7 ESSENTIAL STYLE TIPS FOR MEN OVER 50 BEFORE YOU SHOP

Navigating the world of fashion in your 50s (and beyond!) may seem daunting, but trust me, it’s entirely achievable. While I can’t personally guide every man receiving an AARP membership in the mail, I can offer you this comprehensive guide to dressing for mature men.

If you’re new to my writing, you might be asking yourself: Caroline, as a 29-year-old woman who spends her free time watching Nordic crime dramas and perfecting my homemade macaroni and cheese, what do I know about the style dilemmas faced by men approaching early retirement?

Well, for one, I have a soft spot for well-dressed older gentlemen.

Every man over 50 has unique wardrobe needs that reflect his personal style and lifestyle. Whether you’re searching for casual attire, looking for shopping recommendations, or simply wanting to elevate your fashion game, dressing well at this age can be just as exciting and diverse as it is for younger men.

Not sure where to begin? No need to fret! Below, 7 tips on nailing mature style for men:

Get a tailor

Everyone I’ve spoken with in the realm of men’s style, especially for those over 50, agrees on one crucial point: the difference between “a guy wearing clothes” and “a well-dressed man” often comes down to good tailoring.

Building a relationship with a tailor is essential for any mature man looking to elevate his style.

Consider your tailor your clothing’s doctor. Just as you have a dentist for your teeth, an internist for your health, and a dermatologist for those pesky moles, it’s time to have a tailor on speed dial to ensure your wardrobe is in top shape.

Now, I can already hear you thinking: “The clothes I own fit me just fine!”

But let’s be real—no man, and I mean none of you, can wear off-the-rack clothing perfectly.

Sure, you don’t need to have every t-shirt tailored or sweatpants hemmed, but those button-down shirts you wear daily with jeans or chinos? Get the sleeves adjusted to the right length.

And don’t forget about those jeans and chinos! 

What about the blazer you wear for dinner with your spouse each week? Could it use a little adjustment to fit you better?

Think of this process like visiting a doctor. You don’t go in every day for every little issue, but for the significant matters, you want to consult a professional. 

Focus on the finishing touches 

When it comes to presentation, the key differentiator between well-dressed men and those who simply wear clothes is the extra attention to detail. These subtle touches may not be immediately noticeable, but once you see them, they make a significant difference.

This attention to detail extends beyond your clothing to grooming, including a well-maintained beard (and nose hairs!), clean nails and cuticles, and a pleasant scent. Just look at the smart tie and coordinating socks worn by Stanley Tucci—voted the most stylish man of 2023 by Style Girlfriend followers!

Accessories are an excellent way to elevate your style as a man over 50. A beautiful scarf can enhance a simple blue overcoat, while the right shoes can complete your outfit—just as easily as the wrong ones can ruin it.

Investing in accessories is a smart choice for your wardrobe. Timeless pieces, like a classic pair of glasses, will never go out of style, and if you choose quality items built to last, you’ll enjoy them for years to come.

I’d like to highlight timepieces: they’re one of the first things I notice on a man. If you wear a watch, I can’t help but notice which one it is.

Let me be clear: you don’t need to spend a fortune on a watch. However, if you can invest in a quality timepiece, it’s often worth it. Even an affordable tank-style Seiko can make you look polished and distinguished.

Invest in forever pieces

By avoiding fleeting trends, you can invest more wisely in your wardrobe. Why? Because when you focus on timeless pieces, you know you’ll wear them for more than just one season.

Instead of purchasing multiple inexpensive shirts and trousers, consider buying one or two high-quality staple items. Then, invest in having those pieces tailored to fit you perfectly. The final step? Embrace the ease and simplicity of cultivating a signature personal style!

Look for brands that prioritize craftsmanship and quality. 

While you may not have the budget to splurge on every item in your closet, you can be strategic about your spending.

Identify the pieces you wear most frequently. If you rarely wear sweaters but often don blazers—think of a post-presidential Barack Obama—prioritize your budget accordingly to reflect your lifestyle.

