Dress Like The Great Gatsby: The Essential Guide for Gents

Jay Gatsby: The Epitome of Elegance

Jay Gatsby, the novel's enigmatic and wealthy protagonist, is renowned for his impeccable sense of style. His clothing choices reflect his deep desire to impress and signify his lavish lifestyle, with each ensemble carefully selected to convey an air of sophistication and wealth. Gatsby's wardrobe is filled with luxurious fabrics and vibrant colors, often featuring custom-tailored suits that highlight his elegance and attention to detail. His sartorial flair is not just about personal taste but also a calculated effort to dazzle and captivate those around him, particularly Daisy Buchanan. Through his extravagant attire, Gatsby seeks to embody the dream he has built for himself, masking his humble origins and projecting an image of success and opulence.

Formal Wear:

1. Three-Piece Suit: Gatsby often dons a well-tailored three-piece suit. Opt for colors like ivory, light gray, or cream. A subtle pinstripe pattern can add a touch of sophistication.
2. Dress Shirt: A crisp, white dress shirt is a must. Ensure it's well-fitted and made of high-quality fabric.
3. Vest: A matching vest is essential for that complete 1920s look. Make sure it’s snug but comfortable.
4. Tie/Bow Tie: Gatsby is known for his preference for bow ties, but a silk tie in a complementary color can also work. Patterns like polka dots or geometric shapes add a vintage touch.
5. Pocket Square: A silk pocket square, either plain or with a subtle pattern, tucked neatly into your breast pocket, completes the ensemble.
6. Shoes: Polished black or brown leather oxfords are ideal. Make sure they're well-shined.

 

Black Tie:

1. Tuxedo: A classic black tuxedo with a shawl or peak lapel. Velvet lapels can add a touch of Gatsby-esque luxury.
2. Dress Shirt: A pleated or bib-front white dress shirt with French cuffs. A stud front can also add a formal touch.
3. Bow Tie: A black silk bow tie is non-negotiable. Ensure it's properly tied.
4. Cummerbund/Vest: A black cummerbund or a low-cut black vest will enhance the formal look.
5. Shoes: Patent leather oxfords or opera pumps are perfect for black-tie events.

Tom Buchanan: The Power of Classic Sophistication

Tom Buchanan, the novel's antagonist, epitomizes the essence of old money and traditional values. His presence is commanding and his demeanor exudes a sense of superiority and entitlement. His style is a testament to his privileged upbringing and conservative outlook, marked by classic and meticulously tailored attire that reflects his disdain for the ostentatious displays of the nouveau riche. Tom's preference for timeless, understated elegance underscores his belief in the inherent superiority of his social class and the established order, setting him apart as a powerful figure entrenched in the values of a bygone era.

Formal Wear:

1. Three-Piece: Tom often sports three-piece suits in darker colours like navy blue or charcoal gray with chalk-stripe patterns. The waistcoat is seen to be double-breasted.
2. Dress Shirt: A white or light blue dress shirt with a stiff collar.
3. Tie: A silk tie in solid colors or subtle patterns. Deep, rich colors like burgundy or navy work well.
4. Cufflinks: Silver or gold cufflinks to add a touch of class.
5. Shoes: Black or brown brogues, polished to perfection.

Black Tie:

1. Dinner Jacket: A classic black or midnight blue dinner jacket with satin lapels.
2. Dress Shirt: A white dress shirt with a turndown collar with a preferred pleated bib to enhance the boldness of the attire.
3. Bow Tie: A traditional black bow tie, preferably self-tied.
4. Waistcoat: A black waistcoat adds a layer of sophistication.
5. Shoes: Patent leather dress shoes or polished oxfords.

Nick Carraway: The Charm of Subtle Simplicity

Nick Carraway, the novel's narrator, has a more understated and practical style compared to Gatsby and Buchanan. His attire is modest yet elegant, reflecting his middle-class background and pragmatic outlook on life. Nick prefers simple, well-made garments that are both functional and tasteful, avoiding the flamboyance and extravagance of his wealthier counterparts. His clothing choices often include neatly pressed suits in neutral tones, complemented by plain dress shirts and conservative ties. This understated elegance underscores his role as an observer and confidant, allowing him to blend into the background while providing a grounded perspective on the opulent world around him. Nick's style mirrors his character: unpretentious, reliable, and quietly sophisticated.

Formal Wear:

1. Single-Breasted Suit: Nick favors single-breasted suits in neutral colors like gray or brown.
2. Dress Shirt: A white or light blue dress shirt, always well-ironed.
3. Tie: A simple silk tie, often in solid colors or with minimal patterns.
4. Pocket Watch: A classic pocket watch adds a vintage touch.
5. Shoes: Brown leather oxfords or derbies, polished but not overly flashy.

Black Tie:

1. Tuxedo: A traditional black tuxedo with peak lapels.
2. Dress Shirt: A white dress shirt with a pleated front.
3. Bow Tie: A black bow tie, simple and elegant.
4. Cummerbund: A black cummerbund for a clean and classic look.
5. Shoes: Polished black dress shoes, either oxfords or brogues.

Final Touches

Regardless of which character's style you choose to emulate, there are a few final touches that will elevate your 1920s look:

• Hair: Keep your hair neatly styled. A side part or slicked-back look was popular in the 1920s.
• Accessories: Consider adding vintage-inspired accessories like a pocket watch, cufflinks, or a tie clip.
• Confidence: The most important accessory is confidence. Carry yourself with the poise and elegance that defined the gentlemen of the Jazz Age.

By channeling the fashion sense of Jay Gatsby, Tom Buchanan, or Nick Carraway, you'll not only look the part but also feel the charm and sophistication of the 1920s. So, suit up, and get ready to step back in time to an era of timeless elegance and style.