0+ fashion
10-28-2012, 10:32 AM
Absolutely Dress Your Age! BTW that doesn't mean dressing like an old fogey with his pants up to his chest and wearing trainers.....
I'm 47 and recently (over the summer) did a complete wardrobe overhall spending more than a few thousand in the process. I put together from all the information I could find and read, fashion advice for those of us men over 40 (there aren't many of those blogs and sites over the internet that really specialize in guys our age) However, I did put together a great wardrobe albeit with a lot of time and effort. Tip: watch that movie "Crazy, Sexy, Love" with Steve Carrel and Ryan Gosling to get an idea.
Clothing
-Trousers (various, but basic colors, textures and materials, including one pair of dark blue rinse slim/straight jeans).
-Dress shirts that fit well (Hugo Boss slim fit), many slim fits actually fit me quite well and are not tight fitting(very important).
-Some v-neck athletic t-shirts (from target nonetheless, but great fitting and 100% cotton) surprisingly good quality. Sometimes they have some hidden gems, besides they're just t-shirts afterall and not something I usually wear out unless it's extremely hot or very casual.
-Polo shirts from Banana Republic, you have to really try on a few since even the Polos they carry have different fits and fabrics.
-100% merino wool sweaters in various colors for fall/winter.
-Sport jackets (2 button) a Navy Blue Blazer (had the cheesy brass buttons replaced with sharp pewter ones).
-Learned to get in the habit of wearing sport jackets and blazers on a regular basis not forgeting to keep my top button fastened when standing and unbuttoning when sitting(the mark of a gentleman) no suits or ties (doesn't fit my lifestyle in or out of work).
Accessories
-Started wearing pocket squares (they really add some style and flair).
-For my shirts I bought those working stiffs magnetic collar stays so the collars stay put where I want them and not flying out of my sport jackets and v-neck sweaters.
-Good quality leather belts with plate buckles, color of the leather matches the particular shoes I'm wearing.
-Brown Leather Gloves (Brown is my new black).
-Hat/scarf for winter/fall.
-Socks matching my trousers, not shoes.
Shoes
Speaking of shoes, I shelled out on 2 pairs of Allen Edmonds (one pair of burgundy oxfords, and one pair of the Dalton's in chocolate) Never knew what quality felt and looked like in a pair of shoes until I did, now I'll never go back. Learned to properly take care of them as well as shine my shoes regularly.
-Boat Shoes, Driving Shoes for casual wear. No more trainers unless I'm actually doing a sporting activity!
I had always heard that shoes were the first thing women look at when they size up a man as far as clothes are concerned, and now I can actually confirm this, even passing them on the street, amazing!
-Before winter I'm planning on buying a pair of Barkers (handmade from the UK).
Colors/Staying Away From Trends/Style
I also avoided buying anything in black(not easy to do since black is usually the go to color option for most guys). Additionally, think of your overall wardrobe, stay away from thinking individual pieces or outfits. This way you'll be able to mix and match, everything will go together but in different clothing combinations. I can really stretch out my wardrobe now like never before. Men over 40 should also stick to classic and slightly dressier styles. Stay away from trends, don't dress like guys half your age.
Follow the basics of: Fit, Fabric, Cut(Style) always go for quality in everything. In fact, I hate shopping, but finding the best fitting, going back and forth to the tailor, best fabrics, style etc. takes a lot of trying on, time and patience, so it's something I had to learn to get used to. Fit however is key. You could be wearing an Armani suit, but if it doesn't fit you correctly it will look like a sack of potatoes. I used to buy things in large, some in extra large when my true size was/is actually a medium.
Was it worth it?
Absolutely!
It took a while and I think it is something that men, especially our age, need to keep on top of like staying in shape, but with time, you will hopefully develop a sense of your own personal style, just like your taste in wine, food, travel, literature and of course, women. The biggest compliments, second looks and glances came from women, most of which I had never met, but have complimented me on my style. Even men took some notice(don't know how I feel about that one though).
This post may seem a bit long and self absorbed and I apologize for that. However, for me it was an ending to my own mid-life crisis and a conscious decision to grow old gracefully. When it comes to spending money on nice things, Men under 40 usually have to ask themselves why, men over 40 begin asking themselves why not......
