Fashion at the Felt

A group of elegantly dressed men and women gathered around a roulette table in a 1950s casino. The men are wearing tailored suits with narrow lapels and thin ties, while the women don cocktail dresses with cinched waists and full skirts. The scene exudes sophistication and glamour.

Step back in time to the golden age of establishment fashion, where elegance met excitement at the felt tables. The 1950s and 60s marked an era of unparalleled sophistication in establishment attire, with patrons dressed to impress as if attending a grand soirée every night.

Gentlemen's Attire: Suave Sophistication

For the gentlemen of the era, a night at the club was an opportunity to showcase their sartorial prowess. Tailored suits were the order of the day, cut to perfection and often in dark, rich colors that exuded mystery and allure. Narrow lapels and slim-cut trousers defined the silhouette, while crisp white shirts provided a stark contrast.

A lineup of men in various 1960s suit styles standing near a craps table. The suits range from classic black to patterned jackets, all paired with narrow ties and pocket squares. Their hair is neatly styled, and some are holding cigarettes or martini glasses.

Accessories played a crucial role in completing the look. Thin ties, often in silk with subtle patterns, were de rigueur. Pocket squares added a pop of color or pattern, carefully coordinated with the rest of the ensemble. Cufflinks and tie clips in gold or silver provided a touch of sparkle that rivaled the chips on the table.

Ladies' Fashion: Glamour Personified

The ladies of the establishment floor were nothing short of show-stopping in their cocktail attire. The quintessential look of the era featured dresses with nipped-in waists and full skirts that swirled gracefully as they moved from table to table. Fabrics like silk, taffeta, and chiffon were popular choices, often adorned with beading or sequins that caught the light of the chandeliers above.

A woman in a 1950s style cocktail dress standing by a slot machine. The dress is a vibrant emerald green with a fitted bodice and full skirt. She wears elbow-length gloves and her hair is styled in an elegant updo. Pearl jewelry completes her ensemble.

Necklines varied from sweetheart to bateau, often accented with statement necklaces or elegant chokers. Gloves, particularly elbow-length styles for evening wear, added an extra layer of refinement. Stiletto heels clicked across the ballroom floors, while clutch purses held not just chips and lipstick, but an air of mystery and allure.

Hair and makeup were equally important aspects of the overall look. Perfectly coiffed updos or softly curled bobs framed faces adorned with winged eyeliner and bold lip colors. The goal was to appear effortlessly glamorous, as if one had just stepped off a silver screen and onto the establishment floor.

The Evolution of Resort Chic

As the 1950s rolled into the 1960s, fashion at the felt tables began to evolve. Men's suits became slightly more relaxed, with some opting for patterned jackets or even the occasional turtleneck under a blazer. Women's hemlines began to rise, and the mod influence brought in sleeker silhouettes and bolder colors.

Despite these changes, the core of establishment fashion remained rooted in elegance and sophistication. Whether it was a high-high-profiles game of baccarat or a lively night at the wheel wheel, establishment-goers of the 50s and 60s understood that dressing the part was half the thrill of the game.

A panoramic view of a 1960s casino floor filled with elegantly dressed patrons. In the foreground, a couple sits at a blackjack table - the man in a white dinner jacket and the woman in a sleek, knee-length sheath dress. The background shows the evolution of styles, with some mod influences visible among the classic looks.

Today, as we look back on this golden era of resort fashion, we can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for a time when every night out was an occasion to dress up and step out in style. The fashion at the felt during the 50s and 60s wasn't just about clothes—it was about creating an atmosphere of excitement, luxury, and timeless elegance that continues to inspire retro enthusiasts and fashion lovers alike.

"In the world of establishment fashion, every roll of the dice was accompanied by a roll of the stockings, and every shuffle of the cards was matched by the rustle of fine fabrics. It was an era where style was the ultimate pinnacle."