At the end of last year, Wall Street turned 20. Not the New York Stock Exchange, of course. That is actually over two centuries old - and counting. No, the landmark was for Wall Street, the movie, which was released exactly two decades ago on December 11, 1987.

Even with the passage of time, the film remains a classic standing the test of time, so much so that studio executives gave the green light to Money Never Sleeps. In this sequel, "coming soon" as they say in Hollywood, central again is Gordon Gekko, the sharp talking lead character of Wall Street, the movie. He is fresh out of prison having served time for his insider trading misdemeanours. The screenplay invites the ultimate master of the universe - to borrow Tom Wolfe's phrase for city slickers of Gekko's day - to reprise some of his famous catch phrases like "lunch is for wimps" and "greed is good". Indeed, the sequel's title, itself, is based on what Gekko uttered in the first film at dawn on his private Hamptons beach while taking a call on his brick size cell phone (that's mobile to those of us in the UK).

Of course, Wall Street is at least as well remembered for the cast's wardrobe; double breasted pinstripe suits, slanted tie clips, *bright braces, Windsor tie knots and cut away collars. The power dressing of the era that the film captured made the movie's characters seem at the very least masters of their domain, if not the universe as a whole. Even those in the cast hardly blessed with natural grace or impressive frames

What is most interesting to those like me who rather than being the universe's master often find the planets seemingly in conspiracy is that the real secret to the striking images of the film is in the clothes. At least that is according to Ellen Mirojnick, Wall Street's costume designer credited with inspiring the New York fraternity of tailors to deliver a real sense of style to the film. She confided to me that it was hand woven cloth and classic cuts that made the cast stand out. Jackets with double vents, side tabs that hit the hips perfectly and trousers that let the legs drape, with turn-ups and a depth of pleat all added to the overall, impressive effect. Pinstripe also gave the impression of greater height, too.

If you began this year with the aim of shedding a few pounds and tightening up around the waist and the chest, this inside take on the subtleties of Wall Street should make you stop and think. Likewise, if you extended your gym membership by a few months, mussed over running a Marathon, or took to the swimming pool with, who knows, an attempt at the channel crossing in mind.

For sure, these are all, undoubtedly, worthwhile pursuits, not least if marathon runs or swims raise money for deserving charities. Healthy living is not beneath consideration, for sure. But, as the adage advises, everything in moderation, including moderation, itself. At least as important as your vital statistics are what you wear and the fit of your wardrobe. That is to say, the secrets of walking in the footsteps of masters of the universe are as much about taking the time to select carefully what you wear as treating your body like a temple.

* H&K item to wear in homage to the film Wall Street but hopefully while also taking time out to enjoy a decent lunch which is not at all for wimps.

Colin Cameron writes about lifestyle for a range of newspapers, including the Financial Times, and magazines. His next book, "You Bet", on the cultural, social and political impact of the explosion in Internet betting since 2000, will be published by Harper Collins in 2009.

Other articles by Joseph Connolly and Colin Cameron that may be of interest:
Black Tie, James Bond and Aston Martin, Hilditch & Key in Paris, London Shops,
The very best shirt in the world