Dressing like James Bond is the epitome of cool for many! The iconic character has been known for his effortless style, elegance and sex appeal for over six decades. It’s fair to say his look is tried and tested! Whether is Sean Connery’s classic tux or Daniel Craigs’ rugged leather jacket, Bond’s wardrobe has inspired us for generations.
So, what is the secret to Bond’s style? Read on to find out.
The Perfect Suit
The foundation of James Bond’s wardrobe is his suit; and it’s not just any old suit – it’s a perfectly tailored suit. Getting a tailored suit may be less expensive than you think. You can buy any suit that your budget will allow and then take it to your local tailor or seamstress. The James Bond style is well-fitted around the chest and shoulders, with the sleeves ending just above the wrist. The pants should sit comfortably at the waist and fall straight down to the shoes. The colour can vary, and there’s no reason you can’t get creative. Bond usually opts for neutral shades such as black, grey and navy.
The Classic Tuxedo
Whether you need a tuxedo in your wardrobe or not depends largely on your lifestyle. If you attend formal events or black-tie occasions you may want to invest. Keep it classy like Bond with a black dinner jacket (preferably with a satin lapel), a white dress shirt, black trousers and a black bow tie. The fit should be tailored and slim, and this style looks great on men and women! Not only will it look great, but a well-fitted tuxedo can make you feel sharp and confident!
The Shoes
Shoes can make or break an outfit, so opt for a classic design that’s made of high-quality material. The shoes should not stand out too much but simply complement the overall look. A Sanders and Sanders chukka boot offers you the very best of elegant, quintessentially British design. They are simple, long-lasting and good enough for Bond himself. These boots were actually used in the movie Spectre, so you know they’ll give you the ‘Bond look’.
The Shirt
A crisp, white shirt is timeless and all the great Bonds wear one. You should ensure any shirt you wear is immaculately pressed, crisp and clean. The fit should be slim, but not too tight – you should be able to move freely within it as you never know when MI6 will need you.
The Accessories
The Bond look utilises accessories that are understated, yet stylish. They’re luxurious but not in a showy kind of way. He wears a simple pocket square made from fine materials, a classic tie or even a bow tie, and a sleek watch on his wrist. Keeping it minimal adds elegance without being flashy.
The Casual Look
You don’t need to wear a suit or a tuxedo to exclude elegance – even when Bond is dressed casually he remains stylish and sophisticated. His casual look often consists of a simple, well-fitting sweater or a polo shirt worn with jeans or chinos. As usual, he keeps the colours neutral and the clothes fitted, but not too tight. A good-quality leather jacket or bomber jacket will certainly complete the look.
The Confidence
The most important part of dressing elegantly is also being confident. No matter what you are wearing, have confidence and conviction, because when you feel great, you look great too. It doesn’t matter whether Bond is wearing jeans or a three-piece tuxedo, he carries himself with an air of charm and sophistication. This simply comes with confidence!
Invest in Key Pieces
While most of us can’t afford to go out a buy a whole new wardrobe, you can slowly add key pieces into your repertoire. Start small with accessories and then add in the shoes. Simply keep adding pieces that are of a high quality and that will stand the test of time.
While it may seem like a lot of work to dress like James Bond, it’s important to remember that his style is timeless and versatile. Whether you’re attending a black-tie event or going out for drinks with friends, Bond’s wardrobe offers a range of options for every occasion.
The key is to invest in high-quality pieces that fit well and complement your personal style. With a little attention to detail and a lot of confidence, any man can master the James Bond formula for dressing elegantly. So go ahead and give it a try – you might be surprised at how good you look and feel in a perfectly tailored suit or tuxedo.