Men of all ages should take note of what’s considered “fashion for old men.” Though your 40s and 50s are hardly “old” these days, that age range and beyond can be prime style eras.
I used to volunteer at the LA County Museum of Art. During my time there, I saw the senior discount age upped twice. And we’ve all seen that meme about being in your 30s.
In the 1980s, being in your 30s meant being a balding George Costanza from Seinfeld. Today, it means Timothee Chalamet (who is almost, but not quite 30).
So what does old man style mean these days in the face of all of this?
I’d say calling a man who is blessed enough to make it to his mid-60s and beyond is an older gent. But just because you’re in that age range doesn’t mean you have to toss out every youthful thing in your closet.
Moreover, these days, your 50s are the new middle age, and your 40s are even young-adjacent. And that doesn’t mean you should be putting off evaluating what garments worked in your 30s but may not work anymore.
Navigating fashion in the back half of life is especially important for grown men of modest height. Shortness is inherently youthful. We have to bring a balance to that.
“Old Man Fashion”: Some Quick Tips
Again, your 40s and 50s aren’t old. We’re using the term incredibly loosely. However, since your closet is a living, breathing, ever-changing being, why not start early?
Here are some things to consider.
Find Your Older Gent Look (Or Looks)
I live on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. When I get up early enough to see the early bird special crowd, I see a lot of chic Brooks Brothers blazers paired with vintage Ivy League baseball caps. I have a feeling that’ll be me if and when I get to be a senior citizen.
I’m not saying to box yourself in. But you probably already had a style going by the time you were in your late ‘30s and into your early ‘40s. What is the more grown-up version of that?
If you’re a rocker type, maybe instead of ripped skinny jeans and leather platforms, you pair vintage band tees with some Americana. If you’ve always been a highly-formal suit guy, you’ve earned the right to ease up a bit. Throw some man-of-leisure components into your outfits, like cardigans, loafers, or sun-faded vintage baseball caps.
Those are just a few possibilities, but you’ll have to figure your path out for yourself. Fortunately, we’ve got some visual examples momentarily to give you inspiration.
Consider Your Lifestyle
Often, style and practicality go hand in hand. If you couldn’t figure out what your older gent look is, then your lifestyle is a great north star.
Perhaps you’re a logger or construction worker. Or maybe you were and now are retired.
Workwear, as a category, is a menswear classic and staple. The jeans, cargos, denim, and utility outerwear that you wore to work can easily be incorporated into classic, casual combinations.
If you’re a country guy, perhaps you live on a farm. English countryside style is a good place to find inspiration.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with suit separates, military wear, and nautical pieces.
So, how do you turn these practical pieces into fashionable, flattering garments? Well, it’s all in the fit.
Choose Your Fits and Cuts
Okay, so I’m a proponent of really just wearing what you want.
But, as an older gent, particularly if you’re one of modest height, you’d do well to just go with a classic fit that accommodates your body type.
Moreover, when the fit of your clothes is timeless and flattering, you can basically get away with any personal style.
Classic fits range from slim, not skinny, to relaxed, not baggy, but clean-lined.
The latter means that if you go for looser-fit pants, say slacks, the waist should be just a bit higher.
The difference between practical workwear and stylish workwear is the fit.
Imagine big-pocketed cargo pants that’ll fit the gear you need on the worksite. Now imagine a slimmer version paired with a button-down and an unstructured blazer.
The latter is an example of how fit can transform your lifestyle pieces into everyday style.
You Don’t Have To Let Go of Everything From Your Youth
Listen, if you’re over 40, you should probably get rid of your distressed skinny jeans. Do the same with any t-shirts with cartoon characters on them and most graphic tees in general.
Baggy hoodies and brightly-colored high-tops aren’t a great idea either. That is, all things considered.
However, you can usually get away with more youthful things if they’re subtle, well-fitted, or if they’re vintage. I already mentioned sun-faded baseball caps and classic vintage tees.
A well-worn, patinated leather jacket is another example. You just have to contextualize them and balance them out with more neutral pieces.
Just because you’re at an advanced age doesn’t mean you can’t be yourself.
I used to love wearing primaries, but as I got older, my stylist recommended I go for more grown-up versions of them. Burgundy, crimson, and oxblood instead of red, dark navy or slate blue instead of overly bright blues, and mustard or honey instead of yellow.
Relatedly, go for
Anything slightly retro eases the inherent youthfulness of pieces like
Basically, you want to find more mature expressions of the styles you liked at younger ages.
