Hollywood has given us some of the finest suits in the world. But what makes them so special? In this blog post, we aim to delve into some of the finest suits featured in movies and uncover the secrets that made them great. By drawing inspiration from these timeless examples, we can elevate our own style.
Cary Grant – North By Northwest
One of the most iconic suits in film history is undoubtedly the grey suit worn by Cary Grant in Alfred Hitchcock’s North By Northwest. At first glance, it may seem like just a simple grey suit with a white shirt and grey tie. What makes this outfit so special?
Cary Grant was a true master in the art of color coordination. We all have natural colors present in our features – our skin tone, eyes color, and shade of hair. Mr. Grant’s complexion included tan skin, brown eyes, and jet-black hair with a hint of grey. Instead of hiding his silver hair as most men do, he uses it to his advantage. He coordinates his suit fabric and tie color with his hair to give the impression that he put thought and effort into his appearance. He’s working with himself rather than fighting against nature.
What can we take away? Take stock of your natural pallet and cultivate a wardrobe that will work harmoniously with it. Find a tie in the same color and shade as your eyes or wear slacks that match your hair.
Steve McQueen – The Thomas Crown Affair
Steve McQueen was renowned for his impeccable taste in suits, and one outfit that stands out from the rest is his striking three-piece ensemble from The Thomas Crown affair. The getup features a stunning deep green window-striped jacket, complemented by a matching vest, and a crisp blue shirt, all adorned with tasteful accessories.
With his tan skin and sandy hair of a similar hue, Steve McQueen masterfully mirrors this same low-contrast look in his suit by selecting colors that seamlessly integrate. The result is a cohesive and sophisticated look that accentuates his features and exudes timeless elegance.
By taking inspiration from Steve McQueen’s style, we can learn the importance of considering our own levels of contrast present in our features. For those who have a high-contrast face, consider spacing out the bold colors of your outfit with plenty of neural space in between. A navy jacket, white shirt, and dark red tie would look smashing on a gentleman with fair skin and dark hair. If you have a low-contrast face, follow Mr. McQueen’s playbook and reach for colors that complement each other.
Sean Connery – Dr. No
While any Bond could have made the list, there is something special about Sean Connery’s ivory dinner jacket from Goldfinger. The jacket is designed with self-faced peak lapels, a subtle yet significant detail that sets it apart from the standard silk or velvet facings found on many midnight blue and black dinner jackets. The mother-of-pearl buttons he chose are strategically placed to accentuate the off-white hue of the coat. He tops the outfit off with a black bowtie and contrasting black trousers to make the light jacket pop even more.
James Bond has always exemplified what it means to be ‘dressed to kill’. His style was never ostentatious, but rather a reflection of his refined taste and impeccable attention to detail. By taking cues from his wardrobe choices, we can learn how to make a statement without appearing overbearing or embarrassing. Whether it’s a formal event or a night out on the town, dressing to impress is a skill worth mastering.
Conclusion
There’s a lot to learn from these iconic suits and there are so many more we didn’t get a chance to mention. Have any questions? Mad that we forgot your favorite suit scene? Contact us or email info@henrydavidsen.com to get started. Until then, enjoy these other articles:
