Don’t Make Yourself Appear Older Trying to Look Younger!
Today, many men turn to fashion and excessively youthful clothing when trying to negate the implications of getting older. Dressing in a very modish way, however, doesn’t make you look like you’re still in your 20s or 30s, although it can, ironically, make you look older, and no one wants to look like a man in a mid-life crisis masquerading as a teenager. So, in a society and an employment market where youth is highly valued, what can you do as a more seasoned gentleman to look both youthful and authentic?
- Don’t Make Yourself Appear Older Trying to Look Younger!
- 1. Wearing Athletic Clothing Outside the Gym
- 2. Wearing Sneakers Incorrectly
- 3. Wearing Baseball Caps as a Casual Accessory
- 4. Wearing Tight, Trendy Clothing
- 5. Wearing Unflattering Jeans
- 6. Dressing like a College Boy
- 7. Wearing Excessive Colors and Patterns
- 8. Wearing Extremely Youthful Fragrances
- Bonus Warning: Neglecting Body Odor and Bad Breath
- Conclusion
- Outfit Rundown
- FAQ
Whether you are in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or older, there are several approaches you can employ to make yourself look younger in a positive way. These methods won’t make you look too young, but rather, age-appropriate without appearing old or stodgy. The goal is to find clothing that suits your age but is also modern enough that it makes you feel updated and fresh.
By avoiding the following mistakes and incorporating our style alternatives into your wardrobe, you can achieve a look that balances the elegance of your age with a fun, youthful demeanor.
Do you know what it means to “dress your age?”
1. Wearing Athletic Clothing Outside the Gym
Gym Clothes Don’t Automatically Give You a Gym Body
As part of Classic Style, we generally believe that athletic attire is best reserved for times when you are actually exercising and that no one should wear sweatpants, trainers, or similar garb as casual attire. However, many younger men tend to dress casually in athletic attire because they find it comfortable and suited to their lifestyles.
To a certain extent, this choice makes sense: young men tend to be more athletic and generally in shape, so exercise clothes can complement their physiques. Unless you have the body of a younger man, however, these same garments will instead emphasize the age of most older gentlemen.
Why You won’t Appear Younger in
Casual Clothes
In general, the more casual an ensemble is, the more likely it is to be associated with young people: wearing overly casual attire when you are actually older makes this disjoint more obvious and draws attention to your advanced years because you are not wearing clothing typically associated with your age: maturity comes with the expectation that you are as mature as you look.
Instead: Wear Comfortable Clothes that Suit the Situation
So, if not sweats and athleisure attire, what can you wear instead that makes you look young but not too young? In hot weather, it can be as simple as wearing a polo shirt and a pair of shorts. More generally, you can go with a pair of longer pants and sports shirts. To keep cool, seersucker is a great material for pants. Linen is also a great material for older men because it has a certain element of casualness that makes you look younger; at the same time, it’s very sophisticated and classic.
Fore! Is Golf Attire For You?
Golf attire is a surprisingly versatile form of athletic wear that balances comfort and style and can be worn as casual attire in many circumstances. In particular, its reliance on soft lines and traditional patterns offers an unassuming look with some bold elements for visual interest.
2. Wearing Sneakers Incorrectly
Other Casual Shoes Provide Superior Alternatives
As we age, our bodies are less able to acclimate to uncomfortable attire, especially clothing. Older men tend to avoid leather dress shoes because of the assumption that they are always uncomfortable and instead wear pliable sneakers at all times. Many young men also always wear sneakers as their primary shoe choice, leading to the assumption that wearing sneakers makes you more comfortable and appear younger.
The latter notion is disproven by the point made in the previous section: overly casual or youthful attire emphasizes age in everyone who isn’t young. The former point is also an incorrect simplification: while sneakers are comfortable shoes, they are not necessarily any more comfortable than properly fitted, high-quality dress shoes.
What about a pair of
Dress Sneakers?
So-called “dress sneakers,” usually made of leather with simplified detailing and coloration, have become increasingly popular, even in the Classic Style sphere. While these shoes can be worn on certain occasions – as with chinos, jeans, or shorts in casual settings – they should not become your default footwear choice. As an older gentleman, you should employ more elevated options to reflect your elevated position in life.
