Is there an "old man" look?

[SwimmingWatch]

Originally Posted by lefty

My beard is almost all white. My hair is mostly white. I'm an old guy.

But right now I'm wearing a pair of N&F Weirdguys in deep indigo, a pair of C&J boots, Black Fleece OCBD, LP sweater and I'll be throwing on a 10-year-old beat to **** waxed cotton Zara jacket when I go out tonight.

Hide your women.

lefty

Great stuff!

 

[Robert]

Just to clarify, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with an "older" guy wearing current trends. I don't mean to imply that there is. I'm just interested, as someone who views 80 around the proverbial corner, if there's a sort of "timeless" style one might aspire to.

For the record, I attempt to wear slim styles, too--though admittedly I veer towards "boring" and "age-appropriate" generally.

 

[mkarim]

Originally Posted by Robert

I'm just interested, as someone who views 80 around the proverbial corner, if there's a sort of "timeless" style one might aspire to.
George Clooney's comes to mind.

Originally Posted by Robert

For the record, I attempt to wear slim styles, too--though admittedly I veer towards "boring" and "age-appropriate" generally.
That's my problem too. There is a fine line between timeless/age-appropriate and boring. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[lefty]

Originally Posted by Robert

Just to clarify, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with an "older" guy wearing current trends. I don't mean to imply that there is. I'm just interested, as someone who views 80 around the proverbial corner, if there's a sort of "timeless" style one might aspire to.
.

Answer these in the affirmative and you're good to go:

Does it fit?
Is it flattering?
Is it appropriate for the situation?

Everything else is mostly bullshit.

lefty

 

[Gus]

I think older guys look best when nothing is too extreme in the fit or tailoring. The lapels shouldn't be too wide or narrow, same with pant legs. Anything too loose or too tight looks odd. Also avoiding unusual patterns and sticking with classic fabrics and colors gives you a timeless look and style. Herringbone tweed, navy cashmere, cream linen, blue end-on-end cottons, navy chaulk stripe, Levis denim, white OCBD, brown suede cap toes - there are so many options for cool classic dressing.

Hopefully, by the time you are an "older guy" you have figured out the best length for pants and shirt cuffs, you know what collar is best for the shape of your face and what colors to wear what colors to avoid.

 

[lefty]

Originally Posted by pocketsquareguy

I think older guys look best when nothing is too extreme in the fit or tailoring. The lapels shouldn't be too wide or narrow, same with pant legs. Anything too loose or too tight looks odd. Also avoiding unusual patterns and sticking with classic fabrics and colors gives you a timeless look and style. Herringbone tweed, navy cashmere, cream linen, blue end-on-end cottons, navy chaulk stripe, Levis denim, white OCBD, brown suede cap toes - there are so many options for cool classic dressing.

Hopefully, by the time you are an "older guy" you have figured out the best length for pants and shirt cuffs, you know what collar is best for the shape of your face and what colors to wear what colors to avoid.

I disagree with this.

If an "old guy" is fitter than someone half his age, works in an industry that allows sartorial freedom and is confident, he can pull most anything off. While I like what you've listed above I wouldn't limit myself to it.

By the way, what do you mean when you say "old guy"? I fear that to most of these guys it's anyone over 35.

Today's "old guy" gear: RL Marlowe cordovan bluchers, Etro POW check pants, Jil Sander shirt, Freeman Sporting Club shawl lapel shacket.

And Geritol. Lots and lots of Geritol.

lefty

 

[Gus]

Originally Posted by lefty

By the way, what do you mean when you say "old guy"? I fear that to most of these guys it's anyone over 35.
lefty

Well the OP is 50 and I am 54. When I was in my 20's anyone 50 was an old guy.
There is no reason why someone in their 50's can't dress well, wear cool clothing and have a lot of style. But it can get pretty pathetic if someone tries too hard to dress too young.

 

[fueledbynewjersey]

cardigans!

 

[AntiHero84]

Originally Posted by pocketsquareguy

Well the OP is 50 and I am 54. When I was in my 20's anyone 50 was an old guy. There is no reason why someone in their 50's can't dress well, wear cool clothing and have a lot of style. But it can get pretty pathetic if someone tries too hard to dress too young.
It can get pretty pathetic when anyone tries too hard. The important thing is to really evaluate and develop your own style. Be it what someone would consider an "old man style" or something cutting edge and trendy, it all depends on the individual. That being said, I think there are age appropriate styles, but that doesn't mean that someone can't accentuate their look with something more youthful or more mature. Not disagreeing with you here, just giving my $.02.