Always Follow Dress Codes
You may have thought it was charming to wear patent leather Air Jordans to your prom. But regardless of your personal style, anyone past 40 needs to invoke his inner gentleman when needed.
If a host, whether they’re a friend or an establishment, was kind enough to invite you to an event, you want to be respectful. Dressing the part is part of that respect.
Embrace Your Changing Hair
Don’t be ashamed of going gray or balding. Both can look absolutely distinguished.
Yes, the hair plug industry has come a long way. And yes, with the right hairdresser, you can get a natural color on you (if they don’t color match your eyebrows, find another hairdresser).
However, from what I’ve seen, only the very best of the best treatments ever come out looking good.
I’ve seen wildly wealthy people come out of super expensive treatments looking unconvincing. And we don’t all have access to the best of the best.
Embrace your changing hair with dignity, go for flattering cuts, and take care of your beard.
Quick Effortless Style Hacks From Experts
Hey, don’t just take my advice. We at The Modest Man also crowdsourced some great tips from style experts.
Dark Colors Are a Safe Bet
John Galfano from 40 Over Fashion believes that dark, solid colors are one style tip that works universally. You don’t have to think about patterns and, as Galfano says, it makes you look more expensive. And even if you go for patterns, he recommends dark-on-dark compositions versus a dark fabric with high-contrast white stripes.
Even as someone who prefers lighter colors, I fully agree with him. There’s a reason why darker suits are considered more formal than lighter ones. Even a black T-shirt looks way chicer and more intentional than a white one.
When You Aren’t in Dress shoes, Go For Simple Leather Sneakers
I mentioned this earlier, but I’m glad the brilliant fitness guru Dr. Bret Hoffer cosigns.
Hoffer advises avoiding actual running
You might go for low-tops or high-tops. High-tops look a bit more youthful, and low-tops slightly more versatile. You can even wear a pair of white or off-white minimal leather sneakers with a suit.
Be Aware of Trends, but Anchor Your Closet in High-Quality Classics
Jeff Morgan, or The Style OG, recommends investing in classics. Get some good dress shoes, a blazer, and a nice pair of jeans that you’ll wear before ever wearing them out. I agree with this quality-over-quantity approach.
However, don’t completely ignore trends. By paying attention to them, you can add slight, subtle changes to your outfits that aren’t consequential in the long run.
He says, “Adopting the subtle fluctuations of silhouettes, colors, and small details will have you looking well-seasoned and in season.”
Knowing the trends isn’t about blindly following them. It’s about expressing your personal style and making sure you aren’t irrelevant looking.
Old Man Outfit Ideas
Here are some excellent outfits from social media!
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Conclusion: Old Man Style — Not Just for “Old” Men
I’ve always admired the way my grandfather dressed, so perhaps I was an advocate for “old man style” at an early age.
Now you know that with a few tips, tricks, and hacks, your style can age like excellent whiskey. Even more, you can enter your prime years a more sartorially together version of who you always were and are. You can even take elements of your youthful style with you.
Did I say prime years? Yes. If you’re over 40 and reading this, I fully believe that men and women are at their best past 40 and get better and better even after that!
Questions? Comments? Let me know below!
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Carlos dias says
No se yo siempre he usado todo eso y mas atrevidas las prendas jajaja no se porque devo dejarlas si me gustamucho vestir todo ello no me gustaria dejarlas aunque pues no se, ya que en cierta ocacion en una reunion con algunos de mis primos para tomar unas cervezas mi primo el de la casa en la que estabamos se ecerco a mi y otro primode 20 años con el que estaba converzando para cdecirme que no deberia ya vestirasi ya que yo traia un short cortito de vestir color kaki a medio muslo y unos loofer color vinocon camisa blanca ya que me dijo que ami edad esa vestimenta ya no debia yo usarla menos shorts asi de cortitos ya que las piernas de adulto de mi edad se veian mal por su textura de la piel q cambia con la edad y las canas en las piernas ya que soy velludo pero mi primo que me lo decia es mas velludo de las piernas que yo y el tambien traia un short corto casi tan corto como el mio y traia sandalias y mi otro primo traia bermudas grises de cargo y alpargatas y diciendomelo me dio un pantalon que tomo del closet de su papa para que me tapara las piernas mientras mi primo con el que platicaba sonrio y solo dijo pues si, alo que yo solo voltie a ver que los demas primos q por ahi estaban no escucharan y pues me puse el pantalon no mamm… que mal pedo yo me veo mas joven deloq tengo y me encanta usar shorts y chanclas flip flop y pues soy delgado y no veo diferencia en la piel pero mi primo dice que si la hay y se me nota y sobre todo las canas de las piernas mala onda yo no quiero dejar de usar y hay otra anecdota peor pero bueno joder..
