Under Roosevelt’s administration, the US Navy became the second largest seaborne fighting force in the world (second only to the Royal Navy). But, while the Navy’s power continued to expand, the uniforms of its sailors were still very much of the old school. Using wool as the main source of insulation for colder climates and cotton for cooler environments, the appearance of a US Navy sailor was formal and traditional, with work uniforms not being what they were thirty years later. A US Navy landing party of the USS Florida at Vera Cruz in 1914. Note the wool uniform and formal appearance (image via US Military Forum) Bought myself one of these for Xmas... I really, really like it. I looked all over the internet for info and wanted to add my .02 for any others in the same boat. Rising out of the 1930s; an era of economic downturn and depression, the Navy had not seen significant development in its uniforms for many years. Overdue for a re-vamp which coincided with the global scale of the Second World War, the US Navy took the opportunity to develop three separate clothing systems for varying environments. Best remembered for his star-making turn as disaffected outcast Jim Stark in the 1955 film, Rebel Without a Cause , and for his whirlwind life that was cut short at just 24 years of age, the casual cool of James Dean still looms large over the popular consciousness. With this in mind, there are several style lessons to be learned from this bad-boy of the silver screen–and despite being outside the typical mold for an entry in this series, we believe he can still unquestionably be considered a Gentleman of Style. Early Life – From Indiana Farm Boy to Aspiring Actor

He landed several roles on television and Broadway before finally catching his big break starring in his first feature film East Of Eden as Cal Trask — a troubled young man entangled in a family rivalry with his brother.In Rebel Without A Cause , Dean rounded out his iconic combination of Harrington, T-shirt, and jeans with a dark pair of leather engineer boots.

What better way to die? It's fast and clean and you go out in a blaze of glory." James Dean, on the dangers of sports racing

Preppy– as mentioned before the Harrington is a preppy staple. One can wear them with chinos , a polo shirt and boat shoes or replace the Polo with a button down shirt and throw in a bow tie , also one can replace the chinos with shorts ( without the bow tie ) . Early adopters often wore it with a Fred Perry T-shirt but only brand victims care about the label. I suggest you always look for quality, cut and design first. A month after his death, James Dean's second film Rebel Without A Cause was released. Though Dean's career was only beginning to take off, the young star's broody portrayal of protagonist Jim Stark combined with his untimely death catapulted Dean's persona into mythical status. PS: Don’t get me wrong, Mr. Schlueter: I found your article intriguing and a good read. It’s just that I would not put James Dean in the “gentleman” slot. The classic G9 outer shell is made of a poly-cotton blend that is water repellent though I also enjoy pure cotton. You can also find corduroy, leather and all kind of other materials nowadays.

I won't deny it has some JD mojo. It gets a lot of attention. Many a friend has wanted to try it on. Dean as Jett Rink in Giant, from 1956 [Image Credit: Warner Bros. Inc] James Dean’s Death – A Racer Passes on the Highway Although the filmmakers have received the green light from Dean's family, many have criticized the posthumous casting as exploitative and distasteful. It's emblematic of the price of fame even long after death.I'm a serious-minded and intense little devil... Terribly gauche and so tense I don't see how people stay in the same room with me. I know I wouldn't tolerate myself." James Dean Thousands of fan letters poured in while those close to him were hounded by fans requesting James Dean pictures and his possessions, any absurd item they could get their hands on.

Jim Stark (Dean) and Buzz Gunderson (Corey Allen) in a knife fight in Rebel Without a Cause. [Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures] Dean was a studious and accomplished method actor, but perhaps more than his talent, it’s his natural charisma, as an avatar for rebellious youth, that shines through today. He didn’t abide by Hollywood standards of the time, preferring to live by his own rules.Semi-Formal / Sophisticated– Replace your Blazer / Sports coat with a suitable Harrington while keeping the rest of your ensemble the same. Contrary to how it may sound or look in print it actually does work, and will definitely make you stand out from your peers. James Dean and Raymond Massey, in the climactic scene from East of Eden. [Image Credit: Warner Bros. Inc] Rebel Without a Cause– The Quintessential Dean Performance Dean is absolutely at his peak — forever. He was already immortal before most of us saw him and that's part of the fascination," film historian David Thomson said. "Everyone's got their own notion of what would have happened to James Dean if he had not died." James Dean / Steve McQueen– the cool and casual look is best achieved by keeping things minimal. Jeans, T-Shirt and boots sums it up beautifully. There is a wide scope to play around with these elements and one can mix and match to achieve the look that suits you. The fascination behind the alluring actor morphed into a high-pitch fever. A year after, industry polls showed James Dean was the most popular actor in Hollywood, outranking other actors who were still alive.