Older men have few sources of style inspiration. In general, the fashion market and press don't see them as potential customers, despite their relative affluence. We all take creative ideas from what we see around us. Without the visual inspiration of adverts, images and press coverage, there is little to guide us in our search for style. Many older men give up, discouraged by the absence of such influences.
I faced such a desert when I started this blog, so I offer here some sources of inspiration to older men who are looking for ideas to inform their sartorial choices. I will update this from time to time, as I'm sure I've left out a few suggestions. Please get in touch if you have any suggestions for additions. [I updated this post to add inspirational books 12 January 2016].
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| From top left clockwise: From GQ Best-Dressed Man 2016, The Rake, image from The Sartorialist |
Blogs
There are very few blogs that cater for the older man; that is why this blog exists.
The Sartorialist has always taken shots of men and women of all ages and by definition these are people of style and fashion sense. Have a browse as there's always something of interest.
Well-Dressed Dad is middle-aged Norwegian blogger 'into classic menswear, tweed, workwear and cool things'. He specialises in the more casual side of style: waistcoats, brogues, denim and outerwear and offers a welcome alternative to the more classic style I advocate here. Like me, he supports smaller brands and the ethical production of menswear.
Websites
Many style and fashion websites are run by large teams of contributors. The result is that the variety and volume of the content is excellent, but they tend to be youth-centric.
Some are linked to commercial menswear sites, but are often of good quality. Try the The Rake Online, Mr Porter Journal, Fashionbeans, Menswear Style. While The Rake has much content for the older man, you will need to look around the others for inspiration.
GQ's Best-Dressed Men list 2016 contains a few grey hairs, most significantly Prince Philip at number 12.
Instagram
The fastest growing medium for inspiring images. Search hashtags #menswear #menssstyle #olderman #maturestyle - when I have a moment I'll feature some of the many stylish older men appearing on this, my favourite, social medium. Instagram.
Advertising
The fastest growing medium for inspiring images. Search hashtags #menswear #menssstyle #olderman #maturestyle - when I have a moment I'll feature some of the many stylish older men appearing on this, my favourite, social medium. Instagram.
Advertising
Those few brands that advertise to the older man are worth keeping an eye on as their campaigns show how all ages of men can successfully wear their clothes. See Oliver Sweeney and Oliver Spencer in particular.
Vintage images
Search online for images of so-called 'style icons' like Steve McQueen, Edward VIII (former Duke of Windsor), Prince Charles, Nick Wooster, Cary Grant etc. Look for elements of their style that you like and try them out. Do you prefer the casual or the formal look? What details work for you?
Pinterest
Search Pinterest using terms like 'style for the older man'. You will get a rather mixed bag, but among them will be some useful ideas and inspiration.
Magazines
The best print magazine catering for older men is The Rake (link above). The mainstream journals, such as Esquire and GQ (link above), are mainly concerned with younger style, but Esquire in particular frequently features older men from business and the arts. Most of the other style periodicals are so youth-focused that they offer little to the older man in search of style.
The Press
The Press
Best regular coverage without a doubt is The Guardian's Fashion for All Ages for both men and women. Why isn't there more fashion coverage of this sort, putting age as secondary to style?
Have a browse through my page on articles on style for older men here.
Books
Some of my favourite sources of inspiration (this is not a complete list, just a selection and is in no particular order):
Best of British by Simon Crompton et al - Prestel
The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman - Penguin
The Sartorialist Closer
The Sartorialist X
I am Dandy by Rose Callahan et al - Gestalten
Vintage Menswear by Sims et al - Laurence King
Sharp Suits by Eric Musgrave - Pavilion
Icons of Men's Style by Josh Sims - Laurence King
Advanced Style by Ari Seth Cohen - powerHouse Books
Men in This Town by Giuseppe Santamaria - Hardie Grant
One Hundred Years of Menswear by Cally Blackman - Laurence King
Gentleman - A Timeless Guide to Fashion by Roetzel - Ullmann
The Ivy Look by March et al - Frances Lincoln
Good hunting!
Have a browse through my page on articles on style for older men here.
Books
Some of my favourite sources of inspiration (this is not a complete list, just a selection and is in no particular order):
Best of British by Simon Crompton et al - Prestel
The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman - Penguin
The Sartorialist Closer
The Sartorialist X
I am Dandy by Rose Callahan et al - Gestalten
Vintage Menswear by Sims et al - Laurence King
Sharp Suits by Eric Musgrave - Pavilion
Icons of Men's Style by Josh Sims - Laurence King
Advanced Style by Ari Seth Cohen - powerHouse Books
Men in This Town by Giuseppe Santamaria - Hardie Grant
One Hundred Years of Menswear by Cally Blackman - Laurence King
Gentleman - A Timeless Guide to Fashion by Roetzel - Ullmann
The Ivy Look by March et al - Frances Lincoln
Good hunting!
Thanks for the links and sources of reference. As mentioned to you on Twitter this week I've given up on GQ and Esquire... Harry Styles as a fashion icon? Not for me he isn't. Finding style rather than fashion and age approriate kit (but not dressing like an old man who's given up on style).It's good to have some real sources to look up and try to emulate. The Sartorialist is indeed a great source of inspiration.
ReplyDeleteRich (age 43)
Thanks for the kind mention, David!
ReplyDeleteGood info here. David in Norway, I've browsed your blog. Enjoy the posts, especially the one about sorting on the rack, right-to-left. Brilliant! More shots of suburban "Norway" would be appreciated - curious how things look, in your part of the world.
ReplyDeleteJames
Hi James, I think you're mixing your blogs! I'm Nick in Norway, writing at WellDressedDad.com, and sorting clothes from left to right on the clothes rack! If you follow my Instagram you will see more shots of suburban Norway.
ReplyDeleteBest regards, Nick
WellDressedDad.com / WellDressedDad on Instagram
I have a great link for you David : http://www.thetweedpig.com/
ReplyDelete- From their page : The Tweed Pig is a rolling periodical that features timeless classics and hidden gems, uncovering the best from Britain and beyond to a global readership. From a male perspective, we champion artistry, heritage and craftsmanship over fleeting fashion and trends. We're interested in the attention to detail that goes into creating something that lasts.
Have a fantastic new year!
( my partner has become a bit more stylish because of your blog, many thanks)
I'm afraid to say I find The Rake rather tiresome. It seems to assume its readers are all London-based investment bankers with wardrobes the size of aircraft hangers and a clothing budget that probably exceeds the average annual income. Also the chap who runs it has awful style and generally comes off looking like an expensively attired extra from Miami Vice. I think a blog such as this one, which mixes expensive pieces with more realistic high street brands is probably reflective of how most men with an interest in clothes shop.
ReplyDeleteThanks all. Modern Country, I do visit Tweed Pig and agree it's excellent. Thanks for the comment too!
ReplyDeleteAnon - thanks for your comment about The Rake. I sort of know what you mean - I take the pretentiousness with a huge pinch of salt (as indeed I suspect we are meant to) and enjoy the looks and the older models as sources of inspiration. It's quite possible to emulate the looks (to some extent) by careful shopping elsewhere other than the most expensive tailors and Italian off-the-peg retailers. Don't cancel your sub! ;)
GF