Men's Fashion Evolution

While women's fashion dominated attention, men's clothing also evolved significantly. The black suit's dominance, established earlier, solidified into uniform of bourgeois respectability. Yet subtle variations—fabric quality, cut precision, accessory choice—signaled status as clearly as women's obvious displays.

The dandy tradition, inherited from Baudelaire and Beau Brummell, evolved Belle Époque variations. Robert de Montesquiou, Proust's model for Baron Charlus, elevated male dress to art form. His coordinated outfits—matching cravat, gloves, and walking stick—required hours of preparation. Such extreme attention to appearance marked suspicious effeminacy to many observers.

Sport influenced men's fashion increasingly. The Norfolk jacket, originally for shooting, became acceptable casual wear. Knickerbockers appeared on cycling excursions and golf courses. The blazer, derived from rowing dress, entered general wardrobes. Athletic wear's adoption reflected changing masculine ideals—the healthy sportsman replacing the pale intellectual.

Working men's clothing improved through mass production. The complet—matching jacket, vest, and trousers—became attainable for skilled workers saving carefully. Sunday best allowed working families to appear respectable for church and promenades. Yet work clothes remained distinct—the blue smock (blouse) immediately identified manual laborers.

Military influence persisted in men's fashion. The Franco-Prussian War's defeat didn't diminish military style's appeal. Civilian coats featured military braiding, standing collars suggested uniforms, mustaches followed military regulations. This militarization of male appearance would reach tragic apotheosis in 1914.