On-screen, Sean Bean has terrible luck, doesn't he? Chased over a cliff by mad cows in The Field; head chopped off in Game of Thrones; arrowed out of the sequel by crusty Orcs in Lord Of The Rings. But off it, he's every reason to smile, and not least because he's aced the tricky art of remaining stylish in your 50s.
A time in life when many men sink into the depths of Top Gear leather jackets and a slightly flared bootcut, Bean has taken a better path. Which, in this case, means layers, simple layers from Reiss, with all the right components: a block color zip-up for a foundation, texture in some suede, and a classic scarf to tie the entire look together. It's a lot better than the usual sloppy parade of tired tracksuits at JFK Airport, and one made stronger by minimalist white sneaks and a wider leg jean.
Bean is proof you needn't slip into 'given up' or 'try-hard' territory as you reach middle age. This is age-appropriate cool. Cool Dad cool. Got a villa in Ibiza (the fancy bit of Ibiza) and is more than happy for you to overindulge in the posh cellar wine cool. "Knock yourself out lads," he'd wheeze in a dulcet Sheffield tone over a G and T on the veranda, "and help yourself to the catamaran 'un all." It's a look that can work for you no matter what your age.
This story originally appeared on Esquire.co.uk. Minor edits have been made by the Esquiremag.ph editors.
