We are surrounded by style inspiration.
And yet, styling our own outfits can be difficult.
How do you stay inspired without buying new clothes every month?
Look at celebrities.
A style inspiration whose look you want to own.
Why celebrities?
They are constantly under the microscope of public and media scrutiny.
They understand that their presentation does send a message.
They also have access to professional stylists who help them look their best.
Observing the right celebrities is a great way to find inspiration for outfits.
Once inspired, you can imitate this look with your own unique twist.
How do you go about choosing a celebrity to be your style inspiration?
The most widely accepted celebrity role model for men is the character from the James Bond films.
Any mention of James Bond conjures up images of perfectly tailored and high-quality suits.
For this post, the focus is not on the formal outfits from Bond films, but a casual everyday outfit worn by Daniel Craig's character in the movie Spectre.
This is Episode 1 of my Celebrity Style Inspiration series. I collaborated with Celebrity Menswear Stylist Ashley Weston, who is here to help the audience at RMRS find the best casual James Bond outfit that any man can wear.
Click Here To Visit Ashley's Website
Click Here To Watch The YouTube Video Celebrity Style Inspiration – Episode 1
This outfit will look great on any man regardless of age and body type. It's a nice middle ground between dressy and casual.
- If you're going on a date, or a suit & tie is too much.
- You want to look masculine and classy without overdoing it.
While this outfit looks great on camera, the items may not be ideal for daily wear. More budget-friendly and practical alternatives are presented with each item to cater to a wider range of lifestyles and body shapes.
Celebrity Inspired Style Item #1 – Cotton Bomber Jacket
In the movie, Daniel Craig wears a Marine black, goat suede racer jacket by John Varvatos.
The avant-garde jacket has a hefty price tag and is not something you would want to wear everyday.
The soft goat suede adds texture to your outfit but can be impractical in warm climates. It is also a pain to maintain as it stains easily and can be ruined if exposed to water.
The dark suede can also leave imprints when pressed against a lighter fabric, for instance if you sit on a cream-colored couch.
The fabric of this jacket is heavy when paired with something light, like a pair of chinos.
A better and more practical alternative to a suede racer is a cotton bomber style jacket.
This versatile jacket comes with an innate vibe and presents a classic look.
This style is flattering on most body types. The fabric is better paired with lighter weight trousers as well.
- The shorter collar accentuates short necks (something for larger men to be aware of)
- Don't zip it up. The swatch of fabric presents a bulky upper frame.
- Casual and can be dressed up.
While a suede racer is possibly the coolest jacket you can wear all fall, a cotton bomber jacket is appropriate all year round. You can wear this kind of jacket at almost any occasion or event you may have.
The key is to scale the look back as much as possible. You want a snug fitting item that functions more like an overshirt than a jacket.
Celebrity Inspired Style Item#2 – Gray Wool Trousers
Gray is the most neutral of colors and does an excellent job of matching everything yet playing second fiddle to the rest of your outfit.
Grey wool trousers are simple, elegant and functional. These trousers are the most accessible weapon in a man’s wardrobe for the following reasons:
- Versatile: Gray wool trouser can be dressed up with the cotton bomber jacket or dressed down with a plain t-shirt. They go brilliantly with any jacket, without compromising its versatility or allure.
- Understated: The neutrality of gray can be matched with other neutrals or mixed with a flash of color.
- Comfortable: These trousers feel great in cold weather. The thicker weave of wool also ensures a nice drape and their weight keeps the wind off your legs.
- Texture: The napped weave finish makes them stand out from other pieces in your outfit without drawing attention.
Dark gray wool trousers work with brown or black shoes.
Depending on the formality of the outfit you prefer, swap the wool trousers for dark gray chinos or charcoal gray denim jeans.
Celebrity Inspired Style Item#3 – Gray T-Shirt
The official version shown in the movie is a dark charcoal, light-weight cashmere N. Peal turtle neck.
The turtleneck is a catch-all casual substitute for a collared dress shirt. If you are constantly exposed to cool temperatures, invest in a charcoal gray or solid black top. Ensure the fit is snug, especially in the neck. You want the fabric to hug your body.
Although a turtleneck provides an ideal layer of protection in colder climates, you may want to swap to a much lighter alternative if you live in warmer climates.
A gray t-shirt is more practical and lends itself nicely to the overall color palette.
The ultimate casual staple in a man's wardrobe, a plain tee offers more versatility than its graphic counterparts. Gray is a neutral color that compliments every other color.
A well-fitted T-shirt can be tucked in with dark slacks or jeans. Wear it with a modern suit, or under the cotton bomber for a relaxed and smart look.
To dress down the outfit further, swap the gray top for a solid white t-shirt.
Celebrity Inspired Style Item #4 – Black Chelsea Boots
The MI6 superspy picked a pair of brown suede Sanders and Sanders Chukka boots for a thrilling boat chase on the River Thames.
The classic ankle boots with a brown snuff suede upper and a chunky crepe sole are a handsome companion to the Bond outft.
However, the suede material makes them impractical for daily wear. It won't take long for the dirt and grime to start showing on the light-colored upper of this boot.
Black Chelsea boots are a much better choice for your spy-escapades. A style that’s classic yet a bit out of the ordinary.
Chelsea boots were popularized by The Beatles in the 1960s making them one of the most classic and timeless pair of boots for men.
Other alternatives are a pair of black dress boots or monk-strap dress shoes.
James Bond Inspired Full Outfit
Here are some tips on how you can own a particular celebrity style:
- Inspiration, not imitation: Don't look like you stole a look. Don't stick to the same brand, fabric and style as worn by the celebrity. As with any art – study the masters, imitate them and own it by making small substitutes.
- Practical choices: You don't have to get the expesive name brand. A similar and more affordable item allows you to draw inspiration, save money and add a personal touch as well.
Hope you enjoyed Episode 1 of my Celebrity Style Inspiration series. I collaborated with Celebrity Menswear Stylist Ashley Weston, who is here to help the audience at RMRS find the best James Bond outfit that any man can wear for a majority of occasions.
Click Here To Visit Ashley's Website
Click Here To Watch Ashley Weston's James Bond video
Click here for Ashley Weston's YouTube Channel