Enviado
Carldoos says
No se ami me vusta usar todo loq segun no devo siempre lo he usado y me encanta porq deberia dejarlo no se me hace justo aunque sor delgado y aparento menos edad pero si ya tengo 43 años y uso todo ello siempre, por ejemplo me encanta usar seguido un short de vestir o de gabardina corto a medio muslo con alpargatas o mocacines loofers o sandalias mas las flip flop y no me gustaria de jar de usar ellos por mi edad aunq cierta ocacion que llevaba estos shorts cortos a medio muslo de vestir y con loofers color vinoen una reunion de primos uno de ellos que tiene17 años y traia el un short de tela de felpa y sandalias se me acerco mientras yo conversaba con otro primo de 20 años y me dijo que no deberia yo de usar ya esos shorts cortitos y con esos zapatos porq ya con cuarenta ytres años no me quedaba ya mostrar las piernas que se me veian mal y al momento q me daba un pantalon de vestir q habia tomado de su papa para q melo pusiera y mi otro primo nomas sonrrio y dijo eso si y pues me lo puse y ya ni hablar q mal
S. Renaldo says
I don’t think that the former rules for dressing in the 40s apply today since it’s a different generation and a lot of the Millennial guys entering their 40s today don’t look like they’re even in their 30s. The people in the pictures at the beginning of the article look a lot older than 55.
That’s not meant to be a criticism though — just an observation. Good article, and sound advice for anyone who is older-looking, regardless of decade of age. It would be interesting to see style advice tweaked for the coming generation of 40-something.
Ryan Hallstrom says
Thanks for your input!
Barron says
Foolishness is all I have to say. Who cares what anyone thinks about how they dress? Dress properly for the event or I live in the city. Your article seems to be for some financial planner living in Connecticut. I know it’s just an opinion.
Rabi Rob says
It los really depends on your personality and taste and style. It’s not a one size fits all. I personally like David Beckham and Ryan Reynolds style.
Bohdan says
Interesting. Thanks
James says
Utter nonsense. Older men can wear what they want A lot of things that young men wear older men where wearing first.
Ryan Hallstrom says
Hey James! Of course older men can wear what they want. This article just has a few tips from the pov of the author.
Ryan says
Whilst i agree with alot of your points, ive always seen fashion as your own personal style regardless of age, but age plays a part on how you put that style together.
For example, if you have your own style and just don’t blindly follow trends, why change that because you are a little older?
I disagree with your point of Downey JR though, he’s always dressed with his own style and owns it, but i do agree there’s nothing sadder than an overweight 50 year old that buys the brightest pair of Jordan’s they can find in an attempt to be cool, but if you’ve always been into that style and it fits your lifestyle, why change to brogues and chinos.
I guess what i’m trying to say is, if everyone dressed the same as they age, then it wouldn’t make clothing as fun and personal as it can be.
Rabi Rob says
It depends where you live. Now if you live in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Chicago …. This list won’t do, beside if you are a lawyer or banker. Most people dress much more trendier than that. I would take David Beckham or Idriss Elba as an example to dress your age.
John says
You need Belstaff clothing in that list. Mint classy clothing for the discerning Gent’s.
Ryan Hallstrom says
Good call, John! One of my friends has a Belstaff waxed jacket and it’s pretty great quality.
Michael says
With regards to fast fashion UNIQLO is certainly an option. They are certainly positioning themselves to cater for the older demographic as evidenced by a long term contract with, now retired, Roger Federer. The denim, chinos and polos and roll neck tops, usually in navy, are in my wardrobe.
Mark says
Older man either get bonny slim with chicken legs, or get fat. When they go to the gym and get bigger because they add muscle to the fat hence the old man look. Get slim and ripped and you’ll look younger, your posture will improve and you will fill clothes same as a young man, hence you will look good in them. Those gentleman pictured above are overweight and too tight clothed. Don’t develop pecs, go for the thigs. For arms prefer definition over size, like a normal younger man that don’t go to the gym but do sports. I’m only state the obvious, if your physique is good all clothes work. The other thing to watch is your gait, if you lean forward or drag your feet you will look old no matter what your face complexion. And in the subject of gyms, don’t compete with the other old farts trying to show they are as strong as young men, concentrate on your body, set your goals and work towards them.