Instead: Employ Sneakers Correctly, Plus a Range of Casual Shoes
When It Makes Sense to Wear Sneakers
Sneakers have a place in the wardrobes of older men, but that place is not as your primary footwear selection. Instead, pick and choose occasions for wearing sneakers: maybe for going grocery shopping, going on a walk , running some errands, or playing with your grandkids; these are all appropriate times to wear sneakers. Rather than full-on tennis shoes, go with a nice pair of neat-looking leather sneakers: they function the same as conventional sneakers but appear far more dignified and age-appropriate.
Casual Shoe Alternatives to Sneakers
For all other occasions, opt for a more elegant casual shoe. Consider a pair of driving mocs or boat shoes. If it gets a little colder, maybe an unstructured pair of chukka boots are the exact perfect mix between a casual and polished look. Loafers are one of the very best options for casual footwear, as they are easy to take on and off, are supremely comfortable, and still look dapper.
What If I Have Foot Pains? A Cobbler Can Help!
If you have problems with your feet and you suffer from pain, you can go to your cobbler and have them glue in a leather sole that is backed by foam that makes your shoes a lot more comfortable. The shoe will wear similarly to a sneaker, but it will look considerably better and more age-appropriate.
3. Wearing Baseball Caps as a Casual Accessory
It Isn’t Always Time to Play Ball
Like athletic clothes, baseball caps can work in a specific context, like if you are actually playing baseball or you’re going to a baseball stadium to cheer for your team. In all other circumstances, however, they have the same effect as wearing other examples of overly casual attire: they appear disjointed unless you really are young.
Your baseball cap won’t hide
Thinning Hair
Many older men begin favoring hats as part of an effort to cover up their thinning hair or full baldness; because baseball hats are cheap, plentiful, and popular, the assumption is that they are serviceable as a good beginner hat. In fact, because of their youth culture and sports-affiliated connotations, baseball caps are poorly suited to this role: they draw attention to the fact that you are wearing a hat in unusual circumstances, which may get people thinking, “Is he trying to hide something, like the state of his hair?”
Instead: Employ Hair and Hat Tips Suited to Your Age
Make Sure That Your Haircut Reflects the Realities of Your Hair
Rather than obscuring your hairline with a hat, you should first select a haircut that suits the realities of your hair: the proper haircut will help any amount of hair look fantastic, whether your hair is full and rich or thin and sparse. This selection of classic hairstyles provides the ideal starting point for any gentleman, but if you are starting to lose your hair, never fear: these haircuts will flatter thinning hair, with suggestions suited to how much hair you have already lost. Your barber will be able to suggest haircuts to suit your hair type.
Find the Right Hat for You
When it comes to selecting a hat, there are a plethora of casual hats within Classic Style that maintain a youthful feel without appearing juvenile. Flat caps or a porkpie are ideal choices in cool and transitional weather, while nothing beats a Panama hat when the weather is hot.
Ensure that you’re wearing the right hat for your face!
4. Wearing Tight, Trendy Clothing
The Latest Fads Could Exacerbate Flab
In an effort to appear young and hip, some men adopt the latest clothing trends to emphasize that they are still “with it.” In general, we feel that chasing trends is a losing proposition for anyone: by definition, fads come and go, and it can be very expensive to remain on top of what is trending.
Chasing trends is a particular pitfall for older gentlemen as most trends are based around the physiques of the young, with cuts and lines intended to flatter fit, athletic bodies. Unless you have the build to pull them off, these tight-fitting clothes that are super trendy will show every imperfection and every extra pound you have, which is not advantageous and doesn’t make you look younger.
“One fellow, in a bright yellow summer suit of ultra-fashionable cut, with a red necktie, and a rakishly tilted panama, surpassed all the others in his crowing good humour. But as soon as Aschenbach looked at him a bit more carefully, he discovered with a kind of horror that the youth was a cheat. He was old, that was unquestionable. There were wrinkles around his eyes and mouth. The faint crimson of the cheeks was paint, the hair under his brilliantly decorated straw hat was a wig; his neck was hollow and stringy, his turned-up moustache and the imperial on his chin were dyed; the full set of yellow teeth which he displayed when he laughed, a cheap artificial plate; and his hands, with signet rings on both index fingers, were those of an old man.”
