There’s also a Fitzgeraldian glamour to the new Downton Abbey movie trailer. Set in the 1930s, the action decamps to the south of France, with the men adopting pristine white suits and cream knitwear. It’s a world that Ralph Lauren has long mined to great effect, and also offers a masterclass in how to look sharp in sunnier climes.
Of course, we’re not in the habit of recommending costumery, but some tips from the Gatsby style playbook are worth taking note of as we steer into balmier weather and look forward to formal summer events and wedding season.
Let’s start with those neutral tones. There’s nothing more depressing than a man wearing his workaday corporate suit to a summer wedding – it’s a reminder of office life. Cream or tan tones are an excellent way to achieve a departure from the tailoring norm.
Fabric’s key here: lightweight linen will appear more obviously crumpled in lighter tones, so keep to structured cotton or light wool varieties. Consider what tones work alongside it, too. Complementary fawn shades work well, likewise soft pastels, but steer clear of anything bright and avoid a white shirt with a white or cream suit – the overall effect will look more evangelical rather than elegant.
Coloured suits are tricky beasts for men – an impactful shade can look devastatingly elegant, but runs the risk of veering into novelty territory if done incorrectly. A soft tone, in the vein of Gatsby’s baby pink, is a safer bet, and pitch perfect for Continental weddings too. Alternatively, opt for light blue or even a buttery, soft-focus yellow, and pare your accessories back so that the only busy component is the colour.
Our anti-hero has long been depicted in candy-striped seersucker, but its innate tweeness runs the risk of making you look as if you’re about to break into Ol’ Man River aboard a Mississippi steamboat. Seersucker is an excellent option for tailoring in hot weather – the raised “bobble” effect means it’s wonderfully aerated – but instead of the classic candy stripe, opt for a smart black or navy tone.
As for Gatsby-esque accessories, scale back on the am-dram theatrics of cane, signet ring etc – but feel free to adopt a contrast-collar shirt with rounded collar and a dandyish lapel pin to pick up the glint of the sun. Beautiful, but not damned.