Kd says
Well say
Jerry says
Very well put. As a matter of fact, I copied what you wrote and put it in my notes.
Brandon D. says
Reading this and was a bit surprised Peter Manning NY is no longer in the list of brands. I like their style and some items for really well and not as expensive as Ash & Erie. Mostly classic styles for all the basics.
Brock McGoff says
I haven’t worn much PM stuff over the past couple years. Anecdotally, I’ve heard mixed things about their quality/customer service since ownership changed.
I do wear Ash & Erie pieces pretty regularly, although most of my wardrobe is made up of non-specialty brands (which tend to be a bit more stylish IMO).
ChrisB58 says
I agree Brock! One of the most “best compliments” a person can get is when you mix non-specialty brands and someone issues you a compliment on your selection and tries to guess the brand and/or the amount you paid…. 🙂
“Uniqueness” has its place, and most mix and matches that compliment your own style usually wins the day… 😉
Jason says
I think the whole “trying to look younger” thing is grossly misrepresented. I’m 45, have always loved music and skateboarding. It’s who I am. So wearing my Ramones shirt and Vans is childish? Some of these outfits you present as being appropriate just look “stiff” and pretty dorky. So to all the men who read this and think, “Huh, I wear lots of those things on the Do Not List, I wouldn’t worry about it. At all.
Aaron says
Tony Hawk loves skateboarding as well, but he looks old wearing jeans that are to long, clumpy skateboarding shoes and baggy shirts. Makes him look like he’s try to keep being a kid. Tony, you made it, you’re successful spend a little money and dress a little better.
Sam R says
First off, here’s a quick list of specific things to avoid, assuming you don’t want people to think you’re trying to look younger:
Distressed jeans (any kind of tears, fading or stains)
Next
*Picture of Ralph Lauren in distressed jeans
Brock McGoff says
A perfect example of knowing the rules, then breaking them in a way that works.
Pedro says
Great information.i have an excuse to buy a leather jacket
Peter Crawford says
I am 73 years young ,still working as a medical device designer,I am often asked …truly how old are you really ,even the cops challenged my age ,until
Proof was provided, I totally agree with your visual observation dress accordingly,.! Men and Women world wide spend a $$$$ fortune on fashion ,but cannot buy
“ Style” Thanking you excellent overview .!
40 UK M says
Horrible, wear what you want, how you want.
This is clearly written for a certain person with a certain income who has a certain need to look a certain way.
Look in the mirror and if you feel comfortable then wear it. Do not let anyone tell you how you should look.
Joe says
Love the grey and black shoes on Bret…what brand are they?
BR77 says
Comments from 2017 and article timestamp keeps being updated throughout the years!
Brock says
We update articles at least once a year, so the date you see at the top of the article shows the last time it was updated.
Mike Cagle says
I really enjoyed this article, and learned a lot about appropriate wardrobe choices for the older gentleman. I normally wear khakis and a Polo to work so that is what I am most comfortable going out in. But I don’t necessarily always want to dress like I just came from work, I’d like to wear something that will invoke the reaction “D@#n, he looks good!” But as a bulkier six foot man (trying to lessen the bulk) I don’t always look right in the more popular “normal” styles. But this article definitely helps, I do however agree with topic above that there is really no emphasis on warmer climate areas or summertime choices. Thank you for your time
Bruce says
A gréât article. I have to agree to most issues, except skinny’s- I’m average-tall, 146, 5.10, most slim can look slouchy. I do wear skinny’s with blazers, proper coats, and must look like a million because I have comments regularly. 68, guessed around 50. My source for all wool V-neck sweaters, wool jackets, suit, French-cuffs, formal wear, blazers is Charles Tyrwhitt- London. Dress well- you’re worth it!
That Tim says
Sadly like nearly all other mens fashion articles, this is only for people that live in the artic north. Nothing shown as an example works for a southern man or a man that lives where it averages 80-90F most of the year. I would be a pile of sweat in everything shown as an example.
Please can we get articles for hot weather?
Jigul says
Agree show us some fashion for 50-60s men located in hot climates
Karl R says
Hot weather ideas…
Pants:
Chino shorts, linen shorts, linen pants.
