Layer-up with a three-piece suit as seen in the series
You can’t dress more sharply than the gangsters and crooked politicians in Boardwalk Empire.
With season two arriving on Blu-ray and DVD on the third of September, we want to show you how to dress for success, with threads that exude power.
The 1920s are going mainstream this year with a host of film and television projects lined up. Be ahead of the trend with our tips for some serious power dressing.
Layer-Up
The three-piece suit was all too popular in the 1920s. A nicely tailored suit included a waistcoat, vest, and thick fabrics to enhance contrasting collars on shirts and jackets. Unlike suits today, these had little to no padding, making suits fitted at the shoulders, double-breasted, and fitted to the waist.
Stand Out
Run the town like Nucky Thompson by making a bold statement with contrasting and flamboyant colours. Try contrasting different colored checks with a bowtie that compliments the two colours to create a ‘20s style look that will get you noticed. Can’t get into wearing bright colored shirts? Stick with a white shirt paired with a rounded or “club” collar and an interesting tie.
Accessorize
For those of you familiar with the HBO Series, Boardwalk Empire, you know that Nucky Thompson’s signature red carnation pinned in the button hole never failed to accessorize his stylish look. For a similar look without the extra pizzazz, look for bowties and pocket squares with different designs and bold colours that tie the whole suit together.
Pants
For a tailored suit that is fitted at the shoulders the pants must fit impeccably. In the ‘20s pants were worn high on the waist with a crease down the front. Pants of this day looked extremely refined and striking.
Long Coats
Often people are seen in black or tan trench coats, the style emerging from the hit HBO series is stepping out in long coats of different colours and different textures. To make a statement with your long coat look into deep reds and royal blues like Chalky White’s signature red topcoat. If you’re looking to just brighten up your wardrobe a tad, a lighter brown or beige colour is what you need. Picking an outrageous colour isn’t the only way to make a statement. Find a coat with a contrasting collar colour to add just a pop of style and attitude.
Hats
Pocket squares and bowties weren’t the only form of accessories in the 1920s. In order to prove your hardcore status in Atlantic City, the men of Boardwalk Empire go above and beyond when it comes to flaunting their style. Hats were extremely popular and walking sticks were the cherry on top. Michael Kenneth Williams’ character, Chalky White is often seen with a fedora on his head and a walking stick in his hand to top off the gangster look. Rocking a fedora is “in” right now, but to change the look up a bit try setting a trend with a newsboy cap.
Shoes
Two-toned wingtip shoes complete the wardrobe of a gangster in the 1920s. A great pair of shoes can make or break an outfit, so choose a pair that compliments the colours featured in the suit and tie.
Fabrics & Colours
Bold colored suits along with earth-toned suits were extremely popular in the 1920s, anything from blues, browns, greens, beiges, creams and tans to the bright and bold oranges, lavenders, pinks and yellows. For the Agent Nelson Van Alden types, the earth-tone suits you. Add a little personality with a fun tie with a pop of colour. For the more outgoing and boisterous, the bold colours will make you stand out in every way possible.
Hair
The style of the 1920’s hit Boardwalk Empire doesn’t stop at the clothes and accessories. Hairstyles make a big difference in the look and feel of an era’s style. Generally, men’s hair was significantly longer on the top of the head than on the sides. Trim hair on the crown of your hair in order to create the ideal cut for a ‘20s style look. Comb all of your hair back adding a dollop of product to complete the double slick look of Michael Pitt, who plays Jimmy Darmody.
We’ve given you the ammunition to dress sharply and impress. For more inspiration, and to see the power-dressers in serious action, check out Boardwalk Empire Season 2, on Blu-ray and DVD from HBO UK September 3rd.
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