From Death in Venice by Thomas Mann
Furthermore, as an older person, the social assumption is that maturity should cause you to feel secure and confident with yourself and your personal style and that you have no need to seek validation or approval from others by wearing the latest trendy clothing. Wearing particular clothes to fit in is usually associated with high school students and is, generally speaking, not considered becoming of an older gentleman.
Naturally, you should feel free to wear what you want, but obviously chasing trends will usually cause others to assume that you are trying to dress like something you are not because you lack confidence in who you really are.
How to Dress Up When Others Don’t
Instead: Moderate Trends To Suit Your Age and Style
There are, however, several ways that you can adapt contemporary trends to reflect the realities of your body and your age; it simply requires a more moderate approach to them. This means you must incorporate the overarching trend, if not each of its particulars. If the current trend is to have tightly fitted jackets and trousers, you can go to the alterations tailor and have your trouser legs tapered and a dart added to your shirt: these alterations will give you a slimmer profile without making it look like you have been stuffed into your clothes.
5. Wearing Unflattering Jeans
Don’t Let Every Jean Genie Out of the Bottle
Jeans are considered an iconic emblem of youth and have been favored by young men for decades, ever since subcultures in the 1950s first popularized them as casual attire. In many ways, however, the wrong jeans are a minefield of issues that can actually make you look older than you are.
Many Jeans Styles Can Appear Dated
The distinctive trendiness of jeans means that many cuts, colors, details, and treatments are closely associated with particular fashion epochs: think about the bellbottoms of the 1970s or the boxy stonewashed jeans typical of the 1990s. Wearing these jeans today can make you appear dated and like a fashion fossil come to life.
Hyper-trendy jeans are also unlikely to flatter you, as they tend to be extremely skinny jeans and, therefore, inappropriate for anyone without the build of a model. They also tend to feature faddish detailing, such as faux distress, holes, and rips that are not consummate with the demeanor of a mature, classic gentleman.
Instead: Find the Proper Jeans for Your Body Type
In order to appear younger but still tasteful, you should seek out a pair of jeans that falls in the midpoint between what is trendy and what is timeless. Such jeans should be neither too tight nor too loose and neither too light nor too dark. You want minimal details, with no rips, staining, or aging on your jeans. Go for a pair with a proper length and if they’re a little slimmer, it is usually best to avoid a break altogether. This “Goldilocks” approach allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds with jeans that aren’t dated but are also comfortable and flattering.
Find the right pair of jeans for you!
The key to looking great in
Any Pants
No matter what type of trousers you wear, consider adding a a cuff but keep it slightly on the shorter side and avoid any puddling at the bottom of your pants. Avoid super low cut pants because they will really highlight your love handles. Instead, go with something like a mid or high rise because it will flatter your physique much more. Wearing those kinds of pants will make you look more updated and younger without looking outdated or over the top.
6. Dressing like a College Boy
Parodies of Collegiate Attire Don’t Make You Look Younger
Some men explicitly ape the clothing habits of young men in an effort to be associated with youth. Nowadays, this endeavor consists of crafting ensembles that parody the looks of young college men, replete with cargo shorts, flip-flops, graphic tees, sports jerseys, and hoodies or sweatshirts. Adopting this costume of youthful culture won’t fool anyone into thinking you are young; in fact, on actual college men, this look usually appears immature, and on anyone else, it tends to look downright silly.
Instead: Emphasize Dynamism Suitable to Your Age
Many elements typical of the youthful look of a college boy can be tastefully updated to suit the needs of an older man. These upgrades are age-appropriate while still capturing some of the whimsical effects of more youthful attire.
| Instead of … | Consider … |
|---|---|
| Flip-Flops | Boat shows, driving mocs, or woven-leather loafers |
| Khaki Shorts | Cotton chino shorts that end slightly above the knee |
| Hoodie | Knit cardigan |
| Sweatshirt | Casual jacket, like a Harrington or Trialmaster, or leather jackets |
| Graphic Tee | Solid-color tee, henley, or polo shirt |
Should you just ditch
Tee Shirts?
