Men's LifeStyle Blog

Five Decades Of The Bond Style :

‘’The name is Bond, James Bond.’’ One of the most recognisable introductions in cinematic history, it unmistakably sets the tone for some of the greatest scenes ever captured on film, right from Dr. No in 1962 to the more recent versions such as Casino Royale and Skyfall.

As Agent 007 for the British Secret Service, James Bond soon gained iconic status as the fictional spy who outsmarts the opposition every time; the one who won the affections of the most desirable women, known as the Bond Girls; the one who would be admired by everybody for his manliness and unrivalled bravery; the epitome of the man every boy would like to grow up to be; the man every grown guy wants to see in himself. He is also the man every woman wants to be seen with.

Ian Flemming could surely not have predicted that his main character would become one of the most talked about heroes in film – or that his every move would be watched, that his style would be admired, his suits and tuxedoes copied. Of course, trends change all the time – as does what our hero wears. 

IT STARTS WITH THE SUIT

The suit is the man, it is often said, and that is true for Mr. Bond who has always shown great dress sense, from donning the more informal suit to those fit for a night at the cocktail bar. As the 1st James Bond, Sean Connery was often seen in suit trousers typical of the English fashion style of the 60s: tapered leg with a turn-up. The jacket lapels were quite narrow in the early Bond films and the suits all in all much more conservative when compared to the current Bond suits. The legs were wider and allowed for much more room between material and skin. Bond has always been known for a fondness of especially blue and grey suits.

The Roger Moore era saw Bond in slightly less formal, but still very smart suits, often in lighter shades of grey than those of his predecessors. The suits worn during his time as Agent 007 remain as classy as those before his time but fit more tightly around the leg and shoulder.

Timothy Dalton, not looking any less prepared than any other Bond, broke away from the traditional grey/blue look, this time also minus the almost obligatory tie.

A suave, confident -looking Daniel Craig in a light grey suit; the tie is slightly darker to ensure an understated elegance. Compare this to the Bond suits of the 60s and 70s and note how much tighter this fits around the shoulders and legs.

It is to be expected that 007’s suits would change over time; what has not changed is the class and sophistication with which he wears them. In the early Bond films the emphasis was on more loose-fitting and comfortable suits as was the custom of the time; today’s heroes go a small step further and don’t mind showing off a well-chiselled body in tighter trousers, tighter shirts and jackets.

THE CASINO LOOK

Our debonair hero is as well known for his casino attire as he is for his day suits, fast cars and charming the ladies. Always dressed in expensive attire fit for the occasion, Bond looks every bit the gentleman from the moment he enters as he gets ready to outsmart the enemy in the casino. He does not shy away from the white dinner jacket as is evidenced here, with both Connery and Moore opting for white as opposed to the more traditional black at the casino.

Daniel Craig in classic black tie outfit:

The formal Bond look at the casino will probably not go out of fashion for many years; it simply compliments the style and air of Bond too well. James Bond is as much a style icon as he is a spy and ladies’ man. His favourite game has always been baccarat; in Dr. No Sean Connery played Chemin-de-fer, an old-fashioned version of the modern variant, for the first time. He is as comfortable in the casino as he is driving one of his fast cars, seducing the smouldering ladies he comes into contact with or outwitting his enemy. In more recent films Bond is seen trying his hand at the craps table (Diamonds are Forever, the 1971 Bond movie) and more recently Texas Hold’em in Casino Royale (2006).

The casino is often the place where the action comes to a head, even if it does not necessarily lead to direct confrontation. Bond knows how to remain cool, how to fool the enemy into believing they have the upper hand and, above all, how to win over the ladies’ affections.

Always the perfect gentleman, suave and perfectly mannered, our hero remains true to his style: look the part and dress accordingly.

THE ACCESSORIES

Pierce Brosnan wears Dunhill cufflinks in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997).

Bond will always look ‘’unfinished’’ without accessories like a wristwatch and cufflinks, such as the S.T. Dupont 5172 as worn by Daniel Craig in Casino Royale, or the Tom Ford cylinder cufflinks in 2012’s Skyfall.

Sunglasses often complete a look, even as far back as in the early Sean Connery movies. In The World is not Enough (1999), Pierce Brosnan wears a pair of Calvin Klein sunglasses and in Die another Day a pair of Persol 2672. Of course, Daniel Craig makes sure Bond looks good with Persol 2720 covering his eyes in Casino Royale and a Tom Ford in Quantum of Solace.

