OverDressed for Life

The always dashing Tom Wolfe in 1980. Photo from the book Legendary Authors and the Clothes they Wore.

You never realize how much of your background is sewn into the lining of your clothes. 

Tom Wolfe (1930-2018), American author/journalist.

In addition to his writings of fiction (Bonfire of the Vanities) and non-fiction (The Right Stuff) Mr. Wolfe was know for his signature white suits. The story goes that in the early 1960s, he purchased his first white suit to wear in New York during the summer months. But he found that the fabric was too heavy and warm (I wonder what it was). So he sported his white suit in the winter instead and caused some attention because as we all know, white is only for summer! He continued to wear those white suits throughout the rest of his life and he often added details such as a vest, pocket square, and a hat.

RIP, Tom Wolfe. Your sartorial guidance will be missed.