50yo Male Style Change

[skibumm]

I'm a 50 yo male, husband, and father looking to change my style. I've come to realize I should change my style and dress more my age. I'm 5' 7" average build, who works from home. So shorts and t-shirts are my daily go-to. However, when I go out, I want to dress more mature, more my age. Not always shorts, or loose-fitting jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers. please help.

 

[paxonus]

Start out with something classic that will always look good. Khakis, a blue oxford button down collar shirt, a navy blazer and dark brown loafers.

 

[rjc149]

You don't have to radically overhaul your entire wardrobe to start dressing more maturely. The paramount factor in dressing well is fit. Clothing needs to fit you well. Everything else comes after that.

If you're more casual and laid-back, you can add in some polo shirts, some chinos, and some dark-wash jeans cut slimmer. You're shorter, so slimmer cuts will look more elongating and flattering. Brown dress shoes (either loafers or derby-laced shoes) or some dressier boots add elegance and dignity to any casual outfit, or you can go with some white court sneakers. At 50 your athletic sneakers should be for the gym only or if you're planning an activity that requires a lot of walking. You can stick with t-shirts, as long as they fit you well, are not V-neck, and don't feature graphics or logos which should also only be for the gym, yard work or sleep.

 

[skibumm]

You don't have to radically overhaul your entire wardrobe to start dressing more maturely. The paramount factor in dressing well is fit. Clothing needs to fit you well. Everything else comes after that.

If you're more casual and laid-back, you can add in some polo shirts, some chinos, and some dark-wash jeans cut slimmer. You're shorter, so slimmer cuts will look more elongating and flattering. Brown dress shoes (either loafers or derby-laced shoes) or some dressier boots add elegance and dignity to any casual outfit, or you can go with some white court sneakers. At 50 your athletic sneakers should be for the gym only or if you're planning an activity that requires a lot of walking. You can stick with t-shirts, as long as they fit you well, are not V-neck, and don't feature graphics or logos which should also only be for the gym, yard work or sleep.

ha - you nailed my current style. Sneakers, graphic Ts, etc. Thanks for this input. This is the feedback I was looking for. TY!

 

[rjc149]

ha - you nailed my current style. Sneakers, graphic Ts, etc. Thanks for this input. This is the feedback I was looking for. TY!

Yes I figured sport coats, tailored slacks and OCBD's would be too much of a leap lol. A lot of advice on this forum (especially this "side" of the forum) leans preppy/classical but the Streetwear side may give you some inspiration more suited to your persona.

 

[Mr Tickle]

Not a blue blazer. It's the default advice for this sort of query but the fact is it just won't fit into most people's lifestyles these days. People like to spout the cliche "style never goes out of fashion" but unfortunately it doesn't stop the world from moving on.

You say that you are mainly interested in dressing better for "going out" but it really depends on what you mean by this.
If you mean gigs, music festivals, comedy nights, taking the kids out for a Nandos, etc, then jeans and a graphic t-shirt are perfectly acceptable, even for a 50-year-old. In fact I'm would go so far as to say you will look inappropriately over-dressed in anything more. If you mean opera, Michelin-starred restaurants, after-hours private receptions at art galleries,.etc, then not so much.

 

[KlarkKent]

Look into some of the below and try to find your style:

Nicer jeans including raw denim
Chinos/corduroy/moleskin trousers
Maybe a pair or two of wool odd trousers for a special occasion to pair with a sport coat
Button downs, either spread collar or OCBD depending on preference
Overshirts/Chore coats
Nicer sweaters; crew neck, v neck turtle or cardigan depending on preference
Maybe Bomber jackets or trucker jackets if a sport coat is too formal for most occasions
Hopsack sport coat for all season, linen jacket for summer, tweed or flannel for winter
A good leather jacket
Smarter footwear: loafers of leather or suede
A nice pair or two of boots: chukkas, Chelsea or work boots
Espradrilles for summer

You'll be well on your way. Spier and Mackay is a fantastic place to start building affordable and they are currently restocking their fall and winter inventory.

 

[Thin White Duke]

Start out with something classic that will always look good. Khakis, a blue oxford button down collar shirt, a navy blazer and dark brown loafers.

This is great advice…

… If you want to dress like every other boring office drone in the western world. You’ll fit right in and be unimpeachable in a business-casual setting but there’s not much individuality there eh?

See ten year old blog post below - no less apropos these days:

Dreaded Business-Casual

A few years ago I walked through Houston Intercontinental Airport, and between passing through the security area and reaching my departure gate I counted over thirty men dressed exactly the same – …

rodsmodblog.wordpress.com

 

[mensimageconsultant]

Light blue and solid white long-sleeved, button-front shirts should be in almost any wardrobe, but some less business versions should be in a typical wardrobe for social outings. Think other colors and subtle patterns. Nordstrom has dozens of options. Here is one.

https://www.nordstrom.com/s/trim-fit-microcheck-button-down-shirt/7853281?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FMen%2FClothing%2FShirts%2FCasual%20Button-Ups&color=030

Multi-pocket or button-down pocket usually is too casual for a nice restaurant, for example.