If you are interested in cultivating a Classic Style look as an older man, there are few circumstances, outside of chores around the house, when you are likely to be wearing a tee shirt (except as an undershirt). Instead, consider wearing a Henley, a polo shirt, or a sports shirt. They are just as comfortable but appear far more structured and dignified.
Learn more about tee shirts and Classic Style
7. Wearing Excessive Colors and Patterns
Bold and Young-Looking Aren’t Always Synonymous
Colorful plumage is a sign of youth and virality in many species of birds, but unless you’re a peacock, excessively loud patterns and colors aren’t likely to trick anyone into thinking that you are still young. On older men, these distracting details can make you appear insecure as if your clothes were wearing you and not the other way around.
Instead: Incorporate Bold Detailing Sensibly
Selecting the Proper Accessories
When done correctly, the incorporation of color and pattern can be utilized to make you appear more youthful without seeming affected or fake. This is best achieved with bold pops of colors or patterns in small doses: consider a bold striped shirt, a louder tie, a pocket square, a boutonniere, or maybe even your pants. But if you have one bold item, keep the rest more muted so it doesn’t overwhelm your personality.
Finding Balance Between Bold Colors and Patterns
Subtlety can be maintained by opting for either a bold pattern or a bold color. For instance, a shirt with very broad pink and white stripes could be overwhelming, but if only one element is bold – like a very broad stripe – while the color element is more sedate – like brown and white – the result is a unique garment that remains classic and versatile.
Consider color choice and
Skin Tone
If you have gray hair and your hair is getting whiter, and you have a lighter skin tone, pastel tones are really your friend because they make your face pop and your wardrobe doesn’t overpower the rest of you. On the other hand, if you have a high contrast between your hair and darker skin tone, you should pick colors tonally comparable for the most harmonious effect.
Find the colors that suit your skintone!
The Value of New Socks
Socks provide the perfect opportunity to introduce a bold color or pattern without the risk becoming overwhelming. Rather than wearing those bold, crazy socks that a lot of people wear with pizzas on them or football teams or dinosaurs, get a pair of two-tone striped socks that have subtle color variations; they work well with your pants, they look modern and fresh, but not to the extent that a pair of football socks would.
If striped socks are too much for you, maybe get a pair of two-tone solid socks that are a little more subtle but just visually interesting and they can even be a conversation starter. Or, during the summer, when you wear loafers, you may even want to skip your socks altogether, or you can achieve that same look and protect your hygiene by wearing no-show socks.
Learn to combine socks, shoes, and trousers
Exceptional Socks from Fort Belvedere
Terrific Two-Tones
Sensational Stripes
Classy Clocks
8. Wearing Extremely Youthful Fragrances
Overly Juvenile Fragrances Don’t Pass the Sniff Test
Fragrances are an often overlooked component of your wardrobe, but in an effort to smell, as well as appear, younger, some men ditch their Old Spice and select a very saccharine, overwhelming, youthful scent. Such overpowering smells, however, create a disjointed effect because the odors are not associated with the style and maturity of an older man; they are often better suited to a middle school locker room.
Instead: Utilize Age-Appropriate Fragrances
Fragrances tend to have fewer hard and fast rules regarding age appropriateness than casual clothing. As a result, any fragrance that is timeless, elegant, and versatile should serve you very well, especially if you take the time to make selections that take into consideration the season, such as summer, or the occasion; failing to do so is a mistake that fragrance experts avoid.
Raphael Says:
“Creed has a nice set of fragrances for seasoned gentlemen that make them smell young and modern or classic, whatever you like. While those scents are a little more on the expensive side, you can also find other colognes, such as Montblanc Individuel which has been a favorite of mine for years. If that doesn’t float your boat, maybe check out Eau Sauvage from Dior. It’s just a very nice scent; it doesn’t cost the world, and it will neither age you nor make you super young; it’s just right.”
