A Century of Style: 1920s
The ‘Roaring Twenties’ were a great period for men’s style. Coming straight out of the First World War, men embraced a free and celebratory way of living and the style of the time represented this. Bright colours, bold stripes and textured patterns were utilised in tailoring and a multitude of accessories allowed for plenty of individuality, which was a welcome reprieve from the devastating nature of The Great War. The freedom and creativity that gentlemen of the era embraced is something that we should all admire, so we thought we’d delve a little deeper and look at some key influences as well as how to implement 1920s inspired style into a modern wardrobe.
THE INSPIRATION: THE GREAT GATSBY, , The most stylish film of recent memory, Baz Luhrmann’s re-make of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s ‘The Great Gatsby’ was a resounding success, in more ways than one. Whilst some critics stuck their noses up at the over-the-top excess of the film’s production, we loved the opulent nature of the outfits, especially those linen three-piece suits which were custom-made by Brooks Brothers.
THE INSPIRATION: BOARDWALK EMPIRE, , For a crash course in 1920s style, look no further than hit television series, Boardwalk Empire. Expect three-piece patterned suits, pocket watches, brightly coloured shirts and ties as well as detachable starched collars and a range of hat styles.
THE OUTFITS, The 1920s era certainly has a feeling of dandyism to it, which is perhaps most evident in the accessories that were used. When trying to implement elements of 1920s style into your wardrobe however, it’s important not to overdo it as you don’t want to look like you’re heading to a fancy dress party. By all means infuse one or two period-influenced accessories – just don’t combine them all at once. By executing these subtle influences to the era you’ll allow the cut and fit of your suit to shine, rather than take away from it with garish distractions.
OUTFIT No.1: SUMMER DANDY, , Instead of wearing your collar bar, lapel pin, tie clip and pocket watch all together, just make subtle nods to the era in the form of a striped bow tie and two-tone wingtips. A suit in a neutral cream or off-white will allow you to channel your inner Jay Gatsby and, as it’s perfect for pretty much any summer event, you’ll find yourself wearing it more than you think.
Canali Stone Siena-Shape Linen Suit, £537.50 from Mr Porter // Hilditch & Key Sea Island Quality White Shirt, £100 from Hilditch and Key // Drake’s Woven Mogador Bow Tie, £95 from Drakes // Herring Hyde, £275 from Herring Shoes // Longines 180th Anniversary Watch, £6,700 from Harrods
OUTFIT No.2: GANGSTER CHIC, , All that’s missing here is a Tommy Gun and a fedora. Perhaps best reserved for the CEOs and corporate moguls of the world, this outfit is dominant in every sense of the word. The double-breasted, peak lapel waistcoat is of course the statement piece of the ensemble, but its the details elsewhere which really elevate it. Notice the club collar of the striped shirt, the ticket pocket on the jacket and the waist adjusters on the trousers. Gentlemen of the 1920s really nailed the details and it’s about time you did too.
Thom Sweeney Navy Weighouse Wool Suit, £1,295 from Mr Porter // Suitsupply Brown Check Waistcoat, £69 from Suitsupply // Suitsupply Light Blue Washed Shirt, £79 from Suitsupply // Drake’s Knitted Silk Tie, £95 from Mr Porter // George Cleverley Anthony Statham Oxford Brogues, £995 from Mr Porter
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