Iconic American Denim Style

You can't talk about American style without mentioning denim.  From it's humble, utilitarian roots, it has risen to the pinnacle of fashion and has an almost cult-like international following.  So every brand has to consider how it's pieces mix in with denim.  I wanted to bring you a few pictures of our pieces mixed into a unique vintage look.  There are so many cool ways to play these looks, I'm really excited about seeing how our customers do it their way. Here's a few interpretations of mine:

 Even in denim, I like to keep it elegant, sporty, and vintage-inspired by using a lot of small flourishes. I always start with great shoes and here I'm wearing a dark wash pair of Levi's with a boot cut over cap-toes from Allen Edmonds.  My shirt is our Kent (Button-down) collar in a lavender oxford. I paired this with a navy & lavender Repeal Club tie in a nice full windsor knot. The vest is our Barrymore Classic in a navy pinstripe flannel. I dropped in a lilac gingham pocket square as an extra little flourish. The tortoise shell reading glasses are unfortunately a neccesity, but these from Classic Specs do look nice. Finally, our vintage newsboy cap in Tan Herringbone.

In the next pic you'll see I'm working off the same base.  It's great to be able to build a lot of different looks from a few key pieces. My shirt is our Chatham (Polo) collar in a cranberry vintage stripe. The jacket is our workhorse, the Period Perfect Navy Blazer.  A nice bowtie, a pocket square, and I'm elegant enough for reservations,  but still easy enough for a few whiskey cocktails at the Clover Club. Oh, and since I'm almost a gentleman, I'm rarely sans a cap. My current fave is this tan herringbone newsboy.                                       

The final outfit is a sporty, narrative outfit inspired by the Great Depression. Overalls were common attire for working men and merchants. I've stepped mine up a bit by adding a Chatham collar shirts and bowtie. I draped a pocket square in the pocket and on the left strap used a vintage pin that reads "vote dry". Finished with my cap du jour.  Don't miss the heavy brogue boots! I promise to some more specialized blogs on shoes and how to go spiffy to spectacular using small accessories to set your style apart.

Clientele Pictures from the Jazz Age Lawn Party, August 2011

Our newsboy cap and Gable Peak lapel Jacket on style icon J. Michael

Our newsboy cap on this dashing duo.

Our Driver Cap and Calloway Deco Pleat Jacket. Great grooming, a lovely dame, and an easy style.

Simply Charming in our vintage Newsboy Cap

The Modern Vintage style. Slim suspenders and a low rise trouser for a uniquely modern approach.  Our driver cap adds the finishing touch.



Love the beard, the glasses, the brightness and the seamless way our Driver cap blends in.


Thought I'd share a few pictures of some of our clientele from the Jazz Age Lawn Party in August.  One of the great things about making elements of style is the chance to interact and learn from people who patronize the brand.  These guys already have a sense of themselves and an easy confidence, so they elevate the product and just take it to another level. Can an inanimate object really be cool? I'm a skeptic.  I think the object is ultimately defined by the character of the wearer and for that I'm truly grateful and appreciative of the clients we get to work with.

As you pull together your own look for the fall, remember in terms of style, a hat is only second to good shoes. (But, we don't make those! I'll scoop you on who does shoes right, in a future blog). 


Besides, a hat draws attention to your face, which gives you a chance to make eye contact.  In my experience, a lot of lovely things begin with a glance. Plus, you can easily wear a cap three or four times per week. When you consider cost-per-wear (a concept I'll elaborate on in the future), they're a great value. Be sure check out our offerings by clicking into our: e-bay pop-up shop .  


If you want to come to Brookyn, e-mail me to make an appointment: cmiller AT prohibitionclothing DOT com. I'll be glad to work with you personally and there's always a little rye whiskey or St.Germaine to be had.  After all, we are the Prohibition Clothing Company.