The roaring 1920s, an era distinguished by richness, elegance, and lavish dress, are immortalized in F. Scott Fitzgerald's renowned novel, The Great Gatsby. This time, commonly known as the Jazz Age, saw a revolution in men's design, highlighted by sleek suits, vivid patterns, and sumptuous materials. For anyone aiming to mimic the elegant style of Jay Gatsby, Tom Buchanan, and Nick Carraway for a formal or black-tie occasion, here is an outstanding tutorial on how to create this timeless appearance with delicacy.
Jay Gatsby: The Epitome of Elegance
Jay Gatsby, the novel's mysterious and affluent protagonist, is famed for his immaculate sense of style. His wardrobe selections show his profound desire to impress and represent his rich lifestyle, with each look meticulously picked to create an impression of refinement and affluence. Gatsby's wardrobe is packed with expensive materials and brilliant colors, frequently containing custom-tailored suits that emphasize his elegance and attention to detail. His sartorial flare is not just about personal taste but also a determined endeavor to amaze and fascinate others around him, notably Daisy Buchanan. Through his lavish wardrobe, Gatsby attempts to represent the fantasy he has made for himself, masking his lowly roots and projecting an appearance of wealth and grandeur.
Formal Wear
-
Three-Piece Suit: Gatsby typically dons a well-tailored three-piece suit. Opt with hues like ivory, light gray, or cream. A slight pinstripe pattern may give a touch of refinement.
-
Dress Shirt: A fresh, white dress shirt is an essential. Ensure it's well-fitted and constructed of high-quality cloth.
-
Vest: A matching vest is crucial for the whole 1920s appearance. Make sure it’s tight but comfy.
-
Tie/Bow Tie: Gatsby is renowned for his penchant for bow ties, but a silk tie in a matching hue can also work. Patterns like polka dots or geometric patterns lend a vintage vibe.
-
Pocket Square: A silk pocket square, either plain or with a modest design, tucked neatly into your breast pocket, completes the ensemble.
-
Shoes: Polished black or brown leather oxfords are appropriate. Make sure they're well-shined.
Black Tie
-
Tuxedo: A basic black tuxedo with a shawl or peak lapel. Velvet lapels may offer a hint of Gatsby-esque grandeur.
-
Dress Shirt: A pleated or bib-front white dress shirt with French cuffs. A stud front might also lend a formal touch.
-
Bow Tie: A black silk bow tie is non-negotiable. Ensure it's properly knotted.
-
Cummerbund/Vest: A black cummerbund or a low-cut black vest will complement the formal look.
-
Shoes: Patent leather oxfords or opera pumps are great for black-tie gatherings.
Read Also: The Elegance Of Great Gatsby Men's Fashion
Tom Buchanan: The Power of Classic Sophistication
Tom Buchanan, the novel's antagonist, symbolizes the essence of old money and conventional beliefs. His presence is powerful and his manner radiates a feeling of superiority and entitlement. His style is a tribute to his affluent background and conservative viewpoint, distinguished by traditional and beautifully fitted apparel that shows his distaste for the showy displays of the nouveau riche. Tom's taste for ageless, understated elegance reinforces his conviction in the inherent superiority of his social class and the established order, setting him apart as a powerful man rooted in the virtues of a bygone period.
Formal Wear
-
Three-Piece: Tom frequently sports three-piece suits in darker hues like navy blue or charcoal gray with chalk-stripe designs. The waistcoat is seen to be double-breasted.
-
Dress Shirt: A white or light blue dress shirt with a stiff collar.
-
Tie: A silk tie in basic colors or faint designs. Deep, rich tones like burgundy or navy work beautifully.
-
Cufflinks: Silver or gold cufflinks to lend a touch of sophistication.
-
Shoes: Black or brown brogues, polished to perfection.
Black Tie:
-
Dinner Jacket: A traditional black or midnight blue dinner jacket with satin lapels.
-
Dress Shirt: A white dress shirt with a turndown collar with a favored pleated bib to highlight the boldness of the apparel.
-
Bow Tie: A classic black bow tie, ideally self-tied.
-
Waistcoat: A black waistcoat provides a touch of refinement.
-
Shoes: Patent leather dress shoes or polished oxfords.
