older men leather jacket Archives

What NOT To Wear If You’re Over 40 | Style Tips For Older Men

As we discussed in our previous video about Dressing Well When You’re Over 40, style and confidence as you age is all about embracing what you have and presenting a classy, refined look. Now, it’s worth mentioning that nearly all of our style advice, from Essential Wardrobe items to Fit Guides, applies to all age ranges. But, dressing well later on in life is just as much about what NOT to wear as it is the exact items you are wearing.

So, we thought we’d answer a few of the most commonly asked questions about what not wear if you’re over 40.

Q: Can an older man wear white sneakers?

A: Absolutely they can. In fact, we did a whole video about it. White sneakers like Adidas Stan Smiths and are a classic casual item for any man, regardless of age. That said, if you’re not comfortable wearing white sneakers or you feel like they’re a bit too young, we recommend going with a nice, clean leather sneaker in any color of grey or navy blue. Suede versions are excellent too as the added texture is a nice look.

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Common Projects

Koio

Beckett Simonon

Q: Is it really important to wear fitted clothing?

A: Yes, it’s critical to wear well-fitting clothing, no matter how casual or dressy. That said, this doesn’t mean tight! There is a HUGE difference between slim, well-fitting, clothing that’s proportional to your body type and something that’s overly tight. A lot of older men end up skewing overly large or baggy due to comfort or fears that they aren’t dressing their age but having a wardrobe that fits you well is something every man should have, regardless of age. For mode insight, make sure to check out all of our fit guides for in-depth info on all types of clothing items.

Q: What can I do to give my wardrobe some personality?

A: The most simple and cost-effective way is the right choice of accessories. So watch bands, ties and pocket squares, a ring, or a fun patterned sock are all great ways to add a bit of personality in an age-appropriate way. Being age-appropriate is the key thing, and over-accessorizing is a quick way to kill your style by making it look like you are trying too hard.

Q: What items should I avoid if I’m over 40?

As we mentioned in a previous video, leather jackets are a big one for men over 40 to avoid, with one exception. We do like leather or suede bomber-style jackets for men in this age range, but other types like moto and biker-style jackets just make you look like you’re having a midlife crisis. T-shirts with logos are another huge no-no, they just make you look juvenile. Additional types of t-shirts to avoid include henleys and deep v-neck t-shirts. They just aren’t the right look for an older guy. Stick to polos and well-fitting crewneck t-shirts. On the denim side of things, jeans that are light-wash, or ripped and distressed fall into the same category, they just look too young. Keep your jeans well-fitting and in a dark wash.

How To Dress Well When You’re Over 40

Just because you’re over 40 doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be giving some consideration to how you dress. While the majority of our style tips are applicable no matter what your age is, for you older guys out there there are a few extra things to keep in mind. Above all else, it’s about both embracing your age and confidence, and crafting a style and wardrobe that enhances everything you’ve got going for you.

Here’s how to dress well when you’re over 40!

Dress Your Age

The older you get, the more important it is to dress your age. There’s nothing sadder than an older guy trying too hard to look young. Embrace your age and all the great things that come along with it. We’ll discuss further in a minute but this doesn’t just go for the items you choose, it has to do with the fit and how you wear your clothes as well. It’s important to always strive for a tailored fit. In terms of specific items we recommend, suede bomber or collared jackets, wool or cashmere blend sportcoats paired with chinos, dark wash jeans, or wool trousers are all excellent places to start. You can easily dress these items up with a collared shirt and dress shoes or dress them down with a sweater or t-shirt and sneakers.

Stick To The Classics

Just like dressing your age, as you get older it becomes even more important to stick to classic, timeless items. Leave the trends to the younger guys and embrace the distinguished style that you can pull off. For example, some classic items that should be the foundation of your wardrobe are: suits /blazers, oxfords, dress boots, chinos, Harrington, bomber or standing collared jackets, and polo shirts.

Class It Up

Many men mistake getting older and trying too hard with dressing too casually. Yes, there’s always a place in your wardrobe for well-fitting basics, but take your casual wear up a notch. A polo shirt instead of a t-shirt works well, leather loafers or driving mocs instead of sneakers instantly adds class to a casual outfit. And if you want to add personality to your outfits more, that’s always done through accessories – not the main items in your wardrobe. Understated, distinguished and in-control is what we love to see older men doing. Screaming “Look at me!” with crazy outfits or “funny” t-shirts is just immature.

Nail the fit

We talk about it all the time and have an entire series dedicated to its importance, because, above all else, this is key. Many older men tend to wear clothing that’s one or two sizes too big to hide problem spots on their bodies or for pure comfort. Big mistake – it actually starts bringing attention to you hiding something and being insecure about it. Wearing-tailored clothing will always allow you to present your best self as opposed to wearing too tight or too baggy of clothing, which is just unflattering.

Why Older Men Shouldn’t Wear Leather Jackets

If you’re an older guy, dressing your age can be tricky. As we discussed in a previous 2 Minute Tuesday, there are things you should, and maybe more importantly, shouldn’t do as a stylish older guy. In addition to cultivating a timeless Essential Wardrobe, some items just don’t work. We’re revisiting some style tips for older gentlemen in our audience after some feedback and questions about leather jackets in particular.

They Make You Seem Like You’re Trying Too Hard

The style and bit of rock n roll edge that a leather naturally has just read too young for an older guy. There’s nothing wrong with having some cool factor in your wardrobe, but there’s a line where something like a leather jacket doesn’t help this, it just hurts it.

It Doesn’t Complement Your Age

At a certain point, we encourage you to embrace your age, whether you’re 40 or 70. This doesn’t mean dressing in a way that feels old or stuffy (no matter what your age is), but rather you want to cultivate a style that’s distinguished and age-appropriate. You want a look that doesn’t detract from your natural stylishness as an older guy.

There Are Better Alternatives

As we mentioned, there are a ton of better alternatives available for you older gentlemen. A bomber jacket in a different material like suede or cotton is a great place to start. You can also try a Harrington jacket for something equally as stylish.

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