Six style lessons every older man can learn from Pierce Brosnan

Call it the “Brosnaisance”. At 71, Pierce Brosnan – arguably Ireland’s smoothest export since Guinness – is experiencing a fashion moment. Last week, the former James Bond star fronted Giorgio Armani’s much-coveted collaboration with American streetwear giant Kith, reminding the world that style, like a pint of “The Black Stuff”, only improves over time.

Smouldering in drapey greige tailoring, Brosnan looked every bit the suave, older gentleman in the campaign, rocking a full beard, a meaningful moustache, locks that would make Gandalf grey with envy and the finest smize this side of the Irish Sea. But what’s the Mamma Mia star’s secret to graceful ageing, as he begins his seventh decade?

“Along with the obvious elder statesman qualities and classically handsome looks that make Pierce Brosnan the ideal choice to front the Armani x Kith campaign, there’s also something charming and dependable about him as a character,” says Anne-Marie Curtis, contributing editor at Elle UK and founder of Calendar Magazine. “In tumultuous times, Brosnan represents the solid good guy energy that maybe the world needs more of right now. Nothing makes you look better than being kind.”

Here’s how to look as good as Brosnan, whatever age you are.

A double-breasted suit will add structure 

Cut properly, a double-breasted suit will swaddle the torso and create an illusion of length, which is less easy to achieve with a single-breasted garment. Opt for something with extra structure – as Brosnan has done here, in immaculate Ralph Lauren – and it will also help in concealing stray lumps and bumps, which become increasingly prevalent with advancing years.

“Tailoring is meant to do exactly what marble sculptures did in Ancient Greece, namely flatter the neck shoulders, waist and hips,” says Tom Chamberlain, editor-in-chief of The Rake magazine. “The benefit of double-breasted over single-breasted is that it can flatter the stomach too. The cut adds drama and shape to the silhouette, whilst the crossing lapels draw in the eye in and, in Brosnan’s case, frame that wonderful beard of his.”

If in doubt go (really) classic

Brosnan looked unimpeachably stylish in a classic black tuxedo attending the 37th Annual American Cinematheque Awards earlier this year. Sure, the look was simple, but the subtle attention to detail made it sing – from the polished shirt studs replacing traditional buttons to the graceful curve of the double-breasted lapel, the look proves it pays to stick with classic styles as we age.

“I think by and large the red carpet is a young person’s game - particularly when it comes to expressing a specific personal aesthetic,” agrees Johnny Davis, style director of British Esquire. “Brosnan seems to feel most comfortable in a classic style – it’s a uniform for him – and it works.”

Know thy colours

Bold colours can be tricky to pull off at any age, but if you’re ready to make a statement – as Brosnan did in this ice-mint suit – choosing the right shade for your complexion is key. For the best results, consider getting your colours professionally analysed (The Colour Ministry is a great place to start), or consult an online chart to figure it out yourself. Whatever hue you settle on, remember that confidence is just as important as the colour pick.

“I think if you feel confident in a colour, it works for you,” says Murray Clark, senior style editor of British GQ. “So if you’re not used to wearing bright orange or pink, and you feel like an idiot then you’ll look like an idiot. Do what feels safe and what makes you feel good. And if that’s something pretty wild, then blessings to you.”

A good pair of tux glasses will take off ten years

Finished with softly tinted lenses a few shades lighter than traditional sunglasses, a pair of tuxedo specs will inject a subtle pop of colour into an otherwise classic red carpet look. They also offer the added benefit of discreetly concealing tired eyes, crowded with crow’s feet. It’s a trick often employed by Jack Nicholson at black-tie events, and one equally favoured by Elton John and Diane Keaton. Another master of tuxedo specs? Pierce Brosnan.

“Dressing well is a matter of balance,” says Chamberlain. “Accessorising is a good way to kill the balance or rubber stamp it. In this case, the specs add an extra element but also flatter his face in a way that a pocket square cannot do.”

If going casual, go dark

As we age, it’s natural to seek more comfort from our clothing but beware of falling into the trap of schlumpy styles in washed-out or bright, garish colours. Nothing ages a person faster than dressing like they’re ready for a care home – or, conversely, like a children’s TV presenter.

Instead, take a cue from Brosnan’s wardrobe and opt for a dark, tonal palette when dressing casually. “Brosnan is a silver fox and the downside of that is that bright colours can drain. His worst decision was the pink suit he wore to the Black Adam press call,” says Davis. “Whereas, the earth tones in his GQ shoot with his two sons Dylan and Paris really suited him. He always looks best in autumnal shades.”

A well-groomed beard will add structure to the face

So long as you keep your beard neatly trimmed and well-maintained, it will help to define your jawline – an area of the face which naturally softens with age. Pierce Brosnan elegantly demonstrates this in the Armani x Kith campaign, where his extra-groomed beard adds structure and a sense of easy elan.

“A beard is nature’s cover-up,” says Clark. “When you go clean-shaven in your 20s and 30s, people say ‘God, you look so different’. But what they actually mean is ‘God, you look so much younger’. But as you age, the strong jaw relaxes, and a lot of guys like to embrace nature fully, which is your beard. Covers everything up, and it makes you look like you’ve got good stories.”

Read more of Teo van den Broeke’s writing at The Closet on Substack