Shirts:
Polo shirt, short-sleeve shirt, long-sleeve linen shirt w/ sleeves rolled up.
Shoes (with no-show socks):
Loafers, boat shoes, driving moccasins.
Sunglasses:
Aviators, clubmasters, wayfarers.
Hat:
Panama hat.
You can combine any of the items above, and the outfit will work well. Mostly wear light colors, and you have the option to wear brighter colors than you would in the cooler months.
Nes says
Same here. I live in southern California, where our winters are still high 60’s low 70’s. I’d love to wear outfits like these, but at times is not feasible. Even right now mid-September through mid-October we’ll be hovering in low 80º weather.
I have a different issue for a different thread, I’ll be 41 soon but look 28. It’s actually annoying, but different conversation for a different day.
Malachy notime says
I really enjoy this your encouragement about dressing at 40’s and above. I love dressing iam above but the color is what iam emphasizing on putting on black signify a mourning mood. Though putting on white cap balance the normal dressing mood I really enjoy you guys thanks so much. Ride on !’,,,,,,,
Mike G says
First, thanks for not taking a condescending tone with regard to older men’s fashion. That’s so often the case elsewhere and can be so off putting. Your reasonable and sensible recommendations fall right in line with the direction I’m taking.
I’m retired and in my 70s and have recently become a successful fine artist with my work showing at museums and galleries across the country. I have a full head of beautiful gray hair and keep it styled in what I call “strategic disarray,” a little messy on purpose. Not too sprayed-in-place. I want to dress with a little flare and style that befits a more “artsy” sort, but I’m not interested in looking clownish or like I’m in desperate need to look young. That ship has sailed. I am able to get away with western wear at some of my museum shows because I’m known for western art, but that’s only when special events call for it. Otherwise, I prefer a more widely-accepted style for everyday.
My first big fashion NO occurred several years ago with backwards baseball caps. Unless I’m rolling paint on a ceiling, you’d never catch me wearing one that way. To me it looks too desperate at any age. Graphic T-shirts are now my go-to only when I want to wipe a brush on it in the studio. The ball caps went in a box a while back. Now I’m fond of newsboy caps in summer and winter weights and fabric and in winter, have a couple of fedoras. I think I can pull them off.
Sandals? I’m in the hot steaming south. Losing them isn’t going to happen when I’m just beating around, no matter how lousy these old feet look now.
Articles/videos like yours give me a little more confidence that what I’m doing is right. Work in progress.
Realist says
Unrealistic to use celebrities as examples what the everyday guy should wear. How many of us have stylists, personal trainers and deep pockets?
Also all these “How to dress when you are more mature” articles are very myopic and unrealistic. Do you really expect an everyday guy to wear a sport coat, or suit to go on a weekend excursion to CostCo or Home Depot?
How about something more realistic like Harrington jackets, V-neck sweaters, golf and polos, bomber jackets with chinos or non-blue jeans with casual shoes or boots. That’s far more realistic for a mature man to dress outside of work than wearing a blue blazer and tie to take the wife and kids to Applebee’s.
Maybe these such articles should be aimed to celebrities because very few tips apply to most men’s circumstances. Not all of us have a gala event like the Grammys or Oscars to attend.
Steve says
Damn!!! This is spot on!
Gary Humphries says
I absolutely agree, and everything recommended is over priced for a lot of everyday men.
henrik says
you should look at mark twain a true artist you will get some ideas from him
Scott says
This is hilarious. I’m sure George S doesn’t always look like a slob! Ralph L is a time travel to the 80s. Wooster is exactly what the problem is with Robert D. Thank you for the laugh.
Rick says
George Stephanopoulos was 40 during the Clinton administration. Come on now.
Jack says
This…kind of looks like the opposite of “modest”. Most of these pictures seem like how-tos on looking pretentious and unapproachable. Also, I’ve been looking at a lot of these articles–do any of you live in a place where it’s hot most of the year. “No t-shirts” can be akin to “enjoy your heatstroke”.
GLENN T. FIORE says
I’m 5’7.5″ 70 years old and I don’t wear sneakers . When you looking at someone like Howie Long for example on NFL Sunday your looking at this face while he is talking and you can see his feet because of his sneakers just looks like he has no class (to me) on how he looks. Another thing I did not do, is wear a striped tie and a striped shirt the Tucker Carson look . His overwhelming amounts of strips are going in a hundred different directions. Not a class act when it comes to his dress. for me, penny loafer with tassels is my choose with jeans
Harris Tweed jacket .
