A 'classic aesthetic' is favoured by contemporary men

February, 21 2012

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For a while now fashion aficionados have noted the throwback to vintage menswear - a trend that shows no sign of slowing down as slim and stylish continues to overtake loose and casual in the wardrobe of the well-dressed modern man.

With popular television programs such as Mad Men play their part in introducing a whole new generation of men to kind of attire so elegantly worn more than 50 years ago, the shift seems to stretch far beyond just a small-screen sartorial impact.

Writing about the appearance of men at charity ball in Toronto, The Star columnist Robert Cribb commented last Saturday (February 18): "Together, they formed a parade of dandy bowties, skinny retro suits, tie bars, cufflinks and vests, modern throwbacks to the male fashion dictates last displayed in dusty family photo albums."

Cribb adds that among other genres in recent years, traditional British and Italian tailored approaches "have been about trying to capture a classic aesthetic".

In Australia this trend is following a similar path to North America and the rest of the world, with office workers and socialites alike leaning increasingly toward an executive tie, slim shirt and vest combination over less corporate attire.