Lean into a Monochromatic Color Palette

Monochromatic dressing involves combining pieces from the same color family to create a cohesive and polished look. This style not only elongates your body but also gives you a sleek, modern appearance with minimal effort.

Take, for example, the character Steve Martin, 79, plays on Only Murders in the Building. He often sports monochromatic ensembles, like blue jeans paired with a white shirt and a blue knit sweater or overcoat.

For men over 50, these outfits are not only simple to assemble but also effortlessly elevate your style.

You can approach monochromatic dressing in a few different ways. Our favorite at Team SG is the black and blue route—opting for rich, deep blues like navy—or embracing earth tones, such as pairing tan chinos with a chunky oatmeal rollneck sweater.

Aim for leveling up your personal style instead of chasing trends

Here’s a little secret: I often share this advice with my younger clients, but it’s especially true for older gentlemen—dressing for who you are, rather than trying to keep up with the latest trends, makes all the difference.

By midlife, you’ve witnessed countless trends come and go, which makes it easier to identify which cuts and styles flatter you and which colors and textures enhance your personal aesthetic.

Consider what clothing aligns with your lifestyle and which pieces don’t quite fit who you are. 

Think of this guideline not as a limitation, but as a permission slip to bypass fleeting trends. That’s a true luxury! As men age, they naturally become more distinguished—there’s a reason the term “silver fox” is a compliment.

Allyson B. Fanger, the costume designer for Netflix’s (criminally underrated, in my opinion) *Grace and Frankie*, shared that one of the joys of dressing older characters like Robert and Sol—played by Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston, both in their eighties—is that these men have lived rich lives.

The show features two lawyers who leave their wives for each other after their kids have grown up, and their style is spot on.

Robert and Sol don’t need to evolve further in their fashion choices, which makes dressing them all the more enjoyable for Fanger.

They each have favorite brands, signature color palettes, and distinct approaches to style.

Robert is traditional, favoring button-down shirts and chinos—he’s a Brooks Brothers man through and through.

Sol, on the other hand, embodies the spirit of a hippie, opting for Cubavera camp shirts and comfortable Tommy Bahama linen pants.

These characters exemplify how, regardless of personal taste or style, it’s entirely possible to achieve top-notch personal fashion at any age.

Ultimately, knowing who you are and being confident in that is the cornerstone of any man’s style, and that understanding becomes more profound as you accumulate life experience.

Adopt a wardrobe uniform

Larry David, at 76, is a big advocate for uniform dressing. While many people think of a daily uniform as a traditional suit and tie, David exemplifies how versatile and liberating this approach can be.

He’s a king of casual style—if you’re searching for casual clothing ideas for men over 50, the *Curb Your Enthusiasm* star offers an excellent blueprint.

His go-to wardrobe staples include crewneck sweaters, zip-ups, AG 5-pocket chinos, and soft shoulder blazers. 

If the thought of choosing an outfit every day feels overwhelming, this dressing strategy might be perfect for you. 

Consider building a capsule wardrobe filled with a few pieces you love: your favorite pants, a handful of shirts that make you feel your best, and some knitwear or jackets.

And don’t hesitate to buy items you adore in multiple colors! (This is another trick David uses.)

This way, each morning, you can reach into your closet and confidently know that whatever you pick will likely coordinate beautifully.

Be yourself 

It might sound a bit silly to wrap up a list of style tips with a reminder to just accept yourself, but hear me out. You might think, “My style is just a ripped sports jersey and Crocs,” and to that, I say: maybe it’s time for a change! (Just kidding… or am I?)

What I really mean is don’t overthink dressing for a particular age. These style tips are helpful if you’re unsure where to start or want to elevate your look. But if you already have a signature style or enjoy dressing outside the norm, don’t let the number in front of your age hold you back. Embrace what makes you unique and wear it with confidence!

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, navigating style in your 50s and beyond doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Embrace the principles of good tailoring, invest in timeless pieces, and build a wardrobe that reflects who you are. Remember, personal style is all about confidence and authenticity—wear what makes you feel good, whether it’s a classic blazer or a funky shirt.

