When did we ever see Frank Sinatra out of a suit? Never. I can't remember ever seeing footage of him not dressed up to the nines. That's the way it was in the 50s. Men dressed up. They looked smart, sharp and as if they'd stepped out of a Savile Row shop practically all the time. A fabulously cut blazer, freshly pressed trousers and a slick back hair do - and that was just to pop to Tesco (I've done my research people, Tesco was founded in 1919). Even in high summer it was still all about looking polished - a pair of crisp shorts and a short sleeve shirt on the beach. You can't beat it!
Taken from a 50s magazine - showing typical day wear!
Yes gentlemen, the 1950s was dominated by tailoring. Impressive, Sinatra-cum-Godfather, good old fashioned tailoring. And now in 2010, as we head into spring/summer (hopefully!), it's all back again. The high street is FULL to the rafters with amazing tailored hot buys so there is absolutely NO excuse not to look ultra smart and uber chic. Here are some bits I've found, there might be a splash of designer too...oops! Couldn't help meself.
Green shorts £20, New Look; Red skinny chinos £26, Topman
Navy blazer £127, Lyle & Scott www.lyleandscott.com; Double layer waistcoat £80, Allsaints
Paint splashed AMAZE shorts £360, Alexander McQueen at www.matchesfashion.com; Jersey-sleeved grey blazer £59.99, River Island
Short sleeve mac £59.99, River Island; Red striped blazer £215, Vivienne Westwood
Carolyn Massey linen trousers £60, Topman; Jersey navy blazer £35, Giles by Giles Deacon for New Look
Double breasted BRIGHT trench coat £635, Paul Smith; Deep V uber-cool blazer £1100, Qasimi
Grey jersey with white trim £49.99, Zara; Blue relaxed 'worker' blazer £69.90, Mango
A few from Topman. LOVE the middle two tone, colour block option. So Jil Sander!