The name is Centeno,
Antonio Centeno.
Disclaimer: I didn't invent this line!
All credit goes to the late Ian Fleming…
Who created the one & only James Bond.
Ever since Casino Royale (the first Bond novel)
…this world-famous secret agent has made a huge impact on men's style.
He's the best example of a guy…
Who always kicks butt…
And looks good doing it!
So…want to dress like Bond this summer?
Actually – it's not that difficult!
Check out these 10 essential items that will help you channel your inner 007.
(No suits – Bond wouldn't even want to wear them in the heat!)
Item #1 – Classic Polo Shirt
Summer doesn't just mean a time to put on sunblock and eat ice cream often.
It's also time to hit the gym and slim down so you can look good in a classic polo shirt (since you won't see any suits outside the office)!
You'll want a typically soft, dark color (but still pronounced). The front should be a quarter open – with 2-4 buttons lined up at the neck.
There also has to be a straight cut-off at the bottom or otherwise – it's not a legit polo shirt! The straightness gives you the freedom to wear it either tucked or untucked.
You'd be surprised by the variety of stylish outfits with a polo shirt that will work for the summer (different Bond roles throughout the decades have worn them as well).
Item #2 – Casual Button-Down
Bond shows off just as strong an appearance in casual as he does in formal wear. And that includes casual button-downs.
The requirements here are similar to the polo shirt. Keep the color simple and muted. Make sure the length isn't extreme – to the point where it reaches way below the crotch area.
You'll want to stick to some guidelines on how to choose a casual button-down (since “casual” has no correlations with “sloppy” whatsoever).
But once you get yourself the perfect button-down shirt – it can be worn tucked in or out, with the sleeves rolled up or kept as they are.
You can walk along the beach in it (with just 1-2 buttons in place). And just like Bond – it'll give you an edge over the other men nearby who are wearing t-shirts.
Item #3 – Dress Shirt
That's right. Despite the hot weather, a dress shirt still has a place in your Bond-inspired wardrobe.
The secret to this lies in knowing how to choose a good dress shirt based on the given occasion.
And because it's hot, you'll want to consider getting custom-made shirts. Especially those made of linens or cotton gauze since they're designed to be more breathable.
Item #4 – Light-Colored Sports Jacket / Blazer
Even a man as stylish as James Bond knows it's not practical to wear suits in the summer. He of all people should know there are other clothing pieces that do the job just as well.
Like Bond – use a nice blazer or sports jacket to level-up your outfit. If everyone else comes to an outdoor lunch or event in a single-layered top, why just blend in?
Bond isn't one to be afraid of standing out. So take advantage of blazers or sports jackets with a light color (to contrast with dark-colored pants).
The best types have a breathable material that will offer protection from the sun. The use of the right weaves is important here – which is why you'll find unlined jackets to be your safest bet during the peak of summer.
Item #5 – Shorts
Bond wearing shorts…if it sounds ironic or outrageous, think again.
Sean Connery wore three pairs in Thunderball (1965) for action and underwater scenes.
So if you're aiming to nail the shorts style too – you'll need the total opposite of cargo shorts. Your shorts should be close-fitting so as to avoid displaying scrawny “chicken legs.”
Aside from that, they should bear a sleek, classic design that doesn't draw much attention. And you'll want them to keep your lower body cool while strolling around during the day.
Item #6 – Lightweight Trousers
You'll notice how I'm not mentioning jeans. The truth is Bond doesn't really wear them. He goes for pants that are a bit more elegant.
The ideal lightweight trousers are made of either a synthetic material or a “tropical” weight of wool (which combats the heat pretty well).
As for color, you can opt for the following:
- Light or medium gray
- Light or medium blue
- Shades of brown
- Tan
- White
And don't underestimate the importance of a proper fit when it comes to men's trousers. It's one of the reasons why Bond always makes women swoon whether he's walking, running, or standing with a gun pointed at bad guys.
Item #7 – No-Show Socks
We never actually see 007 wearing these…and that's the point! Anyone with the job as physical as Bond's wouldn't enjoy wearing shoes without socks. But Bond himself also knows it can look “off” when you pair up most shoes with knee-high or athletic socks.
Therefore, no-show socks are the solution. You'll escape the risks of (1) stinking up your shoes in the middle of a hot afternoon and (2) ruining your outfit with visible socks – thanks to this option.
Item #8 – Loafers
Don't forget about adding some leather. It doesn't matter how casual you want to dress. Shoes such as loafers can provide a level of class that's above sandals, flip-flops or running shoes.
The trick is to select a color that's similar to your other shoes (so that they're easy to match with most of your belts and clothes). And do read this guide to buying loafers so you can figure out if you ought to go with something more casual or dapper.
Item #9 – Sunglasses
No debates here. Sunglasses are practically synonymous with a tough or badass image. This is true for other men in movies – like Lt. Pete Mitchell (Tom Cruise) in Top Gun. Just remember to double-check the following things before buying a pair of shades:
- Is it stated that they provide protection from ultraviolet rays (ideally UV 400)?
- Do they complement the shape of your face?
Item #10 – Straw Hat
With all the time you're spending outside, it helps to wear a stylish hat that has a classic design. You'll be doing your hair plus your face a big favor – by shielding them from the sun. It doesn't take a certain body type or bone structure to pull off a hat. All you need is practice…and confidence!
Bonus Item: Quarter-Zip Sweater
This will come in handy in an area where the temperature drops quite a bit. For example, you (or your partner!) might be hanging out at the beach until the early hours of the evening. So you can imagine being able to save the day by taking out an extra layer to throw on.
Click here to discover how to dress like James Bond in even more detail by analyzing Skyfall!
