Italian influences in an older or middle-aged man's search for style

Wednesday, 2 May 2012

Why is it that Italian men look stylish, even when they are older and middle-aged, in ill-fitting suits, chain-smoking, or wearing their wristwatches over their shirt cuffs? I suppose suntans and neatly-coiffed hairstyles help, as does the impression that they're dressing to impress their mothers (who still iron their shirts for them) or younger women (who probably don't). Whatever, I'm envious - well, a bit envious.

Anyway, one of my favourite recent finds is Italian Industrialists and Intellectuals Style - not the most catchy or grammatically correct title, but one that oozes tongue-in-cheek fun and comment. I've unashamedly taken these photos from there to give a flavour. Like it or hate it, Italian style shines through and you can take the best bits and leave the worst, as your choice and taste dictates. I know I have.








Labels: , ,

6 comments

  1. That's Not My Age2 May 2012 at 10:53

    Let's just say some Italian industrialists/intellectuals look better than others! The man on the red sofa look very dapper.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Grey Fox31 May 2012 at 00:02

    I agree - but at least they're making the effort! GF

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous8 August 2012 at 08:31

      That is the key - they make the effort! British men, on the whole, do not. They simply try to emulate. For both men and women, the most stylish thing to be is true to yourself. Younger folk can get away with looking less than stylish - after all, they have yet to resolve themselves - but for those of us more mature ...well, there's no excuse!!!

      Delete
    2. Grey Fox8 August 2012 at 09:31

      Thanks for the comment. I agree to an extent but I think Italian men are emulating as much as any others - look how similar they all look. However, they are self-confident enough to carry it off. They have been told by their mums from a young age how great they look and that helps confidence! See also my later article on sprezzatura. GF.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous11 August 2012 at 16:41

      I like many of the looks (I'm old school Brooks Bros.), but don't any well dressed men have receding hairlines or partially bald heads like me? they're all so....hirsute.
      I'm envious, and somewhat discouraged.

      Delete
    4. Grey Fox15 August 2012 at 03:59

      The absence or not of hair is irrelevant. See my recent post asking whether a grey fox has to have his hair. It's really about confidence, state of mind and finding a style that suits you and you are comfortable with. Many men shave their heads and look very stylish with it. GF

      Delete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)