Don’t shy away from experimenting with accessories and details that can elevate your look. And most importantly, don’t let age define your fashion choices. Celebrate your individuality and express yourself through your clothing. After all, style is a lifelong journey, and it’s never too late to redefine your aesthetic!

YOUNG THUG WEIGHT GAIN: WHAT DID HE DO TO TRANSFORM?

Young Thug weight gain: Young Thug’s recent appearances have sparked a buzz online, with fans noticing a significant change in his physique. His signature slender build has given way to a more muscular frame. But what’s behind this transformation? Was it a conscious effort to bulk up, or a result of his current circumstances? Let’s dive into the possible reasons for Young Thug’s weight gain.

WHO IS YOUNG THUG?

Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He gained prominence in the early 2010s with his unique vocal style, eccentric fashion sense, and innovative approach to hip hop. Young Thug is known for his versatility, often blending elements of trap, rap, and melody in his music. He’s released several successful albums and mixtapes, including “Barter 6,” “Jeffery,” “Beautiful Thugger Girls,” and “So Much Fun.” He’s also collaborated with numerous other artists across various genres and is considered one of the most influential figures in contemporary hip hop.

In May 2022, Young Thug’s arrest alongside YSL associates sent him to Fulton County Jail. Recent court appearances have shown a dramatic change – a significant weight gain estimated at around 100 pounds. While the cause is unclear, fans speculate it’s due to his forced sobriety and potentially different eating habits in prison.

DID YOUNG THUG REALLY GAIN WEIGHT?

Young Thug’s appearance has changed due to a weight increase. The specific amount is not publicly known.

Over a year into his arrest on RICO charges, Young Thug remains incarcerated.  The nature of the charges often makes securing bail difficult. Though facing legal challenges, his fans still show support, even with new music released from behind bars. Public appearances are now limited to court hearings, where a recent one sparked discussion about his weight gain.

The transformation is striking – fans initially struggled to recognize him due to the substantial weight gain. This unexpected physical change came as a surprise, with many more concerned about Young Thug’s mental state than his appearance.

A recent court photo of the YSL founder, impeccably dressed in a suit, has gone viral, but not for the fashion statement. Fans’ attention is captured by Young Thug’s noticeable weight gain.

Social media reactions to Young Thug’s weight gain are mixed. Some resort to humor, while others express concern.  Considering the ongoing trial and reports of poor prison conditions, including limited access to healthy food (as claimed by his attorney Brian Steel earlier this year), it’s understandable that Young Thug might be under significant stress, which can impact weight.

Steel’s claims suggested Young Thug’s access to healthy food choices was severely restricted, with chips and chocolate being the only readily available options. These foods, if consumed heavily, can contribute to weight gain. Aside from his diet consisting of “zero health benefits,” the attorney also called attention to an alleged lack of sleep and access to sunlight that the performer was subjected to behind bars. “The jokes are funny, but in reality this man is likely severely depressed and may be eating to cope,” one social media users speculated. “Drugs play a role, but so does one’s mental state.”

FANS RESPOND ABOUT HIS NEW PHYSIQUE AND THE IMPACT OF A DRUG-FREE LIFE?

Fan theories about Young Thug’s weight gain abound.  Some speculate it’s a consequence of quitting drugs in prison, viewing his previous slim physique as evidence of past substance use.  They celebrate this as a positive sign of a drug-free lifestyle, believing his current weight reflects his “true self” and a healthy transformation.

“That’s what happens when you’re no longer on drugs and lean and all the bad stuff!”

Another comment said:

“When you remove all those substances from your body, your appetite increases.”

“The eyes play tricks… His skin looks lighter because they’ve only been giving him an hour of sunlight each day. He’s bigger because they’ve been feeding him unhealthy jail bullshit…”

“I’m not one to argue with a healthy weight but slime looks like a snapping turtle”

YOUNG THUG CAREER

Young Thug, born Jeffery Lamar Williams, emerged from Atlanta’s Sylvan Hills neighborhood in 2011.  He quickly gained recognition for his unique rap style, characterized by eccentric vocals, unconventional melodies, and a lyrical approach often described as “mumble rap.”  His debut mixtape, “I Came from Nothing,” caught the attention of Atlanta legend Gucci Mane, who signed Thug to his 1017 Records label.

