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The SFNY 5 Style Guide

SFNY 5, the 1920s Harlem Knights themed bi-annual and bi-coastal party is around the corner. It will be at a secret location in Manhattan with a surprise guest performance. If you’ll be in NYC this Sunday, September 25th you don’t want to miss this. Trust us. If you don’t believe us check out the last SFNY recap here. In true Retrofit Republic style we’re here to help you get your style swagger on. Below are a few tips inspired by the 1920s Harlem Knights. We call this the modern Harlem Knights.





1920s Fashion Overview

The 1920s was the “golden age” of business, movies, music, and fashion. It was a time in which women were finally liberated from painful corsets and the conservative and heavily layered dresses, in favor of attire that revealed more skin and allowed for more agility on the dance floor. Thus, hemlines rose. Waistlines dropped to the hips and silhouettes became more boxy and loose fitting to accommodate the vivacious dancing and music of the time. For men, it was all about the suit whether it was the high-defined waist suit of the “old style,” Harlem’s zoot suit, or tuxedo suits with tails on the back. The commonality was polished attire.

Fashion Tips

To keep the inspiration of the 1920s Harlem Knights attire modern and fresh, it is about unexpected pairings of vintage pieces with contemporary pieces (this is our expertise). The goal is not to look like you’re in a head to toe 1920′s costume but that you were inspired by the decade. If you’d like to be true to the decade then go ahead and don all vintage pieces from the 1920s. We love vintage anyway.

Women’s look.



The typical women’s attire of the 1920s Harlem Knights were:

- Silk gloves
- Stockings
- Pearl jewelry
- Fur coats
- Cloche hat
- Bobbed hair cut
- Low waist silhouettes
- More width and space at the hips
- Higher hemline then ever before
- The straight-line chemise, a dress cut straight at the sides and left unfitted at the waist

Now for the modern touches to your outfit:

- Opt for edgy shoes that have interesting metal details or architectural design. We love the unexpected contrast of feminine and edgy (see image above)
- Instead of silk gloves opt for leather cut off gloves (see image above)
- Instead of a fur coat or bolero opt for a fitted lace or velvet cut-out bolero (see image above)
- Leather fringed clutch bag (see image above)
- Textured or bright colored tights and/or socks or just nude legs
- Instead of classic pearls opt for modern and architecturally edgy jewelry
- Instead of the over-stylized bob opt for an effortless and modern up do

Men’s look.

The typical men’s attire of the 1920s Harlem Knights were:

- “Old style” suits with high-defined waists, zoot suits, jazz suits, or tuxedo suits with tails on the back
- Knickers
- Bow ties
- Pocket watches
- Fedoras, trilby hats, top hats, or the newsboy cap
- Black patent-leather shoes, fringed tongues on Oxfords and brogues, and lace-up style shoes
- Double breasted vests, which were often worn with a single breasted jacket
- Tweed and flannel were popular fabrics of the era

Now for the modern touches to your outfit:

- Choose a tie/bow tie/pocket square/socks in a textured fabric and in prints such as gingham, plaid, herringbone, etc. (see image above)
- Wear a slim fit or modern fit suit instead of the “old style” classic and looser fit (see image above)
- Instead of the double breasted vest opt for a single breasted vest (see image above)
- Opt for a dress shirt with modern details such as piping or pockets, collar, and cuff linings in a different fabric, print, or color
- Or instead of a dress shirt pair your suit with a fitted turtle neck
- Instead of dress shoes pair your suit with your favorite dress boots (see image above)

Need more inspiration?

Let’s continue to keep it grown and sexy, SFNY style,
Jenny, Daniel & Julia


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If you would like to inquire about our styling services please go to “STYLING” on our website and/or email us at team@retrofitrepublic.com.

To set up a private shopping appointment, in which you’ll receive a complimentary styling consultation, please fill out our online shop form under “SHOP” on our website.

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