The Editorial: My Favorite Fashion Era

I had a conversation over lunch with an officemate yesterday and the topic shifted over to our favorite fashion era. Her's was the 30's, or at least she thinks it's the 30s. I, on the other hand, am sure. Hands down, I just love men's style from the 60s best.

Specifically, I am referring to the early non-hippie 60s style. I'm talking about the setting "Mad Men" is situated in, the years when the Beatles were first breaking into the US. Yes, not only did these soon-to-be legends bring with them their groundbreaking songs; they also introduced tailored, fitted suits and made them look effortlessly cool. Finally, men began to understand what perfect fit meant, shifting away from the roomy and boxy gangster suits of the 50s.

Yes, the cut of The Beatles' suits would still be relevant today!

The band's tailored look has been the inspiration of many

Seeing young men in slim suits was actually more of the norm!

Along with the more fitted suits came the skinny neckties and bow ties we all know and love. Accessories were actually a big part of the era, including glasses, pocket squares, and tie bars, but instead of being showy and extravagant, subtle clean options reigned supreme.

Malcolm X in a skinny tie, horn-rimmed glasses and seersucker suit

The Original: Sean Connery as James Bond sporting a slim bow tie

Sean Connery sported a ton of sweet specs way back in the day

Tailored suits and accessories were only the beginning though. As you may or may not know, many of the casual wear classics we hold dear today were also perfected in the 60s. Cardigans, loafers, button-down collar shirts - these cornerstones were already worn by our grandfathers, thus enforcing my stance that people in their prime in the 60s are the most naturally stylish people there are.

Before the pajamas, Hugh Hefner sported cardigans and oxfords

From all these, you can see why I love the 60s style so much. That's why up to now, it's been an utter mystery to me as to why the stylish dressers of that time would replace their sleek looks with the monstrosities of the 70s, 80s, and even 90s. Then again, that's history. You make mistakes and you go back to things that work. And the beauty of it all is that you rediscover the magic of decades past along the way. You know, just like here. Just like now.

The Real Mad Men: Stylish fellows who worked for an ad agency in the 60s