Which Roberto Ugolini Fragrance is Right For You?
I want to seem mature, dignified, and in charge
Oxford
I want to seem romantic, mysterious, and exotic
4 Rosso
I want to seem fun, playful, and youthful
Azzurro
Bonus Warning: Neglecting Body Odor and Bad Breath
Don’t Be Oblivious to the Olfactory
Because of negative associations between old age and odors, many people erroneously assume that all older men smell bad. This prejudice means that people will be expecting bad smells when encountering more mature fellows, so it is essential that you take proactive steps to prevent even the perception of foul smells. Fortunately, this endeavor is fairly simple.
Body Odor
In most cases, the elimination of body odor requires little more than regular showering and the use of a deodorant or anti-perspirant. Determine what shower routine suits your lifestyle best and check out our recommendations for the best hygiene products to improve your daily cleaning regimen.
Bad Breath
Bad breath can be a more difficult issue to tackle because it can be caused by a wide variety of sources, including dental health, diet, and lifestyle choices. Raphael, for instance, discovered that his bad breath was being caused by a dirty water bottle.
Raphael swears by
Therabreath
“Before Therabreath, I used Listerine and Odol, and I wondered, what can a mouthwash really do for bad breath? But honestly, this TheraBreath stuff is really, really good. This is 100% not sponsored; it’s just something that I learned from a friend, and I want to pass it on to you because nothing makes you age as quickly as having bad breath.”
Conclusion
Getting older can be a scary and disheartening experience, but we hope that by considering the pitfalls highlighted in this video, you will have the confidence to avoid sartorial mistakes that age you, embrace clothing tips that help you look as young as you feel, and love every minute of your life. The autumn of your years can be one of the most rewarding, fun, and invigorating periods of life; don’t waste it trying to dress like something you’re not!
Are you guilty of any of these mistakes? How do you account for your age when dressing? Share with us in the comments!
Outfit Rundown
Today Raphael is wearing an outfit that is perfect for an older gentleman during the warmer months of the year. It consists of a linen shirt in a bold white and brown stripe and I got it from a company by the name of Spier & Mackay.
His pants are a pair of classic chinos from Polo Ralph Lauren. They have pleats in the front because he has big thighs, and they also have cuffs because he prefers the added weight; they’re a little shorter, and they’re neither super-wide nor super slim but just in the middle.
Raphael pairs this look with a pair of dark brown loafers from Scarosso, which is a German brand, but the shoes are made in Italy. They have this woven leather, which is a bit more casual. Color-wise, it works well with the brown in my shirt. He is combining it with a woven belt that picks up the brown leather color and the casualness of the shirt and the chino.
Overall, the look relies on very earthy pastel colors that work well for Raphael’s age or for someone who’s 10 or 20 years his senior.
FAQ
What are typical fashion errors older men commit when trying to appear younger?
Older men often fall into the trap of wearing clothing that is too tight or too loose in an attempt to either show off their physique or hide it. Another common mistake is opting for overly trendy items that don’t match their personal style.
Is wearing bright colors a misstep for older men aiming to look youthful?
Not necessarily. While incorporating bright colors can add a vibrant touch, it’s crucial to blend them tastefully with neutrals. The error lies in using too many loud colors at once, which can come across as forced.
How important is fit for older men trying to achieve a younger look?
Fit is essential. No matter your age, well-fitted clothing flatters your body shape and creates a polished look. Older men should avoid extremes—nothing too baggy or too tight.
Should older men follow the latest fashion trends to look younger?
It’s better to focus on timeless pieces that suit your body type and personality. Chasing every new trend can lead to a disjointed wardrobe that feels inauthentic.
Can accessories help older men look more youthful?
Yes, accessories like watches, glasses, or a stylish pair of sneakers can add a modern twist to your outfit. However, it’s about balance—too many accessories or choosing ones that are meant for a much younger crowd can backfire.
What role does hairstyle play in an older man’s youthful appearance?
A contemporary haircut that suits the shape of your face can take years off your appearance. But beware of hairstyles that are too “young”—they can have the opposite effect. Your haircut should reflect the realities of your hair, whether it is thinning, salt and pepper, gray, or white.
