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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!

HOW TO LOOK GOOD EVERYDAY AND BE A CHIC PIONEER

The saying “looking good is good business” holds a lot of truth. Your appearance, scent, and personality leave a lasting impression on those you encounter, making it essential to present yourself well at all times. To achieve this, it’s important to know how to look your best every day. Your looks convey a lot about who you are, your interests, and your values.

A 2005 study conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis revealed a surprising finding: attractive and well-dressed individuals earn approximately 5% more per hour than their less stylish colleagues.

This suggests that good-looking people often have access to more lucrative opportunities, resulting in higher earnings compared to those who dress more casually.

Certain physical traits and attire can project an aura of responsibility, confidence, and self-assuredness, which in turn enhances communication skills and productivity in the workplace. Curious about the secret to consistently looking vibrant and beautiful? Let’s delve into it in our article below!

LEARN MORE ABOUT FASHION AND DRESS CODES/STYLES

If you want to look good every day, you need to learn about fashion. Many people don’t look as good as they would like because they don’t know how to choose outfits, mix colors, or follow the basic rules of fashion.

One of the first steps to looking good is to educate yourself about clothing, makeup, shoes, and everything else related to style. You can do this by reading fashion magazines, browsing fashion blogs, watching fashion shows, and even checking out movies.

These activities will help you discover different styles and keep up with fashion trends so you can use them to your advantage!

Having knowledge is empowering. It helps you do more with less. When you understand which combinations work well, you can create great outfits even if your wardrobe is limited.

Do some research on suitable clothing and color combinations, or anything you’re unsure about. The next time you look at your closet, you’ll be surprised by how many stylish outfits you can create with just a few items.

The key to learning how to look good every day is to grasp the basics. If you don’t know how to dress well, it will be difficult to look fabulous.

GROOM YOURSELF

The little details matter a lot when it comes to looking good. Did you know that having short nails can make you seem neat and organized?

Taking care of your nails shows that you are responsible and serious, and it’s easy to do. Just keep your nails short, clean, and dry. If you like long nails, make sure they stay clean and tidy.

Learn to shape your nails and keep them from breaking by using a nail file. Avoid biting your nails or picking at your cuticles. If you prefer professional help, treat yourself to regular manicures and pedicures.

Your hair is important, too. Wash it regularly with a gentle shampoo and use conditioner. Try not to use too much heat or style it excessively.

Take care of your hair as you would with a special piece of clothing. Healthy hair is valuable; it’s like your natural crown.

MAINTAIN GOOD HYGIENE

Good personal hygiene can greatly improve your appearance. Hygiene means keeping your body clean, healthy, and free from germs. It is important for your overall health.

Poor hygiene can lead to diseases and health problems caused by harmful germs and bacteria. Your hygiene plays a big role in how you look and smell. When you keep your body clean, you look and smell better.

Good hygiene helps you avoid body odors, bad breath, and other issues that can come from not being clean. Most people who look great put in extra effort to maintain good hygiene.

To look your best, you need to be intentional about your hygiene. Make sure to do regular tasks like shaving, brushing your teeth, trimming your nails, and taking showers!

Try to shower at least twice a day, brush your teeth in the morning and before bed, and avoid letting dirty laundry pile up. Don’t wear your underwear more than twice, and keep your living space clean.

BE DIFFERENT. EXPERIMENT AND TRY OUT NEW OPTIONS

As you learn to look good every day, make sure to include your creativity and uniqueness in your outfits. You don’t always have to follow the rules to look great.

Many of today’s fashion trends came from people trying to be creative, spontaneous, and innovative, which meant breaking some rules.

So, be different, be yourself, and express your style. Try to guess how different colors might look when paired together.

Experiment with new clothing combinations and see how good they look on you. Don’t be afraid to join in on current fashion trends. Fashion is beautiful because it allows you to express yourself and be original while also letting you be spontaneous.

Explore new accessories you haven’t tried before and discover different styles and ways to dress. One easy way to find your unique style is to experiment with clothes until you discover what works best for you.

HIGHLIGHT YOUR BEST FEATURES

Everyone has a unique physical trait that makes them stand out from the crowd. One way to look good every day is to discover your unique features and highlight them when you dress.

To do this, start by studying yourself. Get a notepad and write down some information. What parts of your body make you different? Is it your height? Do people compliment your legs? Once you identify at least three unique traits, you can start to emphasize them. If you have beautiful lips, using glossy lipstick and makeup can draw attention to that feature.

If you have abs or curves, wearing clothes that showcase those curves can help you look great every day. If you’re unsure what your strengths are, here’s a simple way to find out: when you have some free time, write down at least five things about your body that stand out to you.

A good clue is to think about what parts people often talk about or compliment. After identifying these features, go shopping for clothes and accessories that highlight them. Then, experiment with different outfits and pay attention to how people react.

When you start getting more compliments about those features, you’ll know you’ve found what works for you! Make sure to show off those traits every time you dress up, and watch how people notice your good looks.

BE COMFORTABLE IN YOUR CLOTHES

When trying to look good and fashionable, never wear clothes that make you uncomfortable. It’s just not worth it. We wear clothes not only to look nice but also to cover ourselves and stay comfortable. Sometimes, we sacrifice comfort for style, which isn’t healthy. For instance, wearing tight clothes to look good can make you feel uneasy.

Choose clothes that fit you well. This goes for your accessories, shoes, and even makeup. If you don’t feel comfortable in sleeveless tops or clothes that show too much skin, it’s best to avoid them because they will only make you feel frustrated.

