Fortune City look and feel guide

Overview

Cosmopolitan, metropolitan, urban, worldly, opportunistic, avaricious, militaristic, political, scholarly, commerce and economy. Fortune City is the capital of Saxum, forged for the mutual benefit of the states. A hub of commerce, economic development, education, and political and military power, it is a city of ambition and opportunity. The city reflects its diversity, with fashion that is eclectic and can draw inspiration from other states, particularly those of its residents.

As with any major city, distinct fashion trends are evident within different societal classes. The wealthier citizens of Fortune City wear clothing that reflects their immense affluence, choosing luxurious materials such as velvets, silks, high-quality linens, and laces. Those of higher social standing may dress in finely tailored suits or attire reflecting their roles within the city, with accessories that signify their wealth and status. Wealthy folk often express their affluence through ornate jewellery, fine watches, and other luxury items.

The rising middle class in Fortune City emulates the wealthier citizens but with more affordable fabrics, such as corduroy, satin, and lower-quality linens. They retain cultural influences from their states of origin, and dress to reflect their social role within the city.

The lower classes in Fortune City often reflect their states of origin through their attire, with subtle embellishments that show the influence of Fortune City. Their clothing will typically indicate their occupation or reflect their ambition to move upwards in the city, though practicality remains key.

Everyone in Fortune City carries a weapon, whether worn openly or concealed. The weapon of choice can often reflect one’s social standing, with those of higher status potentially favouring more ornamental or finely crafted weapons, while those of lower standing may opt for more practical arms suited to their role.

We also have a Pinterest to give a visual aid to the themes of Fortune City clothing:

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Materials

Velvet, silks, cotton, linens, satin, laces, ribbons, leather and embellishments (trims and fastenings)

Clothing

In Fortune City, clothing reflects one's occupation, social standing, and the city's cosmopolitan nature. Fashion is diverse and eclectic, influenced by both the wealth and aspirations of the individual.

Individuals of higher social standing in Fortune City typically wear finely tailored suits, often made from luxurious materials such as silk, velvet, or high-quality linen. These are paired with shirts and large overcoats, with the design of the clothing sometimes reflecting the individual’s profession. Fastenings and embellishments can signify status or role within the city. Accessories are an important part of an affluent individual’s attire, including top hats or bowler hats, neckties, watches, canes, braces, and belts. The clothing is well-maintained, with little visible wear and tear, reflecting their wealth and social position.

Those in the middle class emulate the wealthy, but their clothing is made from more affordable materials such as corduroy, satin, and lower-quality linens. While their attire retains some level of formality, it is less ornate and may show signs of wear. Accessories remain important but are less extravagant, with modest hats, neckties, and occasionally pocket watches being common. While they may aim to mirror the wealthier classes, their clothing is not as tailored and the materials are more practical.

The lower classes wear more practical clothing suited to daily work, but still reflect the cosmopolitan influence of Fortune City. Their attire is often simple and utilitarian, yet they may still incorporate accessories such as belts, scarves, and hats. The materials used are more durable, though often showing more wear and tear. While clothing in this class is primarily functional, individuals may still express their identity and aspirations through small details and subtle embellishments.

Accessories are important for all social classes in Fortune City and serve as a subtle indicator of one’s status. Hats, neckties, scarves, watches, canes, belts, and bags are commonly worn, with the quality and style of these items varying based on social standing. Those in the wealthier classes will often choose more luxurious versions, while the middle and lower classes wear simpler, more practical items. In Fortune City, clothing plays an essential role in showcasing both occupation and ambition, with each class using attire to communicate wealth, status, and personal aspirations.

Jewellery and Decoration

In Fortune City, jewellery is a significant symbol of wealth, status, and taste. The wealthy often wear extravagant pieces made from gold, silver, diamonds, and pearls, including rings, necklaces, brooches, and cufflinks. Pocket watches with elaborate chains are common, along with decorative items such as tie pins, walking canes, and embellished hats. These accessories serve as both functional and decorative, reflecting the wearer’s wealth and social standing.

For those of more modest means, jewellery is simpler, made from cheaper metals like brass or copper, and may feature glass or imitation stones. Pocket watches remain a status symbol but are less ornate, and accessories like scarves, hats, and gloves, while still worn, are crafted from more practical materials.

Jewellery is also used to mark special occasions. Family heirlooms, such as simple rings or lockets, are worn with pride, particularly at church or other significant events. In Fortune City, jewellery plays a key role in conveying social status, with wealthier individuals opting for elaborate decorations and those with less wealth choosing more modest adornments.

Less Appropriate

Certain styles and clothing items are not suitable for the cosmopolitan, refined atmosphere of Fortune City. Clothing and accessories from outside the mid-Victorian period, such as steampunk attire or garments from later periods (e.g., early 20th-century fashion), are considered out of place and distract from the city’s distinct aesthetic.

Denim, leather jackets, and overly rugged or worn clothing are generally not appropriate, especially for those seeking to represent wealth or ambition. Pristine, unpatched clothing is expected of those in higher social circles, and any attire that appears too casual, such as plain workwear or oversized garments, would not fit the city’s more polished look.

In Fortune City, individuals are expected to present themselves with a level of sophistication that matches the city’s cosmopolitan, affluent nature. While the best of one’s means is always reflected in one’s attire, elegance, refinement, and careful attention to detail should be prioritized to fit in with the city’s distinctive fashion trends.

Further Inspiration

While this guide provides a strong foundation for the look and feel of Fortune City, players are encouraged to explore additional sources for inspiration. Historical references, films, and art can all provide useful insight into period-appropriate clothing and styles.

The following sources can help develop a more authentic and immersive aesthetic:

• Gangs of New York (2002) – Set in the gritty, working-class streets of mid-1800s New York, this film captures the contrasting fashion between the city's elite and immigrant populations, highlighting the rough, urban style of the time.
• Lincoln (2012) – Depicts the clothing of the political elite and military during the 1860s, providing a glimpse of both formal and everyday fashion during the mid-1800s in the U.S.
• Cold Mountain (2003) – Set during the Civil War, this film portrays the practical, everyday clothing worn by civilians, emphasizing the more utilitarian and worn styles of the period.
• The Red Badge of Courage (1951) – Based on the Civil War era, this film showcases the clothing worn by soldiers, as well as civilians, offering insight into the styles of the 1860s.
• Glory (1989) – While primarily focused on soldiers, this film also depicts civilians from the 1860s, providing a realistic look at the clothing of the time.
• Art from the Civil War Era – Paintings by artists like Winslow Homer and photographic collections from the 1860s offer a visual reference for civilian clothing of the period. Many of these works focus on the attire of everyday people during this time.