What else can I do to avoid appearing older?
Proper skincare is a vital tool in preventing the appearance of premature age. Even adding a simple moisturizer to your daily regimen will go a very long way toward making you appear younger in a subtle and refined way.
Always shave. An unshaven face on a young man may look unkempt. On an older man stubble looks revolting.
Makes sense! Thank you for sharing. :)
As an older person,I do like your articles.What I always find the best to wear in very changeable cornwall UK is / good quality guernsey Navy and a pair of good quality cords.You cant go wrong!!!!!
You might have missed the most important way to look young: stay in shape, exercise regularly and eat healthy.
Not only will you look and move younger, you’ll also be able to have an active, healthy life style.
Good point, Phillip! Thank you for sharing this! :)
Building on Philip’s comment, I’d like to add: stay away from cigarettes. Smoking ages you when blood flow to the skin is reduced and collagen and elastin become damaged. Not to mention the tobacco and nicotine both stain teeth yellow, which also make one look older.
Not many men can pull it off, but on you Sven that headband is……well, let’s just say that not many women could resist your charms.
I love to look my age but I want to look vital and thoughtful. I most often wear a good button-down shirt, chinos and a good pair of shoes. i buy my shoes from Allen Edmonds as I love their styling and comfort.
I cut my salt and pepper hair in a shorter style since it’s texture is less youthful and sport a substantial full beard.
The goal is to celebrate my grey hair by styling in a more mature fashion.
Don’t neglect good hair and skin moisturizers, sun screen, and white, but not blinding white, teeth.
I’m 58 almost 59. In very good shape for my age, a drop 10 from jacket to trousers. Watch about 5 Cary Grant movies this week on YouTube between Sven’s videos. You’ll see how a grown man should dress! If you need a more modern role model look up Christopher Kory on Instagram. He does it all well too. From black tie to grown man casual. Also I must agree with Sven. Leave the hoody down or even better at Goodwill!
Btw, it’s Christopher KorEy – or you will spend a few minutes looking for him. However, his dress sense only works if you’ve got the physique for it. As for the rest of us lesser mortals his jackets and trousers are just too tight…
You covered almost everything I expected. However, I shall add something else. Many men resort to the silly practice of dying their hair. Grey hair is here to stay so better get used to it!
Another issue is the loss of hair, something disagreeable but inevitable. Nearly six years ago (I am 61) I decided that I did not like the pathetic wispy grey hair on my sides and I shaved my head. It was a great decision, and all my friends and relatives complimented me on that. I look and feel much younger.
Behave like an adult and accept the inevitable ageing process. Kepp yourself fit and strong. Exercise and eat well and subscribe to “Gentleman’s Gazette” LOL
Spot on, Claudio!
Why don’t you or your associates ever respond to or answer an email?
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Great stuff
Looking Younger is the theme. However as a very old man, what we notice, often; trying to look younger can a foolish sprint. We men age more handsomely than women ( unfortunate for them). Staying clean shaven and hair constantly cut, as it becomes silver is an asset. Wearing well tailored classic clothing befitting one’s age is much better than trying to look like your children. The latest fashions will be old in a few years. Growing older can be a sense of pride over the younger set ‘scrambling to be cool’. Displaying a true sense of confidence and strength in your earned maturity is a ‘wealth’ that all the kids admire.
Agreed on everything but the clean shaven thing. Well-groomed (that’s the important part) facial hair in an acceptable style can accentuate the hard-earned silver in a rather dashing way. In my line of work, facial hair is far from taboo. I get less lip from my welders when they can’t see mine, and my clients seem more receptive when they speak to a more “experienced”-looking staff member. I keep my beard short and neatly trimmed, and it goes over very well. A manicured gray/silver/white beard with tailored clothing is always a classic look for older men.
Unless you’re pool or beach side, a man over forty should not wear shorts in public. Think of the children!
I would argue that there are many other occasions other than the beach and the pool where it’s appropriate for a man over the age of 40 to dress in shorts in public.