Think about wearing stilettos to an event where you might have to stand for a long time. Your feet will hurt, which isn’t good for you. The key to looking good is to be comfortable in whatever you wear, whether it’s jeans, brogue shoes, hats, or jackets.

Being comfortable in your clothes boosts your confidence and makes you feel good about yourself. The next time you’re getting ready to go out, take a moment to check your outfit. If something feels off, change it. There’s no point in looking great if you feel awkward.

REST AS MUCH AS YOU CAN

Rest may seem unimportant, but people who don’t get enough sleep often look worn out. Their tiredness can make them frown more, which doesn’t help their appearance.

When you lack sleep, you can look stressed, frustrated, and fatigued. People who don’t rest well often struggle to get things done and don’t look their best.

Getting enough rest also has many health benefits. Not sleeping enough can lead to dehydration and overeating, which can result in weight gain and other health issues.

Rebecca S. Robbins, M.D., Ph.D., a sleep expert at Cornell University, explains that sleep is essential for your brain. She told Cosmopolitan, “During a good night’s rest, your body works to remove dead blood cells and dead brain cells, and clears the pathways for new connections to form, allowing new blood and brain cells to replace old ones.”

Getting enough sleep helps prevent dark circles under your eyes. These circles can appear when you don’t sleep enough because your cells aren’t renewing properly. When you sleep, your blood vessels dilate, which helps avoid dark circles.

Sleep also keeps you hydrated and gives you a fresher, younger look. So, make time to rest well and stick to a regular sleep schedule. A well-rested body always looks better than one that is tired.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY

Did you know that having a fit body makes you look more elegant? It really does! If you want to look your best, you need to take care of your body. And no, it’s not just about going to the gym.

Many people think that working out is the only way to care for their bodies. In reality, taking care of yourself involves everything from your diet to the cleanliness of your surroundings. Even your sleeping habits play a role.

To care for your body, you first need to understand it. This means knowing important details like your weight, height, skin tone, and clothing and shoe sizes.

Here are some ways to take care of your body:

  • Exercise regularly: Go for walks, jogs, or try activities like yoga and meditation. Don’t hesitate to hit the gym if you want to improve your fitness.
  • Eat well: Make sure your meals are balanced and avoid unhealthy habits like eating late. Eating more fruits and vegetables is essential. Try to avoid junk food and focus on fresh, whole meals. Good nutrition provides the nutrients your body needs.
  • Maintain good hygiene: Shower regularly to keep body odors away and moisturize your skin. Aim to shower at least twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed.
  • Use the right skincare products: Don’t just use any products on your skin. Consult a professional to find out which cosmetics, ointments, and creams are best for you. Poor skincare can lead to poor appearance!

The key to taking care of your body is to value it. You only take care of what you love, so make a commitment to look after your body properly.

SMILE OFTEN

Research shows that people who smile more tend to look better, especially in photos. Smiling has many benefits; it not only enhances your appearance but also makes you look happier, more confident, and successful.

People are naturally drawn to those who smile rather than those with negative expressions like scowls or frowns. Smiling is often associated with positive personality traits, making others perceive you more favorably.

Scientists have found that those who smile more seem to live happier, more fulfilling lives compared to those with blank expressions. Smiling can also make you look younger and boost your mood; you often feel better after smiling or laughing.

Even if someone is well-dressed, a frown can take away from their overall look. A smile can make a significant difference in how you present yourself.

So, as you wear your favorite denim jeans or trousers, remember to smile. Make an effort to smile every day, even when taking photos, and notice how it improves your appearance!

EXUDE CONFIDENCE

The trademark of a well-dressed individual is the confidence and personality that they exude. It is alright to be well dressed and look very attractive, but confidence pushes your appearance meter to a higher scale!

One of the keys to looking good every day is to know how to be confident in your clothes. It makes you look more attractive, stunning, and breathtaking to the opposite sex and leaves the impression of secure esteem and maturity.

Confident people usually appear successful and in control of their lives to others. 

Here are a few tips to help you look more confident:

  • Maintain eye contact during conversations.
  • Show a genuine interest in the people around you.
  • Avoid every and any form of negative self-talk. Nothing injures your esteem as much as a negative image of yourself. 
  • Also, stop worrying about what people think about you. People will always have opinions of what they think or perceive you to be. 
  • Practice the habit of reminding yourself of how great you are and how great you look. You are sure to look better when you have great esteem and exude confidence consistently.

MAINTAIN GOOD POSTURE TO IMPROVE YOUR LOOKS

Good posture, along with well-matched clothes, is like icing on a delicious cake! It may seem small, but maintaining good posture can greatly improve your appearance.

When you want to look your best, remember to pay attention to your posture.

Nina Strang, a physical therapist and expert in strength and conditioning, explains that “good posture is also known as neutral spine.” This means that when you have good posture, the muscles around your spine are balanced and support your body equally.

Here’s how to check your posture:

  • When sitting: Keep your feet flat on the floor with even weight on both hips. Your back should be mostly straight (with natural curves in your lower, middle, and upper back). Relax your shoulders, and make sure your ears line up over your collarbones.
  • When standing: Keep a slight bend in your knees to avoid locking them, according to Kara Griffith, an exercise physiologist at Colorado Canyons Hospital.

Good posture not only makes you look better but also helps prevent pain in your bones and joints, as well as muscle strains and headaches.

Remember, maintaining good posture is an ongoing effort, so practice it regularly!

CONCLUSION

That’s a fantastic perspective! Emphasizing personal style and comfort is key to looking chic every day. By focusing on self-expression and confidence, you can create a look that feels uniquely you. If you have any specific tips or items you’d like to share, or if you’re looking for advice on enhancing your style, feel free to ask!