Dad Style? How to Dress Well as an Older Man

The press loves to gently mock 'dad style', which sadly isn't just the creation of journalists desperate for copy. In town the other day I saw a father and son. Both wore black quilted jackets (with large brand logos), black jeans and startlingly white trainers. The young man looked fine, but the older man didn't. Why? How can the older man dress well and find style without looking as though he's out of place or trying too hard? Here are my thoughts; part of the blog's Search for Style series (link below).

I've borrowed images of David Beckham for this post (if they're yours and you want them taken down or to be credited, let me know. They're used here for illustrative purposes only). Beckham has an acute sense of style and can probably carry off dad style better than most, but study the images and decide for yourself.

Beckham father and son: dad style?

To me 'dad style', in the disparaging sense in which it's come to be used, can be two things: 

1. Firstly, an older man wearing clothes that would look better on this son. Essentially, he's dressing younger than his age, reluctant to let go of his fading youth. Harsh maybe, but true style means accepting yourself for who you are and wearing clothes that suit your personality without shouting out that you'd rather be someone else. 

2. Secondly, the older man who's stuck in 'older man' style because he doesn't know of any other or doesn't care about looking good. The dog-eaten tweed cap, boxy jacket, ill-fitting and shapeless trousers, grey shoes or white trainers, the absence of any colour or shape. This is the man who feels he's too old to bother.

Both of these dad styles include men that I would love to influence through this blog, showing them how true style respects age and personality rather than not bothering or trying to be what you're not.

All dad style?

How to avoid 'dad style'

You may be happy with your dad style, in which case don't read on. However, here are a couple of thoughts to help you avoid the look:

a) Don't wear clothes more suited to young men. This will not, in general, make you look either cool or younger. I say 'in general' because there are some older men who can look good in tight jeans, baseball caps and white trainers, but the risk shouldn't be taken unless you're confident of the result. Avoid skinny fits and narrow lapels, over-short jackets, brand logos and trainers (other than for sport). 

b) Don't get stuck in shapeless 'older men' styles. Most importantly, your clothes must fit well. Have them altered by a tailor if you buy ready to wear. Find good quality clothes (and shoes) in classic shapes and styles. To look subtly contemporary and stylish, mix them with denim or chambray and timelessly well-tailoring jackets and trousers (try turn-ups for added character). Add fresh splashes of colour in scarves, pocket squares and good quality accessories. Note than denim is for any age of man; just wear it in keeping with your age and style. 

Don't worry if you're larger or smaller than average, just focus on buying stuff that fits: most men buy clothes that are too large which seldom looks good.  

Above all, wear what you feel comfortable in and don't try to be what you're not. The older man should have the confidence of age to find his own style without copying those of a younger generation or getting stuck in colourless older man's looks. 

Look around this blog, Pinterest and The Sartorialist, what looks do you admire on older men? Use those as inspiration for finding your own style. 

Follow 'The Search for Style' Series on this link.