Nostalgia has completely transformed the fashion industry not only for men but for women likewise. Time and time again, designers have blended their skills with inspiration from the past, helping to shape the future of fashion. So let's have a nice discussion about yet another nostalgic twist ensemble, Gray Flannel Suit.
Driving you back to the 1950s, American men and women complied with policies, rules, regulations and standards in fashion. It was the time when dressing was dictated by the government. For instance, casual dressing was banned at the office and staff were required to stay loyal to the company by dressing formally. So you can think of office-banned pieces like denim, shorts or athletic wear.
Those who oversaw a company aka corporate executives were instantly recognized for their gray flannel suits. The said suit featured details such as single-breasted blazer for a masculine elegance or three-buttoned blazer featuring narrow lapels and shoulders for an official look and trousers that gradually narrowed towards the ankles and with absence of pleats.
To add a touch of conservatism, gray flannel suits were worn with button-down collared shirts normally in pale blue or white colors featuring smart details such as cufflinks.
Striped ties were the timeless piece to polish a suit appearance, glossy wingtip leather shoes in black or brown colors added a vintage classic effect.
Cold weather influenced men to wear pieces such as single breasted trench coats and brimmed hats. During the rainy season, men preferred a drip-dry raincoat.
Gray flannel suit had its own respect. In fact—it was a business ensemble that was practical for only office workers unlike factory workers. Gray flannel suits made with synthetic fabrics that were easy to wash and iron gained their momentum in the fashion world in the mid-1950s.
In the 1950s, men who wore gray flannel suits were widely admired and iconic. The suit projected loyalty and conservatism. Frequently accessories that added a touch of power finish to a man in the gray suit were leather briefcase in black or brown and wristwatch.
The gray flannel suit was an idea behind the best selling novel, called "The Man in The Gray Flannel Suit" (1955) written by Sloan Wilson (1920—2003). One year later (1956) after the release of the novel, Gregory Peck (1916—2003) starred in a Hollywood movie titled, "The Man in The Gray Flannel Suit". The movie was produced by Darryl F. Zanuck.
REFERENCE:
Batterberry, Michael, and Ariane Batterberry. Fashion: A Mirror of History. New York: Greenwich House, 1977.