Corey says
Simplicity is key ~ with that being said men’s fashion needs to step up . All of these looks are homogenous and too Jcrew.
FashionNonExpert says
Agree. I would suggest looking at older men’s fashion in Europe or Asia (Tokyo). These examples are 99% of men walking around in the US. Spend a buck and look quality.
James says
Hi… I’m a 40 year old English man living in Uganda, Africa. I’m 14 stone and 5ft 10… so a bit of a belly. I am also a farther of a 2 year old and a teacher. As such I am always on my feet and often covered in paint or mess of somesort.
Could you advise some style tips for hotter climates. It’s almost always too hot for jeans and often too hot for chinos.
I do sweat pretty easily but not that bad.
Given these weather conditions I often wear sandals or trainers and shorts and round neck or v neck tshirts.
I know I need to update my style but when I research my findings are always for cooler climates.
Thanks in advance for any tips you can offer.
J
That Tim says
This right here. It seems every single mens fashion article is for NYC mid winter.
colin sherwood says
im 48, im eccentric, and have worn all sorts of things, after losing parents , its easy to go into a slump, and i became unfit, i allways dressed well been tall and thin…but in the next 2 years, i want to ditch the hooded tops, the cowboy hats, the beads and coats that feel like a carpet…you give some great advice here..and it will be wonderful to get fit and smarten up the style and actually dress my age..instead of trying to look like the latest stallion from the gym.
Tim Hayashi says
Brock, I love about 99.9% of your posts, pictures and advice, and you have truly been inspirational to all 5’6” of me but I have to disagree with you on a couple of “Avoids”.
First, I’ve been in the apparel business for over 40 years and have sold everything from suits to boardshorts. I’ve spent the last 33 years in the Surfwear industry and currently work for several of the top brands.
If you live in coastal areas like So. Cal, Florida or Hawaii, sandals are perfectly acceptable, as long as they are worn at appropriate times and they’re not 99cent rubber slippers. Nice leather sandals are a great casual look and are a staple of warm climate areas. I”m not saying that wearing them when going out to a nice dinner or date is cool, but as the saying goes, “if the shoe fits” the occasion, sandals can be worn with style.
Second, I believe that hooded sweatshirts, in light weight solids and textured fabrics are totally appropriate for me over 50. I avoid big and baggy hoodies and do not wear anything with bold logo, but a nice fitted solid hoodie can be a great layering piece. Another one of my favorite fashion inspirational gurus, John Galfano agrees in this recent video he released. https://youtu.be/pQJFl7sETso
John totally rocks a hoodie.
I agree 100% with you with the rest of your list especially distressed denim, baseball hats worn backwards, denim shorts and baggy clothing.
My mantra is, “You don’t always have to “Dress for success”. Sometimes you just need to dress successfully™️. You, John and a few other influencers do a fantastic job of explaining this and I have the deepest respect for you.
John Galfano says
Thanks for including me in this article Brock!
Barry Hellespont says
Irrelevant information for soulless, style-less, sheep.
Brock says
And what exactly does that make you, Barry?
Alabel says
So. Did you read the entire article? You soulless soul 🙂
A-Z Formal [email protected] says
Thanks Brock – thoughtful stuff I Really Like it.
Chenzo Wilson says
Daymond earrings are awful. They ruin his whole look. Sorry but no guy past his late 20s should be wearing the diamond stud earrings or any earrings for that matter. Just tacky past a certain age no matter how much wealth you have.
David says
Get the basics and fit right and you can build an entire wardrobe of looks around those items with a few more interesting pieces. Buy the best quality you can afford, focus on material and fit, invest in yourself and a gym membership. Don’t give up or give in to the middle aged around the middle spread.
Nick Wooster is a style icon, the others… all very bland middle America catalogue men, fine if you want to blend in with everyone else.
Ben Neki says
Fashion rules? Bunkum!
Ted says
48 and 5’10”- I’ve donated about 6 tall kitchen garbage bags of baggy jeans and t-shirts in the last 2 months and replaced it, in large part, following the new found rules I learned from TMM, GG, and to an extent RMRS. Rafael has a lot of clout and great production value and detail but pushes fashion to a dandy state. Antonio has his strong points particularly in his info-graphics, but it is hard to get past the high pressure salesman side of him. A few things I like about TMM is that, even at 5’10.75″ I still wouldn’t mind looking taller. And who DOESN’T want to come across as more confident? Arrogant A-holes, maybe? So the main thrust of the site is on point with a LOT broader audience than it was originally intended. I like that no other site is more upfront about “these are the fashion rules, feel free to break them (once you know them)”. I like the overall style projected. Sharp, smart, stylish, but not over the top, and not pushy.