Thug’s rise to prominence continued with the critically acclaimed mixtape “1017 Thug” in 2013. This project solidified his reputation as a creative force in hip hop, garnering praise for his infectious hooks and genre-bending sound.  He continued to release a steady stream of mixtapes, collaborating with established artists like Drake and Kanye West, while also fostering new talent through his own label, Young Stoner Life Records (YSL).

Young Thug’s influence extends beyond music.  His eccentric fashion sense and charismatic persona have made him a cultural icon.  He has defied traditional rap conventions, pushing boundaries with his music and image.  Despite his recent legal troubles, Young Thug remains a significant figure in contemporary hip hop, inspiring a generation of artists with his unconventional approach.

YOUNG THUG PERSONAL LIFE

Young Thug has six kids with four different moms: three boys and three girls. He became a dad when he was just 17. He got engaged to Jerrika Karlae in 2015. She’s in charge of a swimwear line and her mom used to manage Young Dolph, a rapper. Thug got his first house in 2016, after his mixtape Jeffery came out. The house is huge, with six bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a bar, a movie room, and space for four cars.

When he was young, one of Thug’s older brothers got shot and killed in front of their house.

In April 2020, during a live concert stream, Thug talked about a scary moment when he felt like he was dying. He couldn’t move and had to call an ambulance. Turns out, he had liver and kidney failure, and he even felt like he had died for a bit.

He broke up with Jerrika Karlae in December 2020. Then in 2021, he started dating Mariah the Scientist, who’s a singer from Atlanta.

YOUNG THUG LEGAL ISSUES

Young Thug has faced a lot of legal issues over the years. In 2015, he was sued after a shooting incident involving Lil Wayne’s tour bus. He’s also been sued for not showing up to concerts he was paid for. He was accused of slapping a woman outside a club, but the charges were dropped due to lack of proof.

In 2017, police raided his house and found drugs and guns, but some charges were dropped because they didn’t have a warrant. He’s been arrested multiple times for drug possession and having guns. In 2022, he was arrested again on gang-related charges and has been in jail since then.

His criminal trial started in 2023, but it got delayed after one of his co-defendants got stabbed in jail. The trial finally resumed in January 2024.

YOUNG THUG AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS

While Young Thug hasn’t yet secured any major awards, his talent and influence haven’t gone unnoticed. Throughout his career, he’s racked up a number of nominations from prestigious award shows. Here’s a breakdown of some of his most notable nods:

Grammy Awards: Thugger might not have a Grammy on his shelf himself, but he did contribute to Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” which won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2019.

American Music Awards: In 2018 and 2021, Young Thug found himself nominated for American Music Awards. These nominations included Favorite Song – Pop/Rock, Favorite Music Video, Collaboration of the Year (for “Go Crazy” with Chris Brown), and Favorite R&B Song. He even took home wins for Favorite Music Video and Collaboration of the Year in 2018.

iHeartRadio Music Awards: This award show has recognized Young Thug’s talent with nominations across various categories. He’s been nominated for Best Lyrics (voted by fans), Hip-Hop Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, and R&B Song of the Year (which he won in 2021).

Other Nominations: Young Thug has also received nominations from BET Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and MTV Europe Music Awards throughout his career. These nominations recognize his achievements in categories like Song of the Year, Video of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Best Hip-Hop Video.

FAQ

1. What is Young Thug’s real name?

Young Thug’s real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams.

2. What is Young Stoner Life (YSL)?

YSL is Young Thug’s record label, which he founded. It has fostered new talent and helped shape Atlanta’s rap scene.

3. How much is Young Thug net worth?

 $4 million.

CONCLUSION

While Young Thug’s recent weight gain has sparked conversation and theories, the true cause remains unclear. Limited access to healthy food options in prison and potential stress are possibilities. Ultimately, Thugger’s health and well-being are the top priorities. Fans wait to see how this situation unfolds, hoping for a positive resolution to his legal troubles and a chance for him to thrive, physically and creatively.