George Clooney in Ocean’s Thirteen – A Man in Black
George Clooney as Danny Ocean in Ocean’s Thirteen (2007)
Vitals
George Clooney as Danny Ocean, paroled con man and casino heister
Las Vegas, Summer 2007
Film: Ocean’s Thirteen
Release Date: June 8, 2007
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Costume Designer: Louise Frogley
Background
Much of the sartorial attention from the Ocean’s series goes to the flashy, sharp suits favored by Brad Pitt’s character Rusty Ryan. This is not undeserved praise, but flashy and sharp aren’t for everyone. George Clooney, as the gang’s de facto leader Danny Ocean, looks just as cool and confident in subdued suits in black and gray.
What’d He Wear?
While all-black isn’t typically regarded as a wise sartorial decision for warm climates like Las Vegas in July, Clooney pulls it off and still manages to look fresh and cool.
In fact, his suit is a dark charcoal worsted, likely a lighter summer weight that keeps him looking cool in the heat. The two-button, single-breasted jacket has substantial notch lapels, indicative of mid-oughts trends before Mad Men influenced a general slimming of lapels, collars, and overall fit in menswear.
Clooney proves that all black can be versatile for both day and night.
The jacket also has a welted breast pocket, flapped hip pockets, and 4-button cuffs, though we don’t see enough of the back to determine whether or not it is single- or double-vented or ventless.
Under his jacket, Clooney wears a comfortable, soft long-sleeved black pullover shirt that is likely cashmere, silk, or a blend of these luxurious fabrics. The fitted fabric clings to Clooney’s physique, which is more flattering for the lean actor than it may be for some. The shirt has a three-button top, worn with the top button undone and the lower two buttons fastened.
Danny’s suit has matching flat front trousers with plain-hemmed bottoms, worn with a simple black leather belt. His black leather shoes and socks are tonally consistent with the rest of the outfit.
Both Rusty and Danny manage to look cool despite their very differing looks. Pick what works for you.
Danny’s gold wristwatch shines from his left wrist, providing the only color to break up the otherwise monochromatic outfit. The large watch has a round white dial and is strapped on with a black leather bracelet.
Interestingly, although mention is made of Danny’s reconciliation with his ex-wife, his wedding ring from the previous films is gone.
When outside, Clooney also dons a pair of Persol 2157-S sunglasses with polarized lenses. Although discontinued, the Persols can still be found online in three options: Classic, Photochromatic, or Polarized. Classic has black frames and gray lenses, Photochromatic has dark brown frames and brown faded lenses, and the Polarized has dark brown frames and brown lenses.
Danny proves to be the yin to Rusty’s yang; both men are able to look good within their wildly different styles.
What to Imbibe
Planning your next multimillion dollar heist is no time to get sloppy. Make sure you look sharp and keep yourself refreshed with a few bottles of Stella Artois. (Or any good beer, but the product placement gurus from Ocean’s Thirteen prominently featured Stella so…)
Rusty and Danny leave no question unanswered about their favorite beer.
How to Get the Look
Make Johnny Cash proud: be the man in black.
- Charcoal gray summer-weight worsted wool suit:
- Single-breasted 2-button jacket with notch lapels, breast pocket, flapped hip pockets, and 4-button cuffs
- Flat front trousers with plain-hemmed bottoms
- Black soft cashmere long-sleeve polo shirt with 3-button collar and elasticized cuffs
- Black leather belt with silver-toned square single-prong buckle
- Black leather dress shoes
- Black dress socks
- Persol 2157-S polarized sunglasses with dark brown frames and brown lenses
- Gold watch with round white dial on black leather strap
Do Yourself a Favor and…
Check out the movie.
The suit looks more like a very dark charcoal not black. The black polo shirt underneath is darker and a true black you can see the contrast clearly.