In the past, male dress codes were more rigorously age-specific, but now we’re in the era of the modern man. Suits no longer have to be worn to work and jeans and t-shirts are a mainstay. But if you’ve lost your mojo or want to give your wardrobe a new lease of life, we’ve created the ultimate modern man’s guide to dressing well in later life.
Following a survey we carried out to discover the most stylish celebrities, we’ve created the ultimate guide to fashion for men over 40 based on who you voted for as your male style icons .
Keep it simple
Off-duty casual is the mainstay in men’s style, especially for fashion for older gentlemen. It really pays to coordinate your essentials, so you have a capsule wardrobe that works for every occasion. We recommend investing in quality t-shirts in a wide range of colours.
You can’t go wrong with a classic polo shirt and you’ll find we have a selection of polo shirt colours and patterns to choose from. Wear alone on warm summer days or pop on a round neck jumper for added warmth.
Choose navy
A colour that transcends the ages, a classic navy is always a shade to reach for. Whilst black is often considered to be the most stylish colour, it can make some skin tones look wan, whereas a navy crew neck jumper adds a touch of warmth.
Voted as one of the most stylish celebrities over 50, Daniel Craig is often seen sporting navy in some shape or form. You, too, can inject that Bond style! Whether it’s a timeless jacket, trainers, or a pair of jeans, this eternally complementary colour should be your go-to when picking your next item.
Invest in a quality suit A quality suit can have a transformative effect on the way you look and feel. Colin Firth is a prime example of how a well-tailored suit can make an older
man look suave and sophisticated – just one of the reasons he’s considered one of the most stylish celebrities over 50.
When buying a suit, you’ll want to make sure it looks right. When the shoulders of a suit are too tight, not only can it impede your movement, but it can also alter the way the jacket hangs. If it’s too small, it will create a divot on the arms and if it’s too big, it will sag at the shoulders.
It’s not just the jacket that can impact how good a suit looks. The trousers should sit smoothly against the buttocks. If you’re between sizes, it’s best to size up and then get them tailored and taken in.
Fit is the most important thing
Just like women who try to ‘dress young’ end up looking older, so too do men. Instead, stick to the classics and, most importantly, choose things that fit well. If an item is oversized or too snug, it can have an ageing effect and affect your self-confidence too.
Jeans are the most common item to let a man down when it comes to fashion for men over 40. Avoid jeans with an acid wash or light blue colouring. Instead, a classic indigo in a tapered leg will provide you with the perfect all-rounder. Your jeans should fit at your waist, but not be skin-tight, and they should hug your glutes without restricting movement; if they feel like they’re going to rip when you sit down, they’re definitely too small!
Our thermal jeans have just the right amount of stretch in them for a comfortable fit while being rigid enough to maintain their style and shape.
Avoid brash branding
With age comes confidence and part of that is knowing that wearing items with bold logos and big names is not de rigueur. Instead, keep designer names to a minimum and invest in key pieces and subtle accessories, like a nice watch, cufflinks, or pair of sunglasses. You want to be recognised for your style, not how much you spend.
Find your style with Damart
As you get older, you realise that things come in and out of fashion, so why bother keeping up? Find your own style and stick with it. Michael Caine has been a fashion icon for over 60 years and is considered one of the most stylish celebrities over 50: he knows his own style and has stuck to it.
Whether you prefer classic jumpers and smart trousers or jeans and button-down shirts, the secret is to love the clothes you wear.
Find your style at www.damart.co.uk and discover our fine collection of fashion for older gentlemen.