Late 1960's California collegiate style has never been done as well as it was in The Graduate (1967). Watching this movie now and looking at the wardrobe draws comparisons to everything from Band of Outsiders to Take Ivy. Benjamin Braddock's wardrobe is perfect in my eyes - classic sportswear punctuated by great fitting sportcoats, slimmed up ties and cropped chinos. Ben's style can really be broken down by each act of the film. The first third sees Ben kitted out in what he probably wore while in school - jackets and ties. This is followed by his aimless bumming around stage (when his affair with Mrs. Robinson takes place and he is rarely seen without a can of beer in hand) in which he is dressed more casually - white tees, shades, swim trunks and a few crew necks. The final and hectic third act features Ben in the film's pièce de résistance - an absolute beat to shit parka, which is eventually torn to shreds courtesy of Mr. Robinson. For some S/S inspiration (I am now convinced I need a pale yellow oxford) you need look no further than one of my favorite films ever. Absolutely top notch stuff.
-L.A.S
Posts
This is great stuff Lawrence! Inspiring...shot out to the short people!
ReplyDeleteIt's tough to make out the footwear. What's he wearing?
ReplyDeleteAnon- There are barely any shot of Ben's shoes so I can't really say.
ReplyDeleteSweet post. Looks like he's wearing those swim trunks from O'Connell's.
ReplyDeleteGreat movie indeed! They would be tons to say about each one of his outfits. Truly one of my favorite films sartorially speaking, along with Rushmore from Wes Anderson
ReplyDeleteThe Ben character went to Williams, not Dartmouth, College. The tie he wore to the cocktail party, and in the second photo of the group, is their pattern.
ReplyDeleteDesk Jockey- Good call, I always think he went to Dartmouth for some reason, but the script never mentions and actual college.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the heads up...changes made accordingly.
I've always admired that beige coat Benjamin wears throughout the film. It's a perfect Spring coat in my opinion. If you watch carefully you'll notice that the hood is actually attached to the inside of the collar rather than the outside, which is rare -- I've never seen this detail on another coat.
ReplyDeletePatrick- I'm thinking it was custom.
ReplyDeleteWhat I don't enjoy is the cruelty, the glib mindlessness, and the insulated, pampered narcissism that makes the whole thing possible.
ReplyDelete