Nick Carraway: The Charm of Subtle Simplicity
Nick Carraway, the novel's narrator, has a more subdued and realistic manner compared to Gatsby and Buchanan. His outfit is simple yet stylish, reflecting his middle-class upbringing and realistic view on life. Nick favors basic, well-made outfits that are both useful and attractive, eschewing the flamboyance and extravagance of his richer competitors. His outfit selections frequently include perfectly polished suits in neutral tones, matched by simple dress shirts and conservative ties. This modest elegance highlights his function as an observer and confidant, allowing him to blend into the background while giving a grounded perspective on the lavish world around him. Nick's style reflects his character: modest, loyal, and quietly sophisticated.
Formal Wear:
-
Single-Breasted Suit: Nick loves single-breasted suits in neutral hues like gray or brown.
-
Dress Shirt: A white or light blue dress shirt, usually well-ironed.
-
Tie: A plain silk tie, commonly in pure colors or with minimal designs.
-
Pocket Watch: A traditional pocket watch provides a retro touch.
-
Shoes: Brown leather oxfords or derbies, polished but not excessively dazzling.
Black Tie:
-
Tuxedo: A typical black tuxedo with peak lapels.
-
Dress Shirt: A white dress shirt with a pleated front.
-
Bow Tie: A black bow tie, simple and beautiful.
-
Cummerbund: A black cummerbund for a clean and elegant style.
-
Shoes: Polished black dress shoes, either oxfords or brogues.
Final Touches
Regardless of the character's style you choose to replicate, there are a few final touches that will boost your 1920s look:
-
Hair: Keep your hair properly groomed. A side part or slicked-back appearance was fashionable in the 1920s.
-
Accessories: Consider adding vintage-inspired accessories like a pocket watch, cufflinks, or a tie clip.
-
Confidence: The most crucial accessory is confidence. Carry yourself with the grace and elegance that marked the gentlemen of the Jazz Age.
-
By emulating the dress sense of Jay Gatsby, Tom Buchanan, or Nick Carraway, you'll not only look the part but also feel the charm and refinement of the 1920s. So, equip up, and be ready to journey back in time to an era of classic elegance and sophistication.
Mercado Wolski
The roaring 1920s, an era distinguished by richness, elegance, and lavish dress, are immortalized in F. Scott Fitzgerald's renowned novel, The Great Gatsby. This time, commonly known as the Jazz Age, saw a revolution in men's design, highlighted by sleek suits, vivid patterns, and sumptuous materials. For anyone aiming to mimic the elegant style of Jay Gatsby, Tom Buchanan, and Nick Carraway for a formal or black-tie occasion, here is an outstanding tutorial on how to create this timeless appearance with delicacy.
Jay Gatsby: The Epitome of Elegance
Jay Gatsby, the novel's mysterious and affluent protagonist, is famed for his immaculate sense of style. His wardrobe selections show his profound desire to impress and represent his rich lifestyle, with each look meticulously picked to create an impression of refinement and affluence. Gatsby's wardrobe is packed with expensive materials and brilliant colors, frequently containing custom-tailored suits that emphasize his elegance and attention to detail. His sartorial flare is not just about personal taste but also a determined endeavor to amaze and fascinate others around him, notably Daisy Buchanan. Through his lavish wardrobe, Gatsby attempts to represent the fantasy he has made for himself, masking his lowly roots and projecting an appearance of wealth and grandeur.
Formal Wear
Three-Piece Suit: Gatsby typically dons a well-tailored three-piece suit. Opt with hues like ivory, light gray, or cream. A slight pinstripe pattern may give a touch of refinement.
Dress Shirt: A fresh, white dress shirt is an essential. Ensure it's well-fitted and constructed of high-quality cloth.
Vest: A matching vest is crucial for the whole 1920s appearance. Make sure it’s tight but comfy.
Tie/Bow Tie: Gatsby is renowned for his penchant for bow ties, but a silk tie in a matching hue can also work. Patterns like polka dots or geometric patterns lend a vintage vibe.
Pocket Square: A silk pocket square, either plain or with a modest design, tucked neatly into your breast pocket, completes the ensemble.
