

Remember, the overall look should be one of sophisticated nonchalance. The clothes should look well-tailored and fit perfectly, but not too stiff or formal. The details are what truly elevate the look, so pay attention to the accessories and grooming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where can I find authentic 1920s suits?

A: Finding authentic 1920s suits is challenging. Vintage stores and online auction sites might offer some options, but they often need alterations. Many modern tailors can create bespoke suits inspired by 1920s styles, offering the best way to achieve an accurate representation of the era.

Q: Can I mix and match modern pieces with 1920s styles?

A: It's best to stick to the core elements of 1920s attire for a truly authentic look. Mixing modern pieces can detract from the overall effect. However, some slight modern adaptation in terms of fit (e.g., slightly less baggy trousers) is acceptable as long as the overall silhouette remains true to the era.

Q: How much should I expect to spend on creating a Great Gatsby outfit?

A: The cost can vary greatly depending on whether you buy vintage, bespoke, or ready-to-wear items. A high-quality bespoke suit will be significantly more expensive than a ready-to-wear option.

Conclusion: Embrace the Roaring Twenties

Mastering the Great Gatsby attire for men involves more than just choosing the right clothes; it's about embodying the spirit of the era. It’s about embracing confidence, elegance, and a touch of rebellious flair. By understanding the key elements – the high-waisted trousers, wide lapels, the right accessories, and meticulous grooming – you can successfully recreate this iconic look and transport yourself to the glamorous world of the roaring twenties. Remember, the aim is not to be a perfect replica, but to capture the essence of the style with a modern twist. So, step into your own roaring twenties adventure with confidence and style!