First of all, for gym and outdoor exercise. In this day and age, gym and running shorts are made of performance fabrics like Lycra and polyester, which are designed to wick or draw sweat away from our bodies keeping us comfortable in a way that cotton sweatpants or trousers don’t. While running and gym shorts ARE short, they’re designed that way as not to restrict movement. Bike shorts are designed to prevent chaffing. While the latter don’t look stylish, it’s even more unbecoming as gentlemen to have chaffed thighs and the subsequent unpleasant smell associated with them when the bacteria comes to break down the dead skin cells.
Second, casual occasions on warm days such as a barbecue at a mate’s place. It boils down to judging the situation and observing stipulated and unspoken dress codes.
Well said! We couldn’t agree more!
Not to be picky, but a gym is not a public space; neither is a private event, where the dress code is set by the host/hostess or assumed by the nature of the venue. For example, a nudist colony.
As for running and bicycling, one could argue that the exposure to unsightly less-than-youthful legs mercifully passes quickly and is thus an exception that proves the rule?
It struck me that I’ve been following most of these suggestions since my twenties–we might infer that a lot of these suggestions work well at every age. Who really looks good wearing athletic gear when not exercising–or for the select few who really look great in workout clothes, does it really present the image a young man wants to present as he looks for his first job out of college, searches for a mate, and the like? And yes, I guess there are a select few who get what they want wearing “skinny jeans” and ball caps placed backwards, but….not true for 98% of us or more.
I’m so old that I remember when Abercrombie & Fitch specialized in
hunting and fishing gear!!
Yes, they did!
Ridiculous article. Who cares. This article is an example of ageism at its best. I guess I shops go out, buy a cane and a recliner too, stop listening to any music performed by artist under 50 because I suppose that will make me look silly! Lol. The beautiful thing about being over 50 is that you no longer care what people think because you realize that life is short meant to be enjoyed and crap like this doesn’t matter because there will be people that will always pigeon hole you and tell you that you can’t or shouldn’t. If I had lived but that I wouldn’t have had a company at the age of 22 because I was “too young.” My advice: live and love life and do you!
I don’t think the article is ridiculous, but I’m with you. Being retired now means I’ve earned the right to not care what people think. I still try to dress nice for the occasions that call for it. I will still put on a suit for a wedding or funeral, but I am glad not to wear one everyday.
Of course this is a website about men’s classic style and I enjoy many of the articles, however I rarely dress in this style. To me it is too much effort and a lot of it appears costumey, especially hats. I love some old styles of hats, including panamas and fedoras, but I would never wear them. A man wearing a classic style hat nowadays is trying to stand out not blend in. The only hats I am brave enough to wear are plain ball caps and occasionally a toque, if the weather calls for it.
Fortunately, I live in the mountain west, where most people have adopted fairly utilitarian styles. Some grew up in the cowboy culture and that look is great for them. Others are in the mountains for the abundant recreation opportunities and they wear a lot of clothing suited for the outdoors, including high tech clothing designed for heavy outdoor use. Personally, I save my tech clothes for the activities for which they were designed: hunting, skiing, fishing, hiking, etc. My personal style is more casual than classic, leather outdoor boots, sandals, jeans and button up shirts in more western styles. Yes I wear shorts and t-shirts in warmer weather, but most people do out here (except real cowboys). I don’t look like a kid, but I also don’t look like a guy living in the 1930s, 1940s or 1950s. Maybe it’s just the area, but I feel a man who dressed in many of the styles shown in this site, would get stares and giggles behind his back. I did live on the east coast for a time, where these styles seem to be much more accepted east of the Mississippi.
That is not to say I don’t really enjoy much of the content. I find myself checking back here often, so keep up the good work.
I’ve been wearing some form of Ivy all my life. OCBDs and khaki pants have been a constant staple since the 1980’s. Being old (68) allows a man to wear clothes he might be too self conscious to wear in his 20’s or 30’s. Although I am the only person I know that dresses as I do, I don’t feel uncomfortable, wearing a bow tie or a university patch blazer, among the throngs of men and women wearing T shirts and comfortable pull up stretch pants.
Cheers!