James Bond is one of pop culture’s most iconic characters. Despite being played by seven different actors (soon to be eight) over 60 years, he’s instantly recognizable. Even without a theme song, everyone can recognize Bond.
The character is set apart by his cool and collected attitude, his penchant for one liners, his ability to spring into action at a moment’s notice, and his love for a martini – shaken, not stirred. They say it’s the clothes that make the man and in Bond’s case, that’s partly true. His iconic looks have remained effortlessly cool over the decades.
Here are some of the highlights of Bond’s iconic wardrobe for inspiration on how to elevate a look and take it to a whole new level.
The tuxedo
James Bond’s most iconic look is, of course, the tuxedo. And not just any tuxedo – a perfectly fitted, bespoke tuxedo. The fit is essential because it sets Bond apart from anyone else who has just bought a suit off the rack. Having the tuxedo fit perfectly also allows him plenty of range of movement and space to conceal a weapon or two.
In our daily lives, there are very few opportunities to wear a tuxedo. There aren’t many events that call for them and some of the places that used to require black tie as part of their dress code have relaxed things somewhat in recent years. Weddings, New Year’s Eve parties and big events are some of the last places where a tuxedo is appropriate attire. Of course, this also includes casinos – for high rollers like Bond, that is.
The rise of online casinos has lessened the need to get dressed up to play. However, even a few hands at
a blackjack table on LeoVegas or a few spins of a digital slot machine can be made to feel like an occasion if the right outfit is worn.
Gray two- or three-piece suit
When Bond isn’t wearing a tuxedo, he has a range of suits. Some may argue that they are generally styled too tight but that’s obviously the choice of the costume department and it’s impossible to deny that he looks good. A suit cut slightly looser may be more functional for the average person, however.
While Bond has worn a variety of suits over his career, the gray suit has always been his go-to color. Film buffs have noted that despite the fame of his black tie looks, Bond actually wears a gray suit more often than any other look. This may be because of the versatility of the color.
One lesson to take from Bond is that classic doesn’t have to mean boring. Over the years, Bond’s gray suits have included different textures and weights to fit the location’s climate, and feature discreet patterns to keep things interesting.
Classic sweater
James Bond has never been one to shy away from the comfort and style of a heavy sweater. From his black commando sweater in No Time to Die (2021) to his cashmere turtleneck in Die Another Day (2002), all the way back to his burgundy V-neck golfing sweater in Goldfinger (1964), Bond’s sweater game has been strong.
When picturing the iconic spy, his sweater looks are rarely one of the first to come to mind. Yet they are fairly common across the decades. His sweaters are typically dressed down for casual romancing or complete the look when he’s on a mission and needs to be stealthy.
Hoodies, fleeces and sweatshirts may be the layering item of choice for many young people but that doesn’t mean that a sweater is out of place. Having one or two neutral sweaters in different weights in the closet makes it easy to dress up a basic look or keep a button-up and trousers look from feeling too stuffy.
Linen short sleeve shirt
Many of Bond’s best movies take place in sunny locales and Bond usually ends up spending plenty of time on the beach or out on the water. The swim trunks from Casino Royale (2006) shifted the fashion in men’s swimwear, after all. A more practical summer look from Bond is the linen short sleeve, button-up shirt.
Linen always has an effortless look to it and when done right, it exudes both class and leisure. Bond, of course, does it right. What’s essential is selecting a shirt in a neutral color or with a simple pattern. Stray too far in the other direction and the look becomes more Tommy Bahama than James Bond.
