Gatsby-esque inspiration
After much hype the day has come for the release of Baz Luhrmann's Great Gatsby. Will it be influencing your wardrobe as everyone is predicting? If you're not so sure you'll be going for the full on pastel pink suit, I've put together some subtle influences and wearable looks that you can easily incorporate into your wardrobe for summer if you so desire.
Double breasted jacket for evenings
1920's style is all about high buttoning and double breasted jackets. Choose an unlined linen blazer to bring it bang up to date, and wear with tailored cotton trousers, jeans or if you're feeling brave - shorts. Add a fitted plain crew neck tee, or fine knit cotton sweater underneath, plus a scarf peaking out from under the lapels to give it that added Gatsby-esque flair.
Double breasted linen blazer - Ami at Mr Porter
Paisley print scarf - Ted Baker
Light brown suede brogue derby shoe - Doucal's at Farfetch
Collar bar for work
A shirt with a collar bar or tab collar is a smart choice to make so you stand out from the crowd at work. Lifting the tie into an elegant arc, and holding your collar neatly in place this is a nice touch to give a nod to those heady days of the 20's. Move away from your skinny ties for this look and go for one with a little more width. Tortoiseshell round rimmed specs complete the look and other than a side parting and slicked hair you're good to go.
Gordon satin stripe shirt with collar bar - Reiss
Floral patterned silk twill tie - Brioni at Mr Porter
Sid tortoiseshell round glasses - Eye Respect X Oliver Spencer at Eye Respect
Classic Anello fountain pen - Graf von Faber-Castell at Harrods
Cotton sweater for smart weekends
Forget sweatshirts this summer, and instead opt for a linen or cotton knit in a neutral colour. Use texture to create interest and you have an excellent way to add a touch of retro chic to your wardrobe. Wear with smart chinos, jeans and brogues or white canvas plimsolls and let an easy elegance come over your weekends.
Landing honeycomb-weave sweater - Gant Rugger at Matches
Slim sand coloured trousers - Folk
Assisi irregular wavey line socks - Reiss
The Fraze derby shoe in tan - Folk
Linen suit for summer weddings
Thank you Hackett for producing the perfect Gatsby-esque suit. Light in colour, wide in lapel and pleated in trouser, I'm sure Mr Gatsby would be happy to sport this 3 piece. If you have a wedding to attend this summer - as guest or groom - this "swellegant" number will do just the job. Add cufflinks + pocket square and you'll be all set to Charleston.
20s 3 piece linen suit - Hackett
Hexagon shaped cufflinks - Lanvin at Matches
Houndstooth silk pocket square - Marwood at Mr Porter
Two-Tone shoes for casual weekends
An immediate way to add a dapper dash to your wardrobe is to don some two-tone shoes. They look just as great with your jeans as your chinos, and perfect with a suit too. Contrast with some patterned socks and keep your top neat and sophisticated with a knit polo shirt. You can't go wrong with this quiet whisper to the roaring 20's.
Dwight leather and canvas two-tone oxford shoe - Kurt Geiger London at Harrods
Natural canvas selvedge trousers - Dockers at Coggles
Wiley short sleeved polo with contrast tipping - Reiss
Rome grid stitch pastel socks - Reiss
If you're loving this look and want some further inspiration, just look at these stunning pictures taken by Ashley Owens - they're absolutely beautiful and the guys look amazing!
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