Style it like a Soprano 5
THE LATEST FASHION trend – like many during lockdown – comes straight from our TV screens. ‘Latest’ however, might be a slight misnomer. We’re not talking about Normal People or Mrs America but The Sopranos. Yes, this vintage boxset contains a summer 2020 must-have: the Soprano shirt.
Carmela’s got gold jewellery, Adriana’s got animal print but, as unlikely as it sounds, the kind of short-sleeved, printed shirt that Mr Soprano wears for ‘business’ meetings at Satriale’s have found a new audience on Instagram. (And before you scoff, Tony styled out a white vest and chain necklace combo long before Paul Mescal.) Part tourist in Hawaii, part American bowling team, the retro, off-duty classic has staged one of the season’s most unexpected comebacks.
Tiffany Hsu, fashion buying director at MyTheresa, revisited the trend with a well-timed Instagram post. Wearing a short-sleeved Jacquemus shirt over a crop top and frayed jean shorts, the caption read: ‘Channelling my inner Tony Soprano.’ Scroll through the offerings at Net-aporter, Matchesfashion and Browns (our favourites include graphic versions by Rejina Pyo and Ganni) and it becomes clear that the camp button-down is having a moment. But why now (aside from the fact we’ve been binge-watching anything that’s going)? ‘Short-sleeve shirts are the perfect smart-casual combo for summer. They’re so easy to just throw on and make an impression, especially for dressed-up-tophalf Zoom looks,’ explains Tiffany, who wears hers with shorts, miniskirts and as a beach cover-up over swimwear.
Styling is key. Look for something printed – Tony’s were, naturally, on the punchy side – and wear open over highwaisted chino shorts and a crisp white tee. The cigar is entirely optional.