Yusri says
No to distressed jeans and you yet showed Ralph rocking a pair at 77 years of age. And Nick Wooster’s photos practically yelling ‘bollocks!’ to your style tips. And you ended your article with a message rightfully contradicting your own ‘advice’.
As a 48-year old, this is probably one reason I don’t take style tips from younger guys. They don’t always know what they are talking about. Style is personal. Whatever you choose to wear, own the look but be mindful of the social context. The latter says you’re clued in, not clueless. If you’re not comfortable wearing ‘someone else’s looks’ it will become obvious to everyone else that you’re simply trying too hard.
Joe Judge says
You say to ditch the baseball cap, but replace it with what? I’m bald and need a hat. I like old fashioned brim hats like guys work in the 50s and 60s, but nowdays you look contrived. Knit caps make you look like a bum… or teen. Suggestions?
Gary Humphries says
I would just go with the baseball cap or the old brim style you love to wear,personally i would go with what makes you happy, i’m 51 and wear baseball caps all the time and i don’t think age should matter as to what type of hat you wear.
Gary Humphries says
I wear knit caps to simply keep my head warm.
Chris Rothschild says
Function over form=old age.
Gary Humphries says
Chris those are my sentiments exactly, even tho it may not be be hip or fashionable!! All about function and comfort!!
henrik says
try pap nun nice hats
Ante says
I am 52. 6″2′. 96 kg. Gray haired. I do not try to pretend that I’m younger then my age but I do not agree that older guys shouldn’t wear T-shirts. Recently I couldn’t resist to purchase original and unique design “Poet and Rider” by Silver Gang. The head turner. I think that men should choose their wardrobe in accordance with “feel good” factor. Some fashion gurus are biased. The same T-shirt on Nick Wooster will be declared “top pick” or “ultimate fashion”.
GARY says
I completely agree on this although some tee shirts should be worn by our younger counterparts!!
Larry Lacy says
I am 56 and 5’5 tall. My style leads towards dress and casually dressed with various colors that can accentuate my wear. This article is spot on. Also I am going to purchase some shirts that one can wear untucked.
Gary Humphries says
50 Years old and 5’6″ Tall. What is a good style if you like to tuck your shirts in most of the time? Brock very nice article and have you ever thought about doing a video on this? How about segments for those over 40 or 50 on a regular basis?
lou says
why is 40 old?
J says
It’s not old. However if you haven’t kept up with trends and you’ve
neglected your body and your look it can look old!
Paul Sterry says
54 and 5ft 4″ Just get on with it, be happy. Just make sure it fits properly.
Frank Gadson says
Enjoyed the article great advice as a man of 62 years short in stature I wholeheartedly agree with he tips you suggest…however I think one needs to tread lightly in the areas of “pop of color” or “accessorizing” the wrong color or accessory can just simply destroy an entire look thanks for the article!
J says
I think it all depends on how old you actually look!
If you look 15 years younger, then wear for that.
However, once over 50 – it doesn’t matter if you’re
15 years younger looking, you’re still following the
grown-up rules. Nothing is going to put you in your
20s again.
Simon Miles says
I’m enjoying my clothes now (in my forties) more than at any other time of my life. I love the ease, comfort and understated elegance of these simple, classic styles. It’s a look that can come across a bit stuffy and staid on a young man, but on an older man just works. I’m also now at the stage in my life when I can afford to invest in decent quality and fit (including alterations as required). Getting the right fit is always challenging, but with so many more options on line these days (and blogs like this one) it’s a lot easier than it used to be. Great article.
henrik says
self edge
Tom says
Basically a dress shirt in every instance, with maybe a polo shirt thrown into the mix here or there.
Frank says
If you wear a jacket with jeans tennis shoes are okay but if you wear a jacket dress pants and a black T-shirt or Pollo shirt, black shoes with black or grey is the manly way
Matthew H Phillips says
im a fan of color. alot of ur wardrobe is personality. if u own it ur good. being confident and comfortable in ur clothes is more important than the label
ur wearing. if ur clean and well groomed and happy i wear chuck taylors or vans and own it.