Source unknown |
Source unknown |
So we older men need to search further for our clothes. There are no Hollisters, Abercrombie and Fitches, Zaras, etc for us and we have to look at suppliers of more classic styles to find what we need - I've identified a few of these in previous posts. This means we can express our individuality, as we are not dictated to in the way that the young are in making fashion choices.
In this post I've put together a few pictures showing what I consider to be successful attempts at middle age or older style or showing garments that would work on older men. Of course, the choice reflects my tastes and may not be yours. I realise that many of the photos show blazers - for me the jacket is an adaptable basic for formal or casual wear.
Dressing with style is about developing your own taste and self-confidence through trial and error. You should experiment to decide what suits you - try classics to start with while you build confidence, but don't be dictated to.
A Neapolitan Dream |
Masculine Style |
The Sartorialist |
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I beg to differ Grey Fox, but places like Hollisters, Abecrombie, Zara, etc might not have a full wardrobe for an middle aged man, but they might have accessories, like flip flops or the belt and bead bracelet shown in photo 4. I personally love the Hermes green belt in shot one, it is in the $575. range (You have good taste showing that!)
ReplyDeleteI think you have a younger vibe than you let on. Many of the photos you have shown in this post feature young, casual, and colorful, elements men of all ages can wear. The main thing is fit, so it is not too loose or boxy looking.
Hi Fred,
Deleteagree with you completely regarding fit; it is so important. Unfortunately, this is where fashion clashes with comfort. Older men (I speak as one) tend to go for comfort but you have to find a happy medium. I bought a Barbour jacket recently and have had so many compliments on it as to how well it fits me. It fits perfectly across the shoulders which I think is what people are noticing. If you look at many male fashion photos, the models are always wearing clothes one size down to ensure a trim fit. This is not comfortable but looks good and displays layers of clothing to best effect.
Cheers
Gruntfuttock
Thanks for the comments. Fred, the point I'm making is that the young are more than adequately catered for. I'm not denying that those shops don't stock stuff that is classic or suitable for the older man - it just has to be looked for and found amongst piles of goods marketed at the younger man. This means that more time and effort has to be made to find what one needs, an inconvenience the younger man doesn't experience. GF.
DeleteWhat you say is also true for women. Better clothes are more important the older you are.
ReplyDeleteTrue, but not to the extent that some think. The wonderful thing about our generation (I'm 63) is that so many of us are physically fit, not overweight or suffering lifestyle diseases and so our bearing, carriage and confidence can carry us to places no amount of fine clothing can ever reach. Just look at the way Barack Obama walks - what a beautiful stride! That's not to down-play the enjoyment one receives and gives from being well turned-out, just to make the point that the body under the clothes says a lot too.
DeleteI cannot but feel sorry for those young people I see who have made one stand-out attempt to look more attractive (fashionable hair, expensive garment, tattoo, jewellery etc), yet if they had paid serious attention to their body and their bearing rather than to this one trick, they would be far more attractive, and the attraction would be especially merited as it would not be superficial and purchased.
Women have had this problem for years. If older models are used, they generally are wearing something frumpy.
ReplyDeleteI love the line about there not being the Zara or A&F. My grown up children laugh when friends ask "where does your father shop?" I laugh as I accidentally started using a local MTM tailor about 12 years ago and our relationship has grown. I have everything tailored now (except odd pair of denims). I spend less than those high street brands and get the look I feel comfortable with. I encourage all readers to search and locate a local tailor. It need not be bespoke. A good MTM is worth the money. Jim
ReplyDeleteJim, A good MTM is worth the money. MTM is an abreviation for ? thanks John in the UK
ReplyDeleteAnon. MTM is made to measure.
ReplyDeleteGF