Here are more interesting thoughts from blog reader, David G about style:
"I enjoyed the latest in your search for style. A colleague about 10 years younger than me told me yesterday how much he admired my style; but at the same time he said it makes him realize how he’s “given up” on his own style. That was a revelation to me, David. It’s not that he doesn’t want to be stylish, but in his head he feels that his wife, family, and friends “don’t care” so what’s the point?
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| Older men and style at Pitti Uomo June 2018 |
I told him he might be surprised, and I reminded him that my transformation was rather sudden. As I told you, I felt self-conscious about it for a few days, but after a few days everyone got used to the “new” me. And I get many compliments from my colleagues, which in turn make me feel more confident and happy with my style journey. If only men like my colleague would realize this. The hardest part is just getting started, but once you make that decision to care about your appearance and gets easier by the day!
And my reply:
I've always assumed that many older men have given up but have never had that exact conversation with someone who's admitted it, so it's interesting to hear that it does seem to be the case in some instances. I think that they get to an age where they have the family/career/partner/children or whatever and feel there's nothing that justifies looking stylish. They may also be unsure about how to dress well without being thought to be trying too hard.
If menswear companies sold direct to the older man, by using older models, I'm sure that many older men would remain interested in style and more of those that aren't could be tempted out of their complacency/lack of confidence/interest or whatever.
I agree there is a hurdle to get over at first. It gets easier - in fact I sometimes have to hold myself back slightly - I think it's possible to slide into dandyism. I don't want to stand out on how I dress by being too extrovert. Quiet stylishness is what I try to achieve.I'm receiving so many comments from readers - many thanks. All influence what I think and write here on the blog about The Search for Style, so please keep in touch by commenting here or through my e-mail.
Follow The Search for Style series here.
For my tuppence worth, even if no once else seems to notice or care, a man (at any age) should present himself stylishly for himself above all. Even if it's something as banal as a sports shirt and shorts on a warm summer's day at home. Self-respect and all that, you know.
ReplyDeleteBest Regards,
Heinz-Ulrich von B.
"
ReplyDelete"I agree there is a hurdle to get over at first. It gets easier - in fact I sometimes have to hold myself back slightly - I think it's possible to slide into dandyism. I don't want to stand out on how I dress by being too extrovert. Quiet stylishness is what I try to achieve".
The above paragraph is the perfect mission statement for both your blog, and how I feel about trying to dress with style.
I am not trying to stand out, but equally as a middle aged man,I want to dress with style and practicality, I work in the countryside, and tweed,silk, wool and corduroy are perfect for our changing seasons and weather. And many British firms excel in making these garments.
I love the outfit you are wearing on the left in the picture (not so much the fellow on the right, not my style). Can we get some details?
ReplyDeleteAs a man in my 60’s I think you hit the nail on the head for me, when you talk about wanting to have a good style without “slipping into dandyism”. It’s a line I don’t want to cross over, so it helps determine what I do.
ReplyDeleteHi, I completely agree with the comments on older men "giving up" on fashion. Aside from the reasons outlined by you both, I think it's also true that there is a expectation from society generally that men over 50 shouldn't be interested in making themselves look their best. The attitude of the fashion companies to older models and targeting product at the young market reflects this even though logic would suggest that an older person has more spending power. The only major retailer that I've noticed using older models is Charles Tyrwhitt and even then it's a 40 something model.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments - very helpful to know I'm on the right track!
ReplyDeleteMy suit is tailored by Dege & Skinner from W. Bill Irish linen.
GF
Hello David, I think there's another element to the discussion about how to dress stylishly, without slipping into dandyism, and that is interaction with 'friends'. Most of us don't choose our friends based on how they dress - and most of us (i'm guessing) have friends who don't always take too much interest is what they wear - functional, rather than fashionable!. So, I think, for many men, if they were to suddenly turn up at the pub in a tobacco brown Dege & Skinner linen suit they would, indeed, 'stand-out'. In my own case, the addition of a pocket square was seen as a touch of flamboyance (although I'm pleased to say a couple of weeks later a friend also appeared with the self-same accompaniment!). So, I think, part of the challenge for the older man is to find stylish clothes that fit into his everyday environment/circumstances, without feeling too self-conscious amongst his peers. Finally, just to say that I think your blog does an excellent job of showing the older me=an how they can be more stylish without appearing to be trying to relive their misspent youth!
ReplyDeleteThank you SpinDoctor - an excellent point which I hadn't thought of - I agree. And thank you for the kind comments!
ReplyDeleteGF