How to dress like Sean Connery
On screen and off, the late Bond actor had much to teach about timeless style...
Words: Zoe Dickens
While for most, Sean Connery will always be best known as the quintessential Bond, his expansive career included far more great films than just his six appearances as 007 — and just as many great style moments to go with them.
From working a three-piece suit on screen to making a check jacket and turtle neck his off screen signature, there is much to be learned from Connery when it comes to tailoring; not to mention a tip or two for smart casual style as well. So we put together the essential guide to dressing like the late, great Sean Connery…
Embrace the three-piece suit
Sometimes considered a little stiff and old-fashioned by modern tailoring fans, Connery’s way with a three-piece suit shows it needn’t be stuffy — as long as you get the details right. Connery wasn’t one for contrasting waistcoats, and always kept things simple with a timeless wool construction.
With that in mind, then, Paul Smith‘s slim-cut option is classically timeless (or should that be timelessly classic?). Pair with Emma Willis’ refined white shirt and New & Lingwood’s ‘goes-with-anything’ black satin tie to emulate Connery’s elegant, effortless style.
Don’t forget about off-duty style
While there’s no denying Connery spent most of his time in suits — and was clearly very at home in them — he also did a fine line in casual looks, where he really allowed his personality to shine through. He tended towards the timeless and classical when it came to tailoring; but off the clock, he was all about colour and pattern (always in the best of taste, of course).
The foundation of Connery’s casual style was always in an elegant pair of neutral trousers, and New & Lingwood‘s Sand Cotton Chinos fit the bill perfectly. Officine Générale‘s gingham shirt is the perfect way to experiment with pattern without going over the top; and Love Brand‘s watermelon-hued Manjack shirt is a dead ringer for the hot pink style worn by Connery himself in Thunderball.
Black tie at its best
There are few better roles for being schooled in suave black tie than 007 — and Connery carried them throughout his career, regularly wowing in a tux at awards ceremonies and on red carpets. Again, Connery wasn’t one to reinvent the wheel when it came to black tie; he generally preferred an impeccably fitted black tux, crisp white dress shirt and black bow tie to anything flashier. And when it looks this good, who are we to argue?
Take your formal dress to Connery levels with the help of Tom Ford‘s impeccable Shelton Tuxedo, Turnbull & Asser‘s elegant dress shirt and Henry Poole‘s suave bow tie.
Check out the perfect jacket
Perhaps it was his Scottish roots shining through; but Connery was a well documented fan of noteworthy jackets. From traditional tartan to classic tweed, it seems he rarely met a patterned jacket he didn’t get on with (who could forget the famous hacking jacket featured in Goldfinger?), and so there are jacket choices aplenty if you’re looking to emulate Connery.
If you’re looking to channel Connery’s Scottish spirit, we recommend Ralph Lauren’s Glen Plaid option; it’s handwoven in the Outer Hebrides, so very much in keeping with Connery’s Scottish roots. Richard James, meanwhile, offers a checked jacket that’ll bring some suave style to your office wardrobe; and Z Zegna proffers a check print blazer that’ll look perfect with a white shirt.
Looking for more Bond-themed style inspiration? Well, here’s the evolution of James Bond’s watches…
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