Nice threads JackScratch.

The ones with just me in them are my wedding photos. I wore my work clothes. Pretty funny huh? I need to get my gangster/grifter duds posted on there as well.

My suggestions would be to see if you can find some screen shots (or, if you can find it, watch a copy) of the musical "Guys n Dolls," which is all about sharpers and work from there (just turn down the sound if you see the movie - Brando can NOT sing, trust me on this!). Or look at the movie The Sting for some ideas as well.

Double-breasted, dark pinstripe zoot suit, snap-brim fedora, black & white wingtips (or spats!), grey gloves, black shirt and white four-in-hand tie, loooong gold watch-and-chain. Yes, it's a bit of a mix of styles, bit it fits the public's eye of the stereotype to a pretty good extent.

Razor cut, slicked back hair, VERY clean-shaven look was a necessity for these guys, as was a no-nonsense attitude - think New Jersey or da Bronx hustler types from the old Bogart movies - or the Dead End Kids attitude if you know who they are (if you don't, find some of their movies, they are moderately funny).

If you can find someone to teach you a few steps of the Lindy or the Jitterbug, you can even make your entrance with some flash and style as well. as a soldier, you already have a sense of how to keep a beat, I'm sure - cadence being what it is and all!

;)

Best to you over there. Keep your backside and your head down!

Lee Darrow, C.H.

Hey Lee,( and everyone else that is intrested)

I haven't heard from Art for a while. But, last time I did, he and his unit were back home in the USA.

Vandy

Art -

The guy that epitomizes the look you are after is Martin A Nash aka The Charming Cheat.

He does have a mustache but the overall effect would be there even without it.

Just dress as you would normally, that's what I do.

Nash just wears a tux, doesn't he?

I recommend taking a look at Oceans 11 (remake), Oceans 12, and Swingers. These movies are a good example of modern dress that's very attractive and fashionable, but without too much formality.

The Oceans 11/12 characters are theives, albeit very sartorially inclined ones. The characters in Swingers are aspiring actors, singers, comedians, etc. who have adopted a slightly retro style, drawing inspiration from big-band and rockabilly styles.

These aren't so much costumes or uniforms as they are just well-put together outfits. Brad Pitt's character in the Oceans 11/12 films, for example is well dressed, usually in a suit, but with certain elements (such as a piece of nice jewelry, or a French cuff shirt with the collar undone and the cufflinks left out) that add a more modern flair. I think dressing to these standards would be a bit more relevant to a modern display of gambling proficiency than the old west style, while still giving the requisite image.

In a way, the look could be categorized as the Italian dark suit/dark shirt look, or even the pinstriped gangster attire, brought into the modern day via new colors and textures. The subtle details such as losing the tie and adding a showy belt buckle help you to look well-dressed without looking out-of-place, or like you're trying too hard.

I personnally wouldn't go for the "old cliches": steamboat era or Al Capone kind of dresscode.

Yes, you'll be quickly identified as your persona, but this persona will be a "museum character of a fake gambler." I am forcing a bit here, but I want to be sure that you get me (as english isn't my language.)
I think you'll be way more credible as a "real" gambler if you dress "normally", i.e. very classy in a today's way (I like the "Ocean's 11" example.)

It will be clear anyway that you aren't a "real real" gambler as you make a show out of it. So, things will be clear anyway regarding the fact that you are a performer and not a real bad guy. But, emotionnaly, the audience is more about to "believe" it than if looking at a museum piece of performance. You can tell them about what is going on in today's real poker games in the hidden places: that will speak to them way more deeply than telling them what was happening in old boats many years ago.

Anyway, I think I would choose that path in your situation.µ
I hope this helps.

I only dress in era attire when the event is themed as such, which is most of the time for me. I rarely have any trouble with the audience, but then, I specialise in character work.