Bond may break certain rules – it is okay. In this day and age the health conscious amongst us try to avoid smoking as much as possible, but in his Bond days Connery often lit up. Lighters seen in some of the Bond movies include a Dunhill Unique Silver and a Dunhill Unique Gold.

Bond and fast cars go hand in hand. In 1964 (Goldfinger) Connery got to drive a silver Aston Martin DB5, as does Daniel Craig in Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. The BMW seems to have been the vehicle of choice in the Pierce Brosnan days. Of course there were many others throughout the Bond films, depending on the circumstances our hero found himself in. A night at the casino called for a different type of vehicle as opposed to a wild chase trying to either get away from or chasing the enemy.

Styles come, styles go. Some styles will endure, even if they change around the edges to be more in keeping with the codes of the current day. James Bond will probably stand the test of time. When Sean Connery (who was not the original choice to play the super spy, by the way) first hit the screens in Dr. No in October 1962, the first step towards creating a true style icon was taken. The legendary allure was unmistakable. Magazines have not stopped running articles about Bond, from the early days right into the present.

The inimitable 007 still draws the crowds, and whilst it is true that some actors have portrayed him with greater success than others, it has always been about the character, about the iconic status of Bond himself. James Bond, after 50 years, is the same man who takes the viewers on the most amazing journeys, to places within ourselves where the hero always beats the bad guy, where the girl always ends up in the strong arms of the good guy, where the cars are faster and the Martinis taste better. Long live Bond. James Bond. 

There is constant conversation surrounding what the best accessories are for women, but when it comes to men the question seems moot, even though there are plenty of fashionable additions that can keep you looking good throughout the seasons. So if you’re looking to add a new, fresh piece to your look, here are some great additions to add to any man’s wardrobe through the seasons.

1. The Jacket

A well-fitting and seasonable jacket goes a long way to making a great first look. Be sure to look for something that you can layer beneath, or wear open depending on the weather and temperature. For something both chic and affordable, try heading to a Barbour outlet store.

2. The Skinny Tie 

Long gone are the days of power—power suit, power tie, power steering—you know the story. Today, most clothing and accessories are worn in a more slim-fitting and hip style . Skinny ties, whether they are silk, wool, cashmere, or satin, are a great addition to any casual or formal look.

3. Sunglasses 

A good pair of shades is a staple for any man, and the current frames of choice tend to be something more retro—most notably the more rounded frames, like a wayfarer or Havana style. Many companies also make their retro sunglasses with modern additions, like folding arms and bridges, so they can be easily stored in your pocket. 

4. A Watch 

Nothing says class like having a nice timepiece on your wrist, and fortunately for all of us that doesn’t always mean having to break the bank. Sure it’s nice to wear a classic piece every now and then—think Tag, Rolex, etc—but a simple and clean face with dark leather band is also a great casual look. Just be sure to stay away from anything electronic—and that includes smart watches!

5. Money Clip and Cardholder

An oversized wallet is not only a pain to carry around, but it’s also an eyesore. Switching over to a money clip and cardholder is both a fashionable choice, giving an air of sophistication and streamlines your look

However you decide to dress this season, keep in mind these few easy fashionable additions that will keep you looking good.

Images by Jonathan Mueller and Domenik Suarato used under the Creative Commons License.

Every man has his own unique tastes and style. In today’s day and age, we are bombarded with so many marketing messages telling us what to wear and how to be “cool,” but ultimately it comes down to finding something that fits your personality and makes you feel comfortable and confident. This is how you find your own style.

The first thing to understand is that there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to style. What works for someone else may not work well for you. We think there are several basic questions you should ask yourself when it comes to finding your own style.

What’s Appropriate for Your Environment?

Where you live and how you live your life should have an effect on how you pick a style that suits your lifestyle.

Let’s say you live in the Midwest where the summers are mild and the winters are freezing. Whether you’re dressing professional for your job or casual for a night out, the climate may dictate some choices. In the summers, your outfits may consist of lighter fabrics and comfortable cuts. In the winters, you’ll want to layer up with thicker fabrics and outfits that will make you look good while staying nice and warm.

Perhaps you live in the South or on the East Coast, where the summers are extra muggy; you’ll want to dress accordingly. Ideally, you want to strike the right balance between something that looks fashionable and fits your personality with something that will be comfortable and breathable when the heat and humidity are at their worst.