Shoes: Polished black or brown leather oxfords are appropriate. Make sure they're well-shined.
Black Tie
Tuxedo: A basic black tuxedo with a shawl or peak lapel. Velvet lapels may offer a hint of Gatsby-esque grandeur.
Dress Shirt: A pleated or bib-front white dress shirt with French cuffs. A stud front might also lend a formal touch.
Bow Tie: A black silk bow tie is non-negotiable. Ensure it's properly knotted.
Cummerbund/Vest: A black cummerbund or a low-cut black vest will complement the formal look.
Shoes: Patent leather oxfords or opera pumps are great for black-tie gatherings.
Read Also: The Elegance Of Great Gatsby Men's Fashion
Tom Buchanan: The Power of Classic Sophistication
Tom Buchanan, the novel's antagonist, symbolizes the essence of old money and conventional beliefs. His presence is powerful and his manner radiates a feeling of superiority and entitlement. His style is a tribute to his affluent background and conservative viewpoint, distinguished by traditional and beautifully fitted apparel that shows his distaste for the showy displays of the nouveau riche. Tom's taste for ageless, understated elegance reinforces his conviction in the inherent superiority of his social class and the established order, setting him apart as a powerful man rooted in the virtues of a bygone period.
Formal Wear
Three-Piece: Tom frequently sports three-piece suits in darker hues like navy blue or charcoal gray with chalk-stripe designs. The waistcoat is seen to be double-breasted.
Dress Shirt: A white or light blue dress shirt with a stiff collar.
Tie: A silk tie in basic colors or faint designs. Deep, rich tones like burgundy or navy work beautifully.
Cufflinks: Silver or gold cufflinks to lend a touch of sophistication.
Shoes: Black or brown brogues, polished to perfection.
Black Tie:
Dinner Jacket: A traditional black or midnight blue dinner jacket with satin lapels.
Dress Shirt: A white dress shirt with a turndown collar with a favored pleated bib to highlight the boldness of the apparel.
Bow Tie: A classic black bow tie, ideally self-tied.
Waistcoat: A black waistcoat provides a touch of refinement.
Shoes: Patent leather dress shoes or polished oxfords.
Nick Carraway: The Charm of Subtle Simplicity
Nick Carraway, the novel's narrator, has a more subdued and realistic manner compared to Gatsby and Buchanan. His outfit is simple yet stylish, reflecting his middle-class upbringing and realistic view on life. Nick favors basic, well-made outfits that are both useful and attractive, eschewing the flamboyance and extravagance of his richer competitors. His outfit selections frequently include perfectly polished suits in neutral tones, matched by simple dress shirts and conservative ties. This modest elegance highlights his function as an observer and confidant, allowing him to blend into the background while giving a grounded perspective on the lavish world around him. Nick's style reflects his character: modest, loyal, and quietly sophisticated.
Formal Wear:
Single-Breasted Suit: Nick loves single-breasted suits in neutral hues like gray or brown.
Dress Shirt: A white or light blue dress shirt, usually well-ironed.
Tie: A plain silk tie, commonly in pure colors or with minimal designs.
Pocket Watch: A traditional pocket watch provides a retro touch.
Shoes: Brown leather oxfords or derbies, polished but not excessively dazzling.
Black Tie:
Tuxedo: A typical black tuxedo with peak lapels.
Dress Shirt: A white dress shirt with a pleated front.
Bow Tie: A black bow tie, simple and beautiful.
Cummerbund: A black cummerbund for a clean and elegant style.
Shoes: Polished black dress shoes, either oxfords or brogues.
Final Touches
Regardless of the character's style you choose to replicate, there are a few final touches that will boost your 1920s look:
Hair: Keep your hair properly groomed. A side part or slicked-back appearance was fashionable in the 1920s.
Accessories: Consider adding vintage-inspired accessories like a pocket watch, cufflinks, or a tie clip.
Confidence: The most crucial accessory is confidence. Carry yourself with the grace and elegance that marked the gentlemen of the Jazz Age.
By emulating the dress sense of Jay Gatsby, Tom Buchanan, or Nick Carraway, you'll not only look the part but also feel the charm and refinement of the 1920s. So, equip up, and be ready to journey back in time to an era of classic elegance and sophistication.