This image is from September 2008 GQ. I guess this man is mid-forties. As such, he's (apparently) breaking every denim rule in the book; an older man not only wearing jeans (oh dear!), but (worse) distressed jeans.
I like the look, particularly with brown brogues. There's no harm in pushing boundaries. He avoids looking like a middle-aged man dressing like a teenager (to be honest, what teenager would dress like this anyway?) My preference would be for naturally-aged jeans. I don't like the dishonesty of artificially-distressed clothing.
To read more on older men and jeans, go here, For discussion of distressed clothes, see here.
Actually, he looks foolish.
ReplyDeleteIn what way, Karen?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment.
GF.
Casual wear doesn't just have to mean denim and even more denim does it?
ReplyDeleteThe brogues are the best thing about this outfit, for the rest, it looks like he's trying too hard to be casual and in fact looks scruffy. Well to my eyes that is.
David
Thanks David - I knew this was going to be a controversial post which, of course, is why I posted it!
ReplyDeleteI don't claim anywhere that denims are the only casual option.
You may be right about the trying too hard. This man works for Levi's so has a point to make.
GF.
Faux distressed denim on anyone isn't a great look IMHO. Especially with patches as in the GQ shoot.
ReplyDeleteMy other half (in his mid forties) wears jeans (Gap) til they're falling apart and I have to say there's something rather nice about (naturally) worn out jeans with his worn-in sheepskin Emu boots. But UGG style boots on men is probably a whole other blog post...!
As with many things when it comes to style, I guess it's a lot about how you carry yourself, your build and your lifestyle as to what suits.
Thanks, H, for the wise comment. I'm beginning to believe exactly what you say in the last sentence. So much of style and appearance is down to self-belief and confidence. After all, it's all about self-expression.
ReplyDeleteAccordingly, we can say if we like a look or not; but to mock it would be invidious.
GF.
I'm with Karen, H and David on this -- this particular image is a self-conscious and silly look.
ReplyDelete....in my opinion.
Well, I will be the naysayer here, I like it. if they were artificially distressed then absolutely not, but real life worn denim, lovingly patched is akin to beaten leather and softened tweed, richer and more cherished for its journey, just like the person sporting it. I must admit I am also currently patching my beloved 12 year old jeans and can hardly wait to get back into them.
ReplyDeleteThank you L'Age Moyen. I take your view on this. Good luck with the jeans. GF.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand all the hatred for the "unnaturally" distressed jeans. I think that they look great!
ReplyDeleteAnd that's what counts, right?
Frankly, only older men ought to wear anything distressed, as only they have an outside chance of having accomplished it.
Hi Grey Fox -- I just think it looks like he's "trying too hard" to be hip. If I saw him walking down the street the first thing I'd think would be "why are his jeans all ripped up?" and NOT, "that's a good-looking guy." (Which he is!)
ReplyDeleteWell, I'll toss in my two cents - I do like it. And I very much agree that clothes like these work best if worn with a natural confidence, best achieved when one's working lifestyle and personality are a natural partner to the rugged clothes. Such individuals just 'look' right and can carry it off no matter what.
ReplyDeleteI also prefer distressed clothing whose wounds were achieved naturally (miles of crawling in remorse ? hours spent working under the car ? sliding down a bannister ?); The extent of it for me is usually frayed leg hems thanks to a playful dog, or thready rips at the knee. After that, they're not seen beyond the house or garden but still get plenty of use for as we all know, nothing's more comfortable than a pair of well-worn jeans.
GF the picture brings up another point that might be an interesting topic to discuss sometime :- Facial hair for the bald or balding man: Yea or nay ? Best and worst ? What of it and how much ? I think it suits the model in the pic and compliments the clothes and style of the image.
Thank you all for the comments so far; a fascinating mix of opinions. I like Natural Workwear's logical point that only older men will have had time to allow their denims to deteriorate naturally! Thank you also Karen and Mathew, opposing views to some extent.
ReplyDeleteFacial hair for the balding man? Too much of a hot potato I think. I'd need views from those who know more about it than me.
GF.
Hi Dave,
ReplyDeleteyes, he does look distressed! I have thrown away better jeans. Oh, and turn-ups on jeans just remind me of skin-head fashion. Just showing my age I guess. :-)
Cheers
Gruntfuttock
Love the blog. Hate the jeans!
ReplyDeleteHe looks foolish to me, too. If he only had genuinely stressed jeans...
To each his/her own, of course.
James
Actually the article states they are 501's distressed by the man himself, so genuine......a little pretentious but ok to me.
ReplyDeleteBy the way found your blog via The Sartorialist and I am enjoying catching up on the previous blogs, I am over 60 and can still get into some skinny jeans but looking to start a more mature style befitting my elderly status. Buys this week - two chambray shirts, one herringbone double breasted blazer in grey, they are looking good together. I love January sales!
ReplyDeleteThanks all. I'm beginning to think I should adopt one reader's suggestion of having readers' pictures - it would be great to show people how a man over 60 can dress with pride and style!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the wonderful comments; it's good to see we're not taking ourselves too seriously!
GF.
What is the fascination with pants that are too short? Either rolled up or just too short they almost always look silly.
ReplyDeleteSo refreshing to come across someone who doesn't think that the only acceptable denim on anyone over 30 is regular fit dark denim...yawn.
ReplyDeleteSo refreshing to come across someone who doesn't think that the only acceptable denim on anyone over 30 is regular fit dark denim...yawn.
ReplyDelete