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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!

10 Best Dry Shampoos for Extensions: Keep Your Hair Clean and Refreshed

When it comes to hair-care, especially with people who have hair extensions, dry shampoo is a must-have. Not only people with extended hair or dyed hair, everyone should at least have a bottle. But there are thousands of brands on the market, consumers must be really confused with choosing the right one. If you’re one of those struggling consumers, we’re here to help you find the best dry shampoo for extensions.

What is Hair Extension?

Hair extensions are artificial hair pieces that are added to natural hair to add length, volume, or a specific style. They can be made from synthetic materials or real human hair and are attached to natural hair using a variety of methods, such as clip-ins, tape-ins, sew-ins, or fusion. Hair extensions can be used to add highlights or lowlights, volume to thin hair, create long hairstyles, or achieve a specific look for a special occasion. They come in a variety of colors, textures, and lengths to match the natural hair and can be styled and cared for just like natural hair.

Different Types of Hair Extensions

When it comes to hair extensions, many people just think about adding additional hair to someone’s head so their hair appears thicker and longer. In reality, hair extensions are more than that, and there are several types of extensions that you might want to know more about.

Clip-in hair extensions: Like their name, these are temporary hair extensions that can be clipped into the hair to add length, volume, or color. They are easy to install and remove and can be reused multiple times, making them one of the most popular and convenient types of extensions ever.

Tape-in hair extensions: Tape-in extensions are attached to the natural hair using double-sided tape. They are lightweight and blend seamlessly with natural hair, making them a popular choice for adding volume and length to the hair without making your whole look fake.

Sew-in hair extensions: Also known as weaves, sew-in extensions are connected to the natural hair by sewing the extension onto a braided track. Compared to other forms of hair extension above, sew-in extensions are much heavier but they provide wearers with more long-lasting and secure hair.

Fusion hair extensions: These extensions are attached to the natural hair using a bonding agent, such as keratin glue or microbeads. Fusion hair extensions are for people who like a natural look and feel. With proper care, these extensions can last for 6 months.

Micro tape hair extensions:  These are a type of semi-permanent hair extension that involves small wefts of hair with a thin, flat strip of tape attached to them. The tape is then applied to the natural hair in small sections, creating a smooth and natural-looking result.

Top 10 Dry Shampoos You Should Try Out

Dry shampoo is a must-have item in everyone’s bag, especially those who have their hair extended. If you want to buy one but don’t know what brand you should purchase, we suggest you check out these brands below.

Batiste Dry Shampoo: This is a cult-favorite dry shampoo that is perfect for sucking up excess oil and refreshing hair. It is available in a variety of scents and formulations for different hair types. This affordable product is liked by many people, they enjoy the convenience of the spray nozzle and the quick results it provides. However, the reviewer notes that the scent of the product can be strong and may not be suitable for those with sensitive noses.

Fat and the Moon Dry Shampoo: The Fat and the Moon Dry Shampoo is an eco friendly dry shampoo with a powder-based formula that is designed to refresh hair in between washes while absorbing excess oil and sweat. Many customers said that  Fat and the Moon Dry Shampoo was effective in refreshing hair and extending the time between washes and they appreciate the natural and eco-friendly ingredients and report that the dry shampoo leaves hair feeling soft and clean without any buildup or residue. Some of them note that the powder can be messy to apply and may leave a white cast on darker hair.

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk: This dry shampoo is made with natural ingredients, including oat milk, to soothe and protect the scalp. It is gentle on hair extensions and leaves hair feeling soft and refreshed. Consumers’ reviews of the Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk are generally positive, with many customers saying that the product effectively refreshes their hair and extends the time between washes. But people are not satisfied with the spray nozzle on the bottle, which can be difficult to use and may not distribute the product evenly.

Rahua Voluminous Dry Shampoo: This is a high-end, plant-based dry shampoo that claims to refresh hair and add volume and texture. This product is formulated with natural ingredients such as cassava starch, which is said to absorb excess oil and dirt, and star anise, which is said to provide a subtle and pleasant scent. It is also a butane free dry shampoo so consumers don’t have to worry about irritations and further damage. The price and its messiness are what upset the customers since it’s more expensive than other products on the market as well as the powder makes it difficult to distribute the product evenly.

Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo: Drybar Detox dry shampoo is perfect for adding volume and refreshing hair when it gets greasy. The product comes in a spray bottle and is formulated with rice starch, which can suck up oil and sweat without leaving a residue or weighing down the hair. Customers love how comfortable and non-greasy the product is, as well as the pleasant scent. Additionally, customers note that the product is safe for color-treated hair and free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. But this is not the product for extremely oily hair as this dry shampoo is not effective enough.

Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder Dry Shampoo: Like other dry shampoo, this product helps consumers with greasy hair and lack of volume. Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder is in powder form which is extremely useful in eliminating oil on your scalp. The powder formula also adds grip and texture to the hair, making it easier to style and manipulate. This product is also suitable for all hair types and colors, making it a versatile option for those looking to refresh their hair between washes. Since this dry shampoo is in powder form, it’s quite messy to use and it can’t deal with hair that is too oily.

Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo: This is a cruelty-free and vegan dry shampoo that works as well as other types. There are rice starch and aluminum starch in the ingredients, making it perfect for greasy hair. However, there are consumers who experience irritations on sensitive and dry scalp so you might want to consider it carefully before purchasing. 

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo: For those who don’t want sulfates, parabens, and artificial colors in their product, you might want to check it out. This dry shampoo is praised for its effectiveness and convenience, as well as its fresh and subtle scent. But like Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo, it’s not for people with dry and sensitive scalps.

R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo: This is a highly rated product by customers thanks to its effectiveness in absorbing oil on our hair. Especially, R+Co Death Valley dry shampoo has volcanic ash in it which intrigued many consumers. Like those 2 dry shampoo above, if your scalp is dry or sensitive, you should skip this.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo: If you have thin hair and want to add more volume to it, this might be the one for you as this product is extremely lightweight with a non-greasy formula. However, many people said that the scent of Living Proof Perfect Hair Day was overwhelming and might cause minor breathing problems in people with asthma.

Since you’ve already invested in extending your hair, why don’t you spend just a little bit more for some hair-care, I promise it’s not gonna be a disappointment. Using cheap products for a long period of time will definitely ruin your hair extensions and even your natural hair, and the consequences will be much more expensive to deal with than these dry shampoo. If you haven’t had any, check out the products above, we’re pretty sure you will like one of them.