It’s time you started dressing like Ireland’s most stylish men
From Pierce Brosnan’s affection for a patterned three-piece suit, to Cillian Murphy’s edgy outerwear, here are the best styles from the Emerald Isle
Words: Jonathan Wells
As the Irish whisky starts to pour, the fiddles strike up and we root through our wardrobes for any long-forgotten green garments, the real men of Ireland are readying themselves for a stylish St Patrick’s Day. For their island, sitting so close to Britain but an ocean apart in the fashion stakes, has produced some of the best-dressed men in history.
It’s the same today. With some of the finest actors, models and musicians in the world hailing from Hibernia, it was easy for us to find five countrymen whose style cues you should be stealing. So put down your pint of Guinness and listen up — for here are the men from the Emerald Isle who’ll leave you feeling green with envy…
Aidan Turner is your authority on understated tailoring
Turner is perhaps best known for his swashbuckling turn as TV’s Poldark. But, beyond the scythes and manicured chest hair, the Irish actor has also appeared in Peter Jackson’s Hobbit films and cult favourite Being Human. He’s also an incredibly natty dresser — as proved when he recently fronted a Dunhill campaign.
And there’s much to learn here from the 35-year-old, especially when it comes to understated tailoring. Namely, if you’re looking to pull off a blazer and T-shirt pairing, ensure your jacket is double-breasted. Or, if you’re going for the full suit, nothing says effortless style like a textured tie and gently patterned overcoat.
Michael Fassbender will up your polo neck game
Although only half Irish — Fassbender’s father is German — the 41-year-old actor has more than made his case for inclusion on this list. Star of Inglourious Basterds, Steve Jobs and Alien: Covenant, Fassbender has cut some seriously stylish swathes on screen. But perhaps his most celebrated sartorial turn came as Erik Lehnsherr in the X-Men film franchise.
Fedoras aside — although he even made them almost cool as supervillain Magneto — Fassbender’s love of rollnecks and leather jackets began on set, and bled across into his everyday wardrobe. And we can see why. Sixties chic, a touch of the rogue; it’s an outfit that has it all.
Pierce Brosnan is the king of the three piece suit
Brosnan, of course, needs no introduction. James Bond, Thomas Crown, Remington Steele — the man is a living, breathing, smouldering embodiment of suaveness. And, of course, he’s Irish. Now 65, the actor is still as stylish as ever — and has recently fronted fashion campaigns for everyone from Brioni to Speake-Marin.
But the style cue we’re lifting from this former 007? His love of the subtly patterned three-piece suit. Pulling off any three-piece is a skill in itself, but the way Brosnan incorporates quiet checks is masterful. The effect adds a little texture, allows for louder accessorising and will keep you looking as stylish as a superspy all day.
Jamie Dornan has mastered the simple, sophisticated wardrobe
Despite losing a little legitimacy by starring in the Fifty Shades trilogy, we’re still firmly on the side of Jamie Dornan. Here’s a man who began his professional life as a model — working for Hugo Boss, Hogan and Armani, among others — before transitioning seamlessly onto the small screen with a cold, dead-eyed turn as a serial killer in The Fall.
It’s a chilling role, but even cooler still is Dornan’s style. Frequently a topper of best-dressed lists, a thread of simplicity strings together the Irishman’s inimitable look. So, to do your best to recreate these effortless outfits, buy simple, block-coloured clothes — and accessorise with a collected air of self-confidence.
Cillian Murphy is the epitome of edgy, sharp dressing
By order of the Gentleman’s Journal, we implore you to look past Cillian Murphy’s most iconic role. True, the Irish actor may have almost single-handedly brought back the tweed three-piece and flat cap into British mainstream fashion thanks to Peaky Blinders, but his style off-screen is just as worthy of your attention.
The 42-year-old dresses with serious edge. And, from thick knitted jumpers to denim overshirts, his most impressive outfits incorporate layering. Even when he fronted Stella McCartney’s recent campaign, layering was the cornerstone of each look. So get yourself a heavy overcoat, double-breasted jacket and a grandad collar shirt and try out Murphy’s style for yourself.
Want some more style inspiration? Dominic Cooper stars in the style section of our new issue…
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