Rather Dashing: A Man's Guide to Classic Fashion

by Reggie Moore Professional writer and proto entrepreneur

Dressing with style can mean a variety of things depending on who you are and what your personal tastes are. Today's modern era of fashion has become a hodgepodge of the old and the new, sometimes updating classic styles in such an original way that youth cultures aren't even aware of where the influences of their clothes come from. In other cases, classic fashion trends are resurrected in their pure form, having the potential to make casual passersby feel like they've just stepped out of a time machine.

These are some of the main ins and outs of classic men's fashion to help get you started.

The Suit of the 20th Century

It was around the start of the 1900s that men commonly donned what was known as the middle-class suit. This came from English fashion and was what replaced the more intricate (and expensive) suits worn with frock coats that went all the way down to your knees, which were popular during the 1800s. This is where the term "three-piece suit" comes from, as these outfits included a pair of trousers, a jacket, and a vest - although the latter was commonly referred to as a waistcoat back then. Underneath all these layers was a button-down collared shirt, worn with a tie.

Hats, Hats, and More Hats

Yes, hats were an extremely part of any man's fashion during these classic eras. The proper thing to wear on your head depending on a number of things including social circumstances as well as environmental factors. Straw hats like Panamas and boaters were ideal during the hotter summer months, and fedoras were typically only seen once it got colder.

From the Swingin' '20s to the Great Depression

The Jazz Age of the 1920s was hands down the most colorful and exciting era of classic men's fashion. Reveling in the victory from the Great War, music and clothes alike showed the optimism and high spirits of the general public. Moving forward to the economic crash of 1930, the fashion industry all but died due to fabric rations and general low spirits of the masses. Although a time of frugality and minimalism, this is still an interesting era of fashion to recreate.

Clothes make the man, and only you can decide which kind of man you want to be. Whether you're a newcomer to the world of fashion or you've been practicing it your entire life, it's never a bad time to explore this bygone era of interesting hats and elegant suits. By imitating the fashions of your forefathers, you can feel like a whole new man. Keep these tips in mind when you are looking at men’s polarized sunglasses and you won’t go wrong.