Book review: Menswear Dog: The New Classics

Over the last two years Menswear Dog had become an internet sensation with thousands of followers on social media. Bodhi, the four year old Shiba Inu and his owners stumbled into fame after posting photos of the dog dressed up online. The images were quickly picked up by the press and fashion industry and Bodhi is now famous.

The first Menswear Dog book is published by Artisan in the UK on 1st May. This full-colour men’s fashion and style hardback book includes over 100 photographs and illustrations. Despite the unusual nature of the model, the book, Menswear Dog: The New Classics (Artisan, £11.99) is full of serious fashion and style advice. The fact that the model is a dog makes the advice more accessible than if the clothes were modelled on a too handsome, too young, too perfect male model, as they invariably are by the fashion industry.

This is a fun book that includes some good stylish outfits that are accompanied by sound advice and tips on items to try with the look, colour matching, wardrobe essentials and what to wear for various seasonal events and venues. This book will soon have you wagging your tail.

And here's a video of Bodhi at work:

Navy blue - the colour for every man

I realised recently that the major part of my wardrobe is navy blue. For a man, younger or older, navy blue is the new black. It goes with any colour, from your crisp white shirt to the favourite acid-green trainers. My favourite pairings are to put navy blue with grey (see the image below from Crew Clothing) and with orange (here's a link to a previous post on this topic).

Overcombe jacket, grey Oxford jumper Crewe Clothing Co. - blue and grey together

Navy blue suits a wide spectrum of formality, from dinner jackets to jeans. The last few years have seen the rise in the deep blue evening suit (or tuxedo), popular because it shows up as a luxurious midnight blue under artificial light. For work, a navy blue suit is ideal. A classic of simple elegance, it looks superb with a striped shirt and silk Paisley tie. For casual wear, dark navy is the colour of raw denim jeans or of a wool or waxed-cotton pea coat. 

A navy flannel made to measure suit from Susannah Hall Tailors

The CEO of Whistles, Jane Shepherdson, has said: "When I see someone in navy, I think they are sophisticated, effortless, not trying too hard but with an innate sense of style," and she continues, "It is more forgiving than black, less harsh and carries with it a subtle whiff of sophistication. It stripes better than any other colour, and looks both classic and sharp at the same time." 

Smart: blue business coat. Hackett AW14

Casual: Navy and tan from Crew Clothing Co. Abingdon navy gingham shirt

The colour flatters a man so well that it was selected by the Royal Navy as the main colour for its uniforms many years ago. The Navy, keen to keep everything shipshape, recognised that Jack would look good in blue; and certainly women seemed to agree. The nautical look is now popular with both high street brands like Whistles (below) as well as retailers with one foot genuinely in the sea, like Crew Clothing Co, which started in water sports.

Whistles textured pea coat - the nautical look

So, navy blue is a useful colour for a man, whatever his skin tone or hair colour. It covers a range of hues from midnight blue to a cobalt or dark royal blue, so adding to its flexibility. The only problem is that, as in my case, it can become the easy option and you find your wardrobe has become too blue. In that case relieve the effect with contrasting textures (as below) or with colourful accessories; bright socks, ties, pocket squares and sweaters. Alternatively, play with different shades and tones of blue, the overall effect can be striking.

However you do it, use the versatility of navy blue as a base for more daring sartorial adventures.

Oliver Spencer SS15 - shades and textures of blue

Links to suppliers -

Crew Clothing Co. (to whom I'm grateful for their sponsorship of this post.)

Susannah Hall Tailors.

Whistles Menswear.

Hackett.

Oliver Spencer.

Grey Fox features in 'The Grey Fox Issue' - Mr Porter Journal

I'd like to thank Mr Porter for featuring Grey Fox in today's Mr Porter Journal, ('The Grey Fox Issue'). In doing so they are recognising that the older man can be interested in style and that he has commercial clout and influence in the fashion world. For me this is a significant development as it confirms that the aims of this blog are slowly bearing fruit. See The Mr Porter Journal.

We had great fun on the shoot, in a huge, shabby-grand, Georgian house in Belgrave Square, London. The team was outstanding, but I'd like in particular to thank the photographer, Cat Garcia, for her wonderful work. The stylist, Scott Stephenson, allowed me to select the clothes from Mr Porter's astonishing collections; there is an emphasis on some favourite British brands. It was fun trying things I hadn't worn before.

While the use of the description 'cult' is a gross exaggeration, I'm pleased that Grey Fox has been recognised. This is acknowledgement that older men can be the specific target of fashion marketing - and that's one of the aims of this blog.