Whether you live in the rainy Pacific Northwest, the balmy Florida Coast or the dry Southwest, each environment can help dictate what kind of clothing you need to wear for comfort. Then, you’ll want to find styles, colors, patterns and fabrics within those options that best fit your personality and provide that extra bit of flair.

Of course, style extends beyond just your clothing. How you furnish your home and work space should be a natural extension of your personality. There is an endless array of modern men’s products to consider as ways to enhance your overall style choices.

How Can You Enhance Your Best Physical Characteristics? 

Men come in all different sizes, shapes and colors. You are a one-of-a-kind combination of your physical attributes, and though there are some things you can control (your weight or even your tan), you have to work with the features you were born with. Ultimately, there are certain colors, patterns and combinations that will complement your particular characteristics.

Someone who is really tall and lean may want clothes that don’t make him look overly lanky. He may opt for an outfit that adds a little thickness to his body to downplay his height and enhance his girth. Heavy fabrics, horizontal lines, bold patterns and contrasting colors may provide the right fit, feel and outward appearance.

On the other hand, take someone who is short and a bit overweight. He will want to appear a little taller and better proportioned while highlighting his best physical features. Darker colors, vertical lines and cuts that unify his body vertically may mask his imperfections while providing a more comfortable fit.

When you find clothing that highlights your best traits and masks some things you are more self-conscious about, it’s amazing what kind of confidence you can exude. Having a style that suits you will help you feel good about yourself and allow others to see you looking your best.

What Are You Looking to Achieve with Your Style Choices?

Above all else, you have to look within yourself and determine what you want to accomplish when searching for your perfect style. How do you want others to perceive you? How do you want to feel about yourself when you look in the mirror? 

Intelligent? Creative? Fun? Professional?

How you dress obviously can impact these feelings and perceptions, and thankfully there is an endless array of items to enhance your style—clothing, shoes, accessories, colors, patterns and fabrics to choose from and find what feels right for you. If you are seriously concerned about what others think, bring your friends along with you when you shop to provide their feedback and opinions. Sometimes what you see when you look in the mirror isn’t how they see you. 

Ultimately, you can wear whatever you want and whenever you want to wear it. That’s the great thing about style. It’s up to you and there is no perfect science to finding a personal style that suits you. This article outlines a few general rules of thumb that can be applied, but in the end, you need to find something that makes you feel good and hopefully look good, as well.

When it comes to certain types of accessories, the smallest details can make all the difference in the world. One such accessory that falls into this category is the pocket square from Threads for Gents (link embedded to), a tiny piece of cloth that can be found in men’s apparel that can take a look from common to stylish in nearly an instant. For men that may not know the proper ways to wear a pocket square, when to wear a pocket square, and most importantly, how to fold a pocket square, here are some pointers to keep you styled like a pro.

The clothes make the man, but it is the accessories that separate the men from the boys. Pocket squares have been around for centuries and carry a certain amount of prestige and honor to it that belies their size. Like a well thought out tie, a pocket square can add an additional element and a dash of personality to an outfit. Men that wear pocket squares get noticed a bit more, are viewed as more upscale, and the assumption is that they have always known how to fold a pocket square. If you are not one of the men that knows how, here is your opportunity to enter the fold.

Since there are more than a few ways to fold a pocket square, it is important to initially know the most popular ways of folding a pocket square and then incorporating the look into your wardrobe. The pocket squares that should be included into your outfit include the classic fold, crown fold, and pinch fold. Learn these three and watch them all notice you.

Classic Fold

1.     lay the pocket square flat

2.     lengthwise, fold one size across the other

3.     fold the bottom of the pocket square to the top

4.     again, fold lengthwise until it matches the width of your breast pocket

Crown Fold

1.     lie the pocket square flat, then pinch the center

2.     pick pocket square up from the middle

3.     using the thumb and index finger of your other hand, form a ring around the pocket square, then slide it down nearly to the bottom

4.     fold rounded portion over

Puff Fold

1.     lie the pocket square flat, then pinch the center

2.     pick pocket square up from center

3.     using the thumb and index finger of your other hand, form a ring around the pocket square, then slide it down nearly to the bottom

4.     fold pointed edges over

Final Points

A little practice goes a long way into finessing the art of folding a pocket square. Start practicing now and you can move on to even more intricate pocket square looks that fit your style. A bit of experimentation and you will be able to move beyond the basics and create a signature look.

For the best in men’s accessories check out Threads for Gents