Good luck on your own style journey, I hope that whatever I have said is of some use to you. From one over 40 to another, because growing old gracefully does take some effort.
I'm 47 and recently (over the summer) did a complete wardrobe overhall spending more than a few thousand in the process. I put together from all the information I could find and read, fashion advice for those of us men over 40 (there aren't many of those blogs and sites over the internet that really specialize in guys our age) However, I did put together a great wardrobe albeit with a lot of time and effort. Tip: watch that movie "Crazy, Sexy, Love" with Steve Carrel and Ryan Gosling to get an idea.
Clothing
-Trousers (various, but basic colors, textures and materials, including one pair of dark blue rinse slim/straight jeans).
-Dress shirts that fit well (Hugo Boss slim fit), many slim fits actually fit me quite well and are not tight fitting(very important).
-Some v-neck athletic t-shirts (from target nonetheless, but great fitting and 100% cotton) surprisingly good quality. Sometimes they have some hidden gems, besides they're just t-shirts afterall and not something I usually wear out unless it's extremely hot or very casual.
-Polo shirts from Banana Republic, you have to really try on a few since even the Polos they carry have different fits and fabrics.
-100% merino wool sweaters in various colors for fall/winter.
-Sport jackets (2 button) a Navy Blue Blazer (had the cheesy brass buttons replaced with sharp pewter ones).
-Learned to get in the habit of wearing sport jackets and blazers on a regular basis not forgeting to keep my top button fastened when standing and unbuttoning when sitting(the mark of a gentleman) no suits or ties (doesn't fit my lifestyle in or out of work).
Accessories
-Started wearing pocket squares (they really add some style and flair).
-For my shirts I bought those working stiffs magnetic collar stays so the collars stay put where I want them and not flying out of my sport jackets and v-neck sweaters.
-Good quality leather belts with plate buckles, color of the leather matches the particular shoes I'm wearing.
-Brown Leather Gloves (Brown is my new black).
-Hat/scarf for winter/fall.
-Socks matching my trousers, not shoes.
Shoes
Speaking of shoes, I shelled out on 2 pairs of Allen Edmonds (one pair of burgundy oxfords, and one pair of the Dalton's in chocolate) Never knew what quality felt and looked like in a pair of shoes until I did, now I'll never go back. Learned to properly take care of them as well as shine my shoes regularly.
-Boat Shoes, Driving Shoes for casual wear. No more trainers unless I'm actually doing a sporting activity!
I had always heard that shoes were the first thing women look at when they size up a man as far as clothes are concerned, and now I can actually confirm this, even passing them on the street, amazing!
-Before winter I'm planning on buying a pair of Barkers (handmade from the UK).
Colors/Staying Away From Trends/Style
I also avoided buying anything in black(not easy to do since black is usually the go to color option for most guys). Additionally, think of your overall wardrobe, stay away from thinking individual pieces or outfits. This way you'll be able to mix and match, everything will go together but in different clothing combinations. I can really stretch out my wardrobe now like never before. Men over 40 should also stick to classic and slightly dressier styles. Stay away from trends, don't dress like guys half your age.
Follow the basics of: Fit, Fabric, Cut(Style) always go for quality in everything. In fact, I hate shopping, but finding the best fitting, going back and forth to the tailor, best fabrics, style etc. takes a lot of trying on, time and patience, so it's something I had to learn to get used to. Fit however is key. You could be wearing an Armani suit, but if it doesn't fit you correctly it will look like a sack of potatoes. I used to buy things in large, some in extra large when my true size was/is actually a medium.
Was it worth it?
Absolutely!
It took a while and I think it is something that men, especially our age, need to keep on top of like staying in shape, but with time, you will hopefully develop a sense of your own personal style, just like your taste in wine, food, travel, literature and of course, women. The biggest compliments, second looks and glances came from women, most of which I had never met, but have complimented me on my style. Even men took some notice(don't know how I feel about that one though).
This post may seem a bit long and self absorbed and I apologize for that. However, for me it was an ending to my own mid-life crisis and a conscious decision to grow old gracefully. When it comes to spending money on nice things, Men under 40 usually have to ask themselves why, men over 40 begin asking themselves why not......
Good luck on your own style journey, I hope that whatever I have said is of some use to you. From one over 40 to another, because growing old gracefully does take some effort.