Many thanks also to the many of you who support Grey Fox, getting in touch with comments, ideas and suggestions; you have little idea how much I appreciate it: greyfoxblogATgmailDOTcom

If you're new to Grey Fox, please also follow on Twitter (@GreyFoxBlog), Instagram (GreyFoxBlog), Pinterest (Grey Fox) and Tumblr (Grey Fox). Thank you!

From Mr Porter - photographer Cat Garcia

Grey Fox interviewed on New York's BreakThru Radio

I was delighted to be interviewed today by DJMarie on New York's BreakThru Radio. The show was introduced as follows:

In the youth-obsessed culture of fashion media, where can the more mature sartorial eye turn for age-appropriate inspiration? While resources are still few and far between, bloggers like David Evans of Grey Fox are slowly changing the landscape of style to accommodate its significant older demographic, giving them an opportunity to see themselves reflected in contemporary fashion. On today's show, David joins me to talk about the foundation and growth of Grey Fox, Britain's growing Made in the UK movement, a few style guidelines that will help older men to look and feel their best, some of his favorite accessories, a few Grey Fox fashion icons, and more.

To listen to the interview, click here.

How one visitor's comments contribute towards a man's search for style in middle age

Since starting this blog I have received many helpful and interesting comments. One of my most frequent contributors has been Fred Gonsowski, whose comments are wise and well-considered. I have learned a lot from him in my search so far for style in middle age. It is helpful to have the advice of others on any journey.

Mr Gonsowski maintains a blog at Fred Gonsowski Garden Home, which he illustrates himself with sketches and collage. He's obviously an artist and a man of great experience and understanding of colour and garden and interior design - please pay him a visit.

Here is how Mr Gonsowski has offered me his thoughts about my progress. Some of the minor detail is based on US tastes and probably doesn't translate to this side of the Atlantic (decorated belts and leather jackets), but the content is pure gold. I agree with the view that an older man should seek slim, modern interpretations of classics - my recent tweed jacket purchase here is just such. I will, as he suggests, try to show more of my experiments here on the blog (a rash promise).

Many thanks, Fred Gonsowski, for commenting with such humour and insight - you add greatly to my enjoyment of maintaining this blog. I have added your comments in full so that they may benefit others who, like me, are on a search for style.

"Fred GonsowskiApr 3, 2012 07:08 PM

Hi there Grey Fox... I looked through your articles, and I read your comment ..A Man's search for style into middle age and beyond. Looking at you, and the things you SEEM to be attracted to, this is MY opinion how you can realize your vision. Take it with a grain of SALT ;-}

First of all the tweed jackets and some of the other things you like say OLD MAN-TRADITIONAL. That is OK, but you don't want to be/look like your father. I think, to the things that attract you, to have a more CURRENT look, you have to mix in modern elements.

Start by going out and buying SLIM CUT-Low Rise jeans in the colors, dark blue, black, gray and brown. That silhouette says modern, and the shape is not that of your father's jeans.

Secondly buy some vertical striped shirts, that have wide stripes, and are colorful. Also buy some BRIGHT colored shirts to add to the stripes. Bright colors suggest YOUTH, and color has a way of reflecting up at a person's face, and makes them look younger. Gray, white, and drabs do nothing for the skin. With those kinds of colors add a BRIGHT color, to counterbalance them.

Third go out and buy some tweed, and other textured vests, to wear with the shirts and jeans. You can also put a Bright-Fun tie with them to make a dressy casual look.

Next think about shoes. To go with what you have, add an ankle high boot in leather, and a desert boot in suede.

After that think accessories. Look for belts, that have big sculptural buckles, some studs, grommets, etc. A knock out belt buckle can give a pop of visual interest to a rather plain outfit. Also think about a cuff bracelet or some other kind of jewelry to put along with your watch, on the same wrist.

You have solid socks, look into stripes, polka dots, etc. Try on different styles of hats.

A leather coat, will also give you a modern look.

When shopping look through clearance racks, etc for fun, but inexpensive additions to your wardrobe. BUY things that are in colors that go with what you already have. Bring/wear clothing that you want to match things to, when shopping. That way you will know if what you want to buy really works.

Finally, go into stores, and try on clothing that you think you would NEVER like. Clothing on the rack will look a lot different from the way it looks on you. Also try on the bold and bright, and odd balled of the fashion world. You and you alone will see how it looks when you try it on, by your self in the dressing room. I have tried on things at GUCCI that looked terrible on the rack, but were wonderful when I put them on. Also the bold and bright, takes a few minutes to get used to.

You know Grey Fox, you could now take all my suggestions, and go out and write and show the world your finds....Have Fun!"

