Forget the traditional garb of the street detective of the 70s. Crocket and Tubbs faced an enemy unlike any other – humidity. And that called for a drastic rethinking of the detective dress code. Leaving the conservative suits in the closet, they opted for light colors and breathable fabrics such as linen suits. The button up shirts with choking ties gave way to the pastel tee shirts in such unforgettable colors as teal blue and flamingo pink. Perhaps not the most masculine colors, but they made up for it with lots of facial stubble, sub-machine guns and Ferraris.
And for many Americans, some of which who lived thousands of miles from Miami, they could at least dress as if a pina colada belonged in their hand, as if they were a mere stroll from a sandy vacation resort. With a white linen suit and pastel shirt, they were eager to give the impression that, perhaps, they were working undercover as well, living a dangerous, if not leisurely, life of action and adventure. And although Crockett and Tubbs have long since retired (with the exception of a feature film in 2007), someday these fashions may once again assault the collective senses, as all trends seem to eventually come back around. And although that certainly isn’t a crime in regard to the style of Miami Vice, some would likely suggest that it should be.
