men's fall dinner outfit

MEN’S CAPSULE WARDROBE FOR A EUROPEAN VACATION

I’ve been getting a lot of requests lately to share a Men’s European Vacation Capsule Wardrobe! Traveling through Europe can be tricky when it comes to figuring out what to wear. Europeans are known for their impeccable style, and Americans sometimes fall short in comparison. Plus, with limited suitcase space, you have to be strategic about what you bring. While I’m not traveling to Europe this summer, this is exactly what I would pack! These versatile pieces will have you covered for a variety of activities, from casual outings to more elevated events.

The beauty of this capsule wardrobe is the ability to mix and match items to create numerous outfit combinations! I’ve highlighted some pairing ideas below, but the possibilities are far greater. That’s the essence of a capsule wardrobe: nearly every piece can be styled together to achieve the look you’re going for.

Basic t-Shirts

The basics are the foundation of any great capsule wardrobe! For a European summer, the key is focusing on breathability, comfort, and versatility. A white Buck Mason Pima Classic Tee is an essential base layer that works with almost any outfit. To add a subtle touch of color, I’ve included a navy Madewell Garment Dyed Allday Crewneck T, which is perfect for layering. And of course, if you want even more layering options, a classic wife-pleaser tank top is a must-have for those warmer days or as an underlayer for cooler evenings.

Linen Shirts

When the temperatures rise and comfort becomes a priority, linen is my go-to fabric! Its breathable nature makes it the ideal summer material, and its natural wrinkles add to that relaxed, effortless European vibe. The striped Linen Oxford Shirt from Everlane is a great option for staying cool while adding texture to your outfit. And of course, you can never go wrong with a classic white Linen Shirt—it’s timeless, versatile, and perfect for any summer occasion!

Linen Shorts

No surprises here—linen continues to be the go-to fabric! The Linen Blend pull-on shorts are ideal for a comfortable day of exploring or sightseeing. Another fantastic option is the Lino Short from Banana Republic in stone grey, offering both style and breathability. For a more elevated look, the pleated linen shorts from J. Crew provide a roomy fit with a polished, sophisticated vibe, making them perfect for dressing up while staying cool.

Camp Collars

Camp collar shirts are an incredibly versatile staple that should be in every summer vacation wardrobe! You can wear them open with a wife-pleaser and swim trunks for a laid-back look, or button them up with linen pants for a stylish evening outfit. The powder blue Camp Collar from Madewell is a great pop of color, perfect for destinations like the French Riviera or the Amalfi Coast. For added texture, the striped resort shirt from Banana Republic is another standout piece that will elevate your vacation style effortlessly!

Sweater Polos

I can’t resist a good sweater polo! It’s the perfect way to instantly elevate your outfit for a dinner out in the city. Despite being a woven sweater, it remains breathable, making it ideal for warm European summer nights. Two pieces that I’m eyeing to add to my wardrobe are the Cotton Linen Resort Shirt and the Plisse Johnny Collar Sweater Polo. Both offer a stylish, polished look while keeping you comfortable in the summer heat.

Swim Trunks

The Pull-On Seersucker swim trunk from Abercrombie is hands down my favorite swimwear option! The fit is just right, and the comfortable liner makes all the difference. With a wide variety of patterns and colors available, you can easily find the perfect pair to match your personal style. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or taking a dip in the sea, these trunks are a must-have for any summer wardrobe!

Linen Pants

For comfort and breathability, linen pants are unbeatable! They offer a naturally dressier look than shorts, making them perfect for an elevated dinner, a sunset cruise, or a cooler day. The Pull-On Traveler Pant from Banana Republic has quickly become one of my summer favorites. With a comfortable drawstring waistband, they’re especially forgiving after indulging in too much pasta! For a classic summer vibe, the Straight Linen Blend Pant in cream is another great choice, adding that perfect light and airy feel to your wardrobe.

Accessories

Accessories are essential for any vacation wardrobe! When packing for your trip, opt for minimal accessories that each serve a purpose. Sunglasses are a must-have to protect your eyes from the sun, while a hat is crucial for staying cool during long days of exploring. Don’t forget a stylish watch—it not only keeps you on schedule but also adds a touch of flair to your outfit. Thankfully, there are plenty of affordable options, so you can wear them with confidence while traveling without worrying about damage!

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, a well-curated men’s capsule wardrobe for a European vacation can significantly enhance your travel experience. By focusing on versatile, breathable, and comfortable pieces, you can create a range of stylish outfits suitable for various activities, from casual sightseeing to elevated dinners. Essential items like linen shirts, breathable shorts, and stylish swim trunks allow for easy mixing and matching, while layering options like shirt jackets and sweaters ensure you’re prepared for changing temperatures. Minimal yet purposeful accessories, such as sunglasses and hats, complete your look while providing functionality. With this thoughtfully assembled wardrobe, you’ll be ready to explore Europe in style and comfort, allowing you to fully enjoy your adventure!

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!