Articles discussing older and middle aged man's style and fashions

Here are a few of the better (and not too serious) newspaper and other articles on style and fashion for middle aged and older men. They are in no particular order; just as I find them. If you know of others please let me know. 

The important thing about fashion in middle age is that we are getting too old to take fashion seriously. Dress for yourself, feel comfortable, and don't listen to the fashion police.

What do I do? I keep an eye on the better blogs for ideas, but try to use them to dress to suit my own personality rather than slavishly following transient fashions. Whatever you do, be careful about trying to relive lost youth by dressing like a teenager. It may work, if you have an extremely sophisticated sense of style, but you run the risk of looking a little sad. It's also unnecessary; we should be proud of our maturity - there are many classic styles ideal for the older man.

Photo The Sartorialist

Can you wear Topman at 67?
An interview in the Guardian with Nicky Haslam and his sense of fashion and style.

Old men dress cool
From one of my favourite bloggers, Style Salvage.

Take That:Style Icons for Older Men
An article in the Guardian. Take That!! Must be some mistake, surely?

Groovy Old Men: The Rise of the Silver Swingers
From the Independent, 'nuff said.

Can Middle-Aged Men Have Long Hair? 
From that excellent blogger, That's Not My Age.

Styles Middle-Aged Men Should Avoid If They Don't Want to Look Old: These Fashions Don't Make Anyone Look Young

Yahoo Voices.

Middle Aged-Men Who Dress Like Teenagers
Style Goes Strong

Newbie Fashion Tips for Grown-up Men
Stepcase Lifehack. This may seem a bit proscriptive, but is worth a read - most of the rules are sensible.

The Almost Shocking World of Older Men's Fashion
In a Grand Fashion reviews advice for older men. The article mentions Grey Fox as follows, "While there are many blogs for young, definitely under forty, I could find only one aimed at older, middle age men.  Grey Fox stresses dressing for one’s self instead of  for the latest fashion trend".

Why do men over 50 dress like tramps?
Mail Online. For personal reasons I avoid the Daily Mail. The standard of journalism is appallingly, with damaging and hurtful articles published with no proper research or regard for the truth. However, this is an unusually (for the Mail) sensible analysis and it is recommended reading.

Men stop caring about clothes at 37
Apparently the conclusion of a survey, apparently based on a survey, but I'm a bit suspicious about this one - it may be a dubious publicity stunt. Reported in the Daily Mail here and the Guardian here. Despite my doubts,  there is probably a degree of accuracy in these reports.

Fashion Tips for the Older Man
From the Belfast Telegraph - some interesting and useful comments about older men dressing well and not so well.

How to be a Middle-aged Man
The Financial Times looks at middle age. Only partly about style, but nicely written (in 2007, so a bit dated - talks about Facebook, but not Twitter).

Medallion Man is Back - The Rise and Rise of Middle-Aged Vanity
From the Independent - not too bad, in parts. I agree with the warning that '...dignity is in danger of being jettisoned in the rush to drink at the fountains of eternal youth, or at least the rush to the hair dye kit, which is the next best thing'.

The humble Mamil: why we need 'middle-aged men in Lycra'
The Guardian. A nice defence of the MAMIL (middle-aged men in Lycra) by one of my favourite cycling writers, Matt Seaton.

Why do fathers insist on dressing like their teenage sons?
Do they? In my experience it's often the other way round (crisp shirts, chinos and brogues) - and that's confirmed by the picture illustrating the article which shows Tom Cruise and his son. Sydney Morning Herald.

The Sartorial Geniuses aged 60 plus
From The Telegraph - with wise words from blogger Tony Ton of jakandjil.com.

At the age of 37, you needn't start dressing like J*r*my Cl*rks*n
From The Guardian, a newspaper that I doubt Clarkson has ever read.

Skateboarding Past a Midlife Crisis
From the New York Times. Be careful, though; your bones have become more brittle as you get older.

Has your man just bought a new bike? Looks like he's having a mid-life crisis
From The Mail Online. The content doesn't really reflect the headline - but then the Mail is looking for sensational headlines, not interesting content.

Jeremy Paxman in tweeds is typical of the affliction that grips men in middle age
Hadley Freeman in the Guardian discusses older men's style. All about men reaching an age where they want to try something new. Some vestiges of truth here; maybe.

Why men over 40 are fashion disasters
From the Mail Online. The writer is mocked by his family for his dress sense. He suggests a few ideas, but this article is rather inconclusive, as I feel he doesn't really find a solution. He should find inspiration for his own style, grasp the nettle and confidently forge his own path. Not a happy outcome to this one.

How to dress well after 50
British GQ. Sensible with some interesting discussion; but nothing new.

