Friday, July 22, 2011

Frank Sinatra Style

Trim, Buff. Clean.

For Frank Sinatra, the question of style was crystal clear: “You’ve either got or you haven't got style. If you got it, you stand out a mile." Sinatra should know-after all, he was way out in front with his look. 



"Don’t hide your scars. They make you who you are."



Ol’ Blue Eyes (Sinatra’s eyes were a striking bright blue) was born in 1915 in New Jersey, the son of Italian immigrants. His father, a firefighter, occasional boxer, and bar owner, thought little of his son’s plans to become a singer. But when Sinatra Ir. was expelled from school before completing his studies (on the grounds of "general rowdy- ism"), few options remained open for a truly great future: the choice was between sport, crime, and music. Sinatra decided in favor of the most elegant of the three. 

"For me, a tuxedo

is a way of Life." In 1935, he won his first talent contest. In the mid—fifties, “The Voice," as he was soon admiringly called, became a star. Sinatra, then as now the prototypical entertainer, attached great importance to his perfect appearance. The list of his clothing rules was as long as his repertoire of number one hits. In order to ensure the wrinkle free fit of his custom made suits, Sinatra avoided sitting down; if this couldn’t be avoided, he wouldn’t cross his legs. The only acceptable evening color was black. According to Sinatra there was no excuse for wearing gray, blue, or most of all brown after sunset. 

“There’s no excuse for brown shoes past sundown or white shoes. Or anything gray, unless it’s deep charcoal. Or blue, unless it’s midnight blue. In fact, let’s keep it simple: after dark, men should wear black.”

Day or night, his shirt cuff’s had to extend exactly one half inch from his jacket sleeves, and his pant legs were only a hair’s breadth above his invariably polished shoes. He completed the look with classic monochrome neckties, always silk, precisely folded breast—pocket handkerchiefs, gold cufflinks (but no other jewelry), and a fedora hat. But the singer’s most important accessory was the natural ease with which he wore his outfits and which ultimately made his look authentic. It was not for nothing that Sinatra sang: "Style and charm seem to go arm in arm." He was right. 

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