Older Man's