It’s our bi-annual tradition to go to Dapper Day at Disneyland.  People go to the parks dressed in their best attire, whether its vintage, vintage inspired, modern, or anything in between!  While the style varied a lot between the guests, our group went decidedly 1930s-1940s as we usually do, combining textures and patterns as expertly as possible. Here’s what we wore on that slightly mild November day!

Ethan

If you follow the blog, you’ll notice that this suit was the one that I bought while on Haight-Asbhury in SF!  It is a mid to late 1940s’s double breasted suit (note the lowered buttoning stance and wide, bellied lapels) made of a brown wool with red window pane.  No tailoring was needed; it fit perfectly! Even the pants have no break!  As I said, the suit is a bit “1940s bold” with the lowered button stance, but it works well to make a period look.  I may do a “modern take on 1930’s style”  most days, but Dapper Day is one of the few events that I wear my true vintage looks and go for accuracy.

The shirt is a custom spearpoint from Natty Shirts (my preferred shirt maker) and is cut from a light denim cloth. Wearing a denim shirt and a tie isn’t a new, GQ invention. People back in the day definitely wore them!  When worn with a retro-striped tie and a collar bar, it looks pretty awesome; the dark colors in play together definitely make this a fall outfit.

Like I said in my guide, a collar bar can make a great vintage look, but make sure that your shirt has a long enough collar.

1940’s wool suit ($150), Custom Spearpoint Shirt from Natty Shirts ($30~), 1930’s tie ($10), Allen Edmonds woven spectators ($40)

Spencer

Spencer goes for something more 1930’s. How do you know? Well the first tell-tale sign is the jacket. It has a more moderate button stance (compared to my low-1940’s one) and the lapels are much more straight and medium-sized.  He also decided to go with smart separates instead of a full suit, which is “daring” since it means you have to take more colors into consideration.  My outfit is lazy since my jacket and pants were chosen by default.

Note that Spencer is more adventurous with his pattern mixing. He pairs a striped shirt with a 1930’s “criss cross” striped tie and dotted pocket square. This level of pattern mixing is straight 1930’s.   Bonus points for including a 1939 Mickey Mouse store pin!

I know that we said cuffs are an important part to have for a “vintage look” but there are always exceptions to the rule.  The fact that these vintage trousers lack a cuff could be that the previous owner had them lengthened or that the WWII fabric rationing was in effect, preventing tailors from using fabric “excessively”. As cuffs require more length to create, WWII suits and trousers lacked cuffs.  This detail is a sign of the styles of each era of vintage clothing! 

1930’s belted back jacket from Joyride Vintage, Custom Spearpoint Shirt from Natty Shirts, 1930’s tie, Blue 1940’s trousers, vintage suede wingtips. 

Jeremiah

Jeremiah is probably the best dressed person in the group.  Maybe that’s because I styled him with my own clothes!  Regardless, he is truly the king of the 1930’s style: just look at all those patterns! It’s like an old Laurence Fellows illustration.

He wears a 1930’s houndstooth Jacket (with triple patch pockets), striped spearpoint shirt, geometric printed tie, fair isle sweater vest, plaid pocket square, and modern micropatterened wool pants. Yes, his pants aren’t true vintage, but I still think it works.   The overall vibes of this fall, pattern-mixing outfit is something that I would definitely wear!

Anthony

Anthony came all the way from DC to join us for Dapper Day!  While Jeremiah was close to doing a full 1930’s outfit, it is actually Anthony that is the most modern.  He has a 1970’s  ( but who can tell?) pinstripe DB jacket, worn with a spread collar striped shirt, slim foulard tie, and grey trousers.  What makes his more modern than the others you might ask? Well, you’d know if you read my guide.  All joking a side salad, remember that spread collars and slim ties weren’t particularly common in the 1930s-1940s.  Regardless, he has a great look that blends perfectly into fall with its muted colors and masterful pattern mixing.  You can always do something 1930’s inspired even with modern pieces.

It’s important to note that Anthony found this jacket while at Goodwill with me.  It cost $17.  We may wear suits and tailored clothing all the time, but we still know how to buy smart!

1970’s pinstripe DB jacket, Gagliardi Spread Collar Shirt, Joseph Abboud tie, Thrifted Pants, Johnston & Murphy Shoes 

Some Other Pictures of the Day

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see, it was a pretty fun time!  People weren’t as dressed up as in prior Dapper Days, but it was still great to walk around the park in style.  It also allowed me to experiment with my photography!  Be sure to check out my next article, which will focus on the Street Style of Dapper Day!

Always a pleasure,

Ethan W.

Street x Sprezza

Photography by Ethan W. and Anthony B.