Dressing the Part: The Relationship between Wealth and Dress in The Great Gatsby, and Its Reflection of Social Commentary on the Excesses of the Jazz Age

Gatsby's extravagant spending on his dress:

Gatsby's wealth is self-made, earned through dubious means that are not entirely transparent. However, his newfound riches enable him to indulge in lavish and extravagant spending, especially on his attire. Gatsby's clothing choices showcase his desire to fit into the upper echelons of society, and he uses his wealth to create a larger-than-life persona.

One of the most apparent aspects of Gatsby's extravagant spending on his dress is his penchant for luxurious fabrics and materials. His silk shirts, fine wool suits, and ornate accessories highlight his preference for opulence and refinement. Gatsby's extravagant attire also extends to his grand parties, where guests are engulfed in a world of sumptuous fabrics and lavish outfits, further reflecting his materialistic lifestyle.

The relationship between Gatsby's wealth and his attire:

Gatsby's attire is a direct reflection of his newly acquired wealth and his aspirations to be perceived as a man of significance and refinement. His extravagant dress choices are a manifestation of his desire to rise above his modest origins and gain acceptance among the old money elite.

His wealth enables him to access the finest tailors and clothing boutiques, where he can commission bespoke clothing and acquire the most exclusive and fashionable items. Gatsby's opulent attire becomes a vehicle for his transformation, both in terms of social status and personal identity.

Gatsby's relationship with his attire also demonstrates his belief in the power of appearance and the ability of clothing to create an illusion of success and grandeur. His extravagant dress becomes a tool for self-presentation, designed to impress others and project an image of the successful and sophisticated man he wishes to be seen as.

Comparison of Gatsby's dress with lower-class characters:

In contrast to Gatsby's extravagant dress, lower-class characters in the novel are depicted wearing more modest and functional clothing. For instance, George Wilson, who owns a small garage, likely cannot afford the same level of luxury and attention to detail as Gatsby. His attire is likely simple and practical, reflecting his economic limitations and social standing.

Additionally, Myrtle Wilson, George's wife, aspires to be part of the upper-class world and uses clothing as a means of emulating the fashionable and glamorous lifestyle she desires. However, her attempts to imitate the wealthy through her clothing choices are perceived as inauthentic, highlighting the inherent limitations of using dress to transcend one's social class.

Social commentary on the excesses of the wealthy through Gatsby's dress:

Gatsby's extravagant dress and his ostentatious lifestyle offer a scathing commentary on the excesses of the wealthy during the Jazz Age. The novel exposes the shallowness and superficiality of the materialistic pursuit of wealth and status, represented by Gatsby's extravagant spending on his dress.

Through Gatsby's character, F. Scott Fitzgerald critiques the self-made millionaires who emerged during the 1920s, often engaging in illegal or morally questionable activities to amass their wealth. Gatsby's dress, laden with luxury materials and accessories, epitomizes the excessive materialism and showiness that were prevalent in the culture of the time.

Furthermore, Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, a symbol of the old money elite, becomes an obsession fueled by his desire to attain social acceptance and assimilate into the upper class. His extravagant dress serves as a means of impressing Daisy and her social circle, illustrating the lengths to which he is willing to go to be embraced by the established wealthy class.

In conclusion, wealth in "The Great Gatsby" is intricately connected to Gatsby's extravagant spending on his dress, exemplifying the relationship between his riches and attire. His opulent clothing choices represent his desire for social advancement and acceptance among the elite. By contrasting Gatsby's dress with lower-class characters, the novel provides a platform for social commentary on the excesses of the wealthy during the Jazz Age. Gatsby's extravagant attire and lifestyle serve as a cautionary tale, revealing the hollowness of materialistic pursuits and the elusive nature of the American Dream.