5 Things Anthony Bourdain Wore That Still Make You Look Cool at 40+

In his book, The Nasty Bits: Collected Varietal Cuts, Usable Trim, Scraps, and Bones, Bourdain writes, “Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks – on your body or on your heart — are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt.” ­

It was the seven year anniversary since Bourdain died the other day. In those seven years since that tragic day, his influence and inspiration still leaves a mark. Over the past year, I have gone through a major life event that has made me question my place and how I am perceived by others, and I often look towards Bourdain to provide some wisdom or guidance and to try to make sense of it all. Part of this process for me has been to reassess my "style" or lack thereof. Coming from someone who has mostly dressed the same as he did as a teenager, has been a difficult process (what do you mean no more baseball caps?!).

I'm sure Bourdain would hate this post even existing, but I believe, even many years later, here are 5 things he wore that still work today:

1. The Leather Jacket

Worn. Weathered. Functional. Bourdain lived in leather. It was his armor — from Tokyo alleyways to NYC dives.

✅ What to look for: Slim fit, minimal hardware, quality grain.
🔥 Try this: UrbanFocal Casual Real Lambskin Vintage Style or AllSaints Milo Leather Biker
💡 Budget pick: Levi’s Faux Leather Aviator Jacket

2. Boots

He wore them with jeans, with suits, on stage, in kitchens. Always ready. Always grounded. His favorite boots were the Clarks Chukka Desert Boots.

✅ Look for: Slim silhouette, not clunky.
🔥 Try this: Thursday Captain Boots or Dr. Martens 1460 Mono
💡 Budget pick: Clarks Chukka Boots

3. Faded Jeans

Not distressed, not skintight. Just broken-in denim that told stories.

✅ What to look for: Mid-rise, straight or slim leg, real indigo fade.
🔥 Try this: Naked & Famous Easy Guy or Lee Men's X Soft Slim Straight Jean
💡 Budget pick: Levi’s 511 Slim

4. Solid Tee or Button-Up

He wasn’t flashy. A charcoal tee or a chambray shirt and he was done. Clean. Confident.

✅ What to look for: Neutral tones, heavy cotton or linen
🔥 Try this: True Classic Mens T-shirts or POLO RALPH LAUREN Men's Classic Fit Cotton Crew
💡 Budget pick: INTO THE AM Mens T Shirt

5. A Watch That Doesn’t Scream

He wore a Rolex Submariner, but not to flex. It was simple, tool-like, a traveler’s companion.

✅ What to look for: Understated, analog, functional
🔥 Try this: Seiko 5 Sports or Hamilton Khaki Field
💡 Budget pick: Casio MDV10D-1A1V

6. Bonus - Sunglasses to bring it all together

The key accessory to tie it all together were his sunglasses. The glasses he was often seen in were Persol aviator sunglasses.

✅ What to look for: Different, stylish, polarised
🔥 Try this: Persol Aviator 649 or Persol Aviator 714
💡 Budget pick: Ray Ban Aviator

The Kit & Carry Takeaway:

Bourdain dressed like he packed light. And lived fully. No hype. No logos. No ego.
Just gear that aged well, like him.

If that’s the vibe you're going for, you’re in the right place.

👉 Follow Kit & Carry for style and gear ideas, curated for grown men who still give a damn — just not too much.