How one visitor's comments contribute towards a man's search for style in middle age

Since starting this blog I have received many helpful and interesting comments. One of my most frequent contributors has been Fred Gonsowski, whose comments are wise and well-considered. I have learned a lot from him in my search so far for style in middle age. It is helpful to have the advice of others on any journey.

Mr Gonsowski maintains a blog at Fred Gonsowski Garden Home, which he illustrates himself with sketches and collage. He's obviously an artist and a man of great experience and understanding of colour and garden and interior design - please pay him a visit.

Here is how Mr Gonsowski has offered me his thoughts about my progress. Some of the minor detail is based on US tastes and probably doesn't translate to this side of the Atlantic (decorated belts and leather jackets), but the content is pure gold. I agree with the view that an older man should seek slim, modern interpretations of classics - my recent tweed jacket purchase here is just such. I will, as he suggests, try to show more of my experiments here on the blog (a rash promise).

Many thanks, Fred Gonsowski, for commenting with such humour and insight - you add greatly to my enjoyment of maintaining this blog. I have added your comments in full so that they may benefit others who, like me, are on a search for style.

"Fred GonsowskiApr 3, 2012 07:08 PM

Hi there Grey Fox... I looked through your articles, and I read your comment ..A Man's search for style into middle age and beyond. Looking at you, and the things you SEEM to be attracted to, this is MY opinion how you can realize your vision. Take it with a grain of SALT ;-}

First of all the tweed jackets and some of the other things you like say OLD MAN-TRADITIONAL. That is OK, but you don't want to be/look like your father. I think, to the things that attract you, to have a more CURRENT look, you have to mix in modern elements.

Start by going out and buying SLIM CUT-Low Rise jeans in the colors, dark blue, black, gray and brown. That silhouette says modern, and the shape is not that of your father's jeans.

Secondly buy some vertical striped shirts, that have wide stripes, and are colorful. Also buy some BRIGHT colored shirts to add to the stripes. Bright colors suggest YOUTH, and color has a way of reflecting up at a person's face, and makes them look younger. Gray, white, and drabs do nothing for the skin. With those kinds of colors add a BRIGHT color, to counterbalance them.

Third go out and buy some tweed, and other textured vests, to wear with the shirts and jeans. You can also put a Bright-Fun tie with them to make a dressy casual look.

Next think about shoes. To go with what you have, add an ankle high boot in leather, and a desert boot in suede.

After that think accessories. Look for belts, that have big sculptural buckles, some studs, grommets, etc. A knock out belt buckle can give a pop of visual interest to a rather plain outfit. Also think about a cuff bracelet or some other kind of jewelry to put along with your watch, on the same wrist.

You have solid socks, look into stripes, polka dots, etc. Try on different styles of hats.

A leather coat, will also give you a modern look.

When shopping look through clearance racks, etc for fun, but inexpensive additions to your wardrobe. BUY things that are in colors that go with what you already have. Bring/wear clothing that you want to match things to, when shopping. That way you will know if what you want to buy really works.

Finally, go into stores, and try on clothing that you think you would NEVER like. Clothing on the rack will look a lot different from the way it looks on you. Also try on the bold and bright, and odd balled of the fashion world. You and you alone will see how it looks when you try it on, by your self in the dressing room. I have tried on things at GUCCI that looked terrible on the rack, but were wonderful when I put them on. Also the bold and bright, takes a few minutes to get used to.

You know Grey Fox, you could now take all my suggestions, and go out and write and show the world your finds....Have Fun!"