It’ll be here before you know it. So if you’re in need of a few ideas on what to give (or in some cases, what to put on your own list) this year, this is the place to be for the next couple weeks. Our annual 12 days of Dappered covers highly giftable ideas with a few examples piggy-backed onto each. All will be reasonably affordable. See the growing archive here.
Sometimes, all you want to do is watch a good looking movie. Most of these have great stories attached, some… well, some are Ocean’s 12. If the weather outside is frightful, put one of these on and call it an evening. There are a plenty of best dressed movie lists out there, and this one is anything but a be-all end-all. Just suggestions. All links below go to Blu Rays, since it’s kinda hard to wrap a Netflix stream, and some of us like to have the physical discs for when the friggin’ internet goes down. Again.
The American – $6.49
Casual Clooney. A quiet, underrated film. Shot beautifully in Italy. Persol Sunglasses, an Omega Speedmaster, and Clooney’s hair is buzzed short without an ounce of nonsense available. Also, an appearance by one of the better sweater dresses, ever.
The Original Ocean’s 11 – $9.29
Rat pack. Las Vegas before, well, before. Frank Sinatra wearing a shag sweater. And proof that adding a random musical number to any movie will work if the cast is dressed well enough.
Inception – $6.96
Lots of suits. Lots of guns. Lots of “whoa hey WTF is happening here?” Christopher Nolan darkness, a monster of an orchestral soundtrack, and obligatory Zero Halliburton cases. Tom Hardy, no goofy mask.
To Catch a Thief – $13.70
Holy moly Grace Kelly. And Cary Grant is very Cary Granty. Of course Cary Grant is the only guy to have ever been able to make extremely high rise pleated pants look terrific. Lotta alternative neck-wear. Ascots, scarves, etc. It was a different time.
North by Northwest – $6.49
As good as To Catch a Thief is, it plays a distant second fiddle to North by Northwest. Cary Grant & Alfred Hitchcock once again. Proves the power of a grey suit and a great pair of sunglasses.
American Gangster – $7.00
Frank’s theory on style isn’t just limited to suits. Directed by Ridley Scott. Denzel Washington, no surprise, is incredible. The dichotomy between Frank and Richie’s clothing, especially casual wear, is frightening.
The Great Gatsby – $7.99
Seemed like it became a game to criticize this one (and some weird criticisms too. “He says ‘Old Sport’ all the time!” Daisey is so vapid!”… well, yeah), but Baz Luhrmann saturated this thing with as much roar as the roaring 20’s could muster. Assists from Brooks Brothers and Tiffany.
The Bank Job – $5.00
Probably Statham’s best (wish there’d be a way to get him into better movies like this). Certainly has a little bit of an upbeat Ocean’s caper feel to it, but only up to a point. You’ll know it when you get there. Then the thing turns. Quickly.
Casablanca – $14.97
Hard to believe anyone can wear a dinner jacket with the same ease one of us might wear a pair of pajama pants. One of the greatest films ever. Rick is the man… man.
The Thomas Crown Affair – $11.49
Obligatory.
Crazy Stupid Love – $9.11
Obligatory Part II. Sbarros?
From Russia with Love – $9.99
As sharp as 007 has ever been. Exotic locations , a few gadgets but nothing over the top, legitimate fight scenes, and a more than worthy Bond girl.
Skyfall – $14.19
The clothes certainly outperform the A-Team like 3rd act. Bond with a bit of stubble (at least for a while). A legendary cuff-link adjustment. The peacoat. The navy shawl collar tux.
Ocean’s 11, 12, & 13 – $20.00
Oscar worthy? Of course not. But fun as hell. Plus, your Mrs. won’t mind watching them with you since she gets to oggle the likes of Clooney/Pitt/Damon/etc. Interesting to watch the fits of the suits trim up from 11, to 12, to 13.
Follow along with the rest of 2014′s edition of the 12 Days of Dappered here.