Has film followed fashion or has fashion followed film? With Baz Luhrman's adaptation of The Great Gatsby roaring (see what I did there?) onto our screens very shortly, it seems like men's fashion is going back in time and bringing back the pink-and-white suits of the 1920's. In fact, US tailors Brooks Brothers are bringing out an entire line of suits to coincide with the film's release. What's even more interesting is that the original Great Gatsby film, with Robert Redford in the 1970's, launched the career of one Mr. Ralph Lauren. Like that film and Luhrman's, it's all neatly-tailored suits with bright whites, thin ties and leather shoes. But the real question is, would you actually wear anything from it?

 

 

The short answer is maybe. Slicked back hair, like DiCaprio's and Maguire's, has been in style for the last while - mainly thanks to a resurgence in old-style gentlemen barbers. Take a look at Bedford Stuy in Temple Bar or the Waldorf on Westmoreland Street, all of which have been around for a while, but are now making a point of referencing the old styles.

Thin / high-waist slacks are making a comeback, albeit in a lesser manner. Waistcoats, as well, have been worn by Justin Timberlake and various other musicians for a while. Matched with pin-collar shirts - which are making a huge comeback, thanks to Daniel Craig and Skyfall - and you've got a look that's very much along the lines of Gatsby. Whether it matches or clashes, it'll work either way. Just make sure to keep it buttoned at all times and never, ever wear a t-shirt with it.

Oxford leather shoes have somehow been co-opted by women. It's bizarre to think of it, but they're pulling it off. Thankfully, it's not at such an advanced stage that you'll get looks for wearing them. Either a nice brown or faded black will do and these are plentiful in most outlets. The white-and-black ones are a little bit too loud for our taste, but if you think you can pull it off, go for it. The great thing about these shoes is that they can go with pretty much anything, be it simple dark jeans or slacks. Polish them up right and you can even wear them with a suit.

However, there are some areas that just simply won't catch on, despite heavy-handed promotion and advertising. Strawboater hats for men, seen below, will never work in Ireland, much less anywhere else. The simple fact of the matter is that you'll look like a pillock wearing one. People will either think it's Bloomsday and you're a member of the Joyce Society or you lost a bet. Either way, hats as formal wear are out and they'll stay out.

White and pink suits are, well, just wildly impractical. It doesn't work in this climate and it's far too noticeably aping the costumes from Great Gatsby to be anyway decent or fashionable. Granted, it's the "Roaring Twenties" so fashion was, by nature, louder and more brash. Still, it just doesn't translate to the modern age. White suits are now solely reserved for Colombian drug-lords and Miami Vice-themed parties.

In all, Great Gatsby looks like it's going to be a smash and with fashion designers already gearing their new releases towards the revival in 1920's fashion, you'll be seeing a lot more of these on the high street.