Guys don't be a fashion disaster
Chicago Tribune.

Men should ditch low-slung jeans and embrace middle-age
Well, I agree. The Telegraph.

Middle-aged men and their sad self-regard
The Independent. Sadly close to the bone; but then all ages are guilty of self-indulgence, not just older men.

Baseball caps, backpacks and an unlimited supply of flannel shirts: How middle-aged Silicon Valley CEOs compete with their twenty-something rivals

From the Mail Online - given that it's the Mail, it's a surprisingly good read (assuming it's not all made up). It reports, for example, how, 'One tech CEO admitted that he probably wouldn't be in his job if he had not shaved his grey hair and swopped brogues for sneakers to blend in.'

Fifty shades of silver fox: Blog celebrating stylish middle-aged men takes internet by storm

From the Mail Online again. About a blog called Grey Fox started by a middle-aged man looking for style. Seems unlikely to me!

Dad dancing may be the result of evolution, scientists claim

Funny and unfortunately probably true. The Telegraph.

What's a man to wear when his pecs turn to 'soft peaks'?

Speak for yourself! From The Guardian.

Dressing your age - 40s
Dressing your age - 50s
Posts on Fashionbeans - I don't agree with everything here, but basically sensible advice.

Marc Jacobs at 50
Showing that there's hope for us all in changing our lifestyles and getting fit. From Mail Online.

Male celebrities with grey hair
In case you find comfort in the thought that even they are getting older. From sofeminine.co.uk.

I want to feel like a new man
Guardian columnist has a makeover (apparently paid for by Hennessy - some makeover!)

The obsessive jean
A middle-aged man gets used to the idea of still wearing jeans. From the FT's How to Spend It.

The Vintage Years: is the fashion world starting to respect the middle-aged market?

More about the women's fashion market, but much is applicable to us chaps. From the Guardian.

Are You Too Old For Your Outfit? From Details magazine, by Katherine Wheelock. How to avoid age-inappropriate looks.

How I Became a Fashion Don't A lovely response to the above Details magazine article. Simon Doonan describes Katherine Wheelock as 'some kind of conservative anti-flamboyance watchdog for the colostomy-bag brigade'. Brilliant.

Dressing Up is a Sign of Vitality New York Times. Ari Seth Cohen, of the Advanced Style Blog, comments on the Wheelock and Doonan articles above.

Fashion Tips for the Older Man Belfast Telegraph. Hmm.

Why older men are more stylish than young men A nice piece in The Telegraph, October 2014.

Men's style dilemma: Am I too old to wear this? This Telegraph piece makes some good points and concludes, correctly in my view, that the question is, 'Does this suit me?', not, 'Am I too old for this?'

Men become invisible at 39: Now they know how women feel. Again, from The Telegraph. Reports the conclusions of a survey, but then, as the man said, there's lies, damn lies and surveys.

Is it OK for men not to care about fashion?  The Telegraph (I'm impressed how this newspaper writes about age and style so much). Confuses fashion and style, doesn't add much to the discussion.

What makes certain men more stylish? The Telegraph. A thoughtful piece by David Gandy which comes to the same conclusion as I have in my writing. As I say in my comments at the top of this post, style is about dressing to suit your personality, not following trends. Recommended reading.

Stylish older men prove age is no barrier for fashion Executive Style. This is what we need more of: a round-up of older men interested in style.

How to Dress you Age - Forties British GQ. Good, emphasises style rather than fashion and highlights fit.

How to Dress your Age - Fifties British GQ. Good stuff, based on advice not to give up and again emphasising the importance of fit.

How to Dress your Age - Sixties and Beyond British GQ. Based on the inaccurate (I think, anyway) assumption that most men over 60 want to look younger, but this doesn't affect what is essentially good advice.

20 Things No Man over 40 Should Wear Daily Telegraph. I don't like writing that tells a man what he should and shouldn't wear. We may make suggestions and give our opinion, but not presume to tell others what to do. This verges on that approach. However, I agree with much of it!

Is it time Johnny Depp ditched the leather? The items of clothing men over 40 should NEVER wear - including hoodies, baseball caps and skinny jeans Mail Online. Much of the same really, but purporting to be the results of a survey. Most telling is the finding that 40% of men laugh off adverse comments about their style.

Never Too Old - A New Attitude to Men's Fashion - Fashion Capital. A PhD researcher sees older men as fashion pioneers. Seems right to me.

Tom Hanks is redefining dad style - Not a bad article at all. Some sound advice from US GQ.

And see my own scribblings on this blog, for example on middle aged men and jeans.

Photo Tommy Ton - GQ