Remember James Bond in Casino Royale? Drawing the attention of the room as he strode through it with his trademark elegance, swagger, and refined gentleman’s style.
Thanks to the glitz and glam of Hollywood films, casinos have always had a certain je ne sais quoi, as has the character of James Bond. Not only known as one of the most timeless sex symbols in cinema, Bond balances the perfect mix of class and being the ‘bad boy’. As the saying goes – women want to be with him and men want to be him.
Bond style, as well as the man himself, have come a long way between Casino Royale 1967 and the Daniel Craig edition released in 2006.
What might James Bond wear in a casino today? Theoretically, it depends on the type of casino. These establishments range from smart casual to full black tie, but one thing remains the same: after 6pm all guests must class it up.
When visiting a casino, or any elegant evening affair, you too can incorporate classic Bond style with these five outfit ideas which are effortless and simple to execute.
Black Tie:
Perhaps the most iconic look for James Bond is Black Tie. Incorporating a white dress shirt, black bow tie, evening waistcoat (or even a cummerbund), and a dinner jacket that’s either black or midnight blue.
Pair this look with black Oxford-style dress shoes, or alternatively with patent leather dress shoes. For a bolder option, opt for a white tuxedo which Bond has been known to wear – though pulling off this statement look is not easy.
Black Tie Optional
For a Black Tie Optional dress code, a dark suit of any colour should be suitable. Opening up the options from just black or dark blue, dark burgundy and deep forest green are also very popular choices at Black Tie Optional events. The suit should be paired with a white dress shirt, a conservative tie, and leather dress shoes with dark socks.
Semi-formal
Semi-Formal allows much more freedom to mix and match, and to express your own style a little more. A dark-coloured suit is still suitable, but you could opt for a business cut for a modernised twist. A matching vest and coloured (or white) dress shirt accompany this look, as long as the shirt-colour is still demure and subtle. The simple tie is also worn for Semi-Formal, as in Black-Tie Optional, and shoes and socks remain the same.
Business Casual
At any event with a Business Casual dress code, things are more relaxed. One might opt for a seasonal sport coat or even a blazer, to be worn with slacks or smart chinos. You can also take your pick from dress shirts, button-down shirts, open collars or a simple polo shirt. A tie can also be skipped here, and instead of dress shoes, a pared down pair of loafers is entirely fitting.
Casual
Despite the name, a dress code of Casual does not mean that guests can wear exactly what they like at the casino, play some slots and hope that no one notices them. A Casual dress code allows for khaki trousers or quality blue jeans, a plain t-shirt that doesn’t have any drawings or slogans, a polo shirt, a button-down shirt or a turtleneck jumper. For footwear, opt for loafers or a nice pair of trainers in a decent colour, and nothing too flashy. Sandals and flip-flops definitely do not come under Casual wear in a casino.
In the many James Bond movies, spanning through Sean Connery, David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig, we have seen the spy dress from high-end formal to a casual style and pull each look off with success.
While the style of the clothing is important and good taste will always be fashionable, it is the way he wears the clothes with confidence and charisma that makes him look so cool every single time.
No matter which type of casino you choose to visit and how formal the dress code is; no matter which game you choose to play – be it casino slots or rounds on the tables – with these style tips you will undoubtedly feel as confident as Bond as you walk through the casino doors.
Image at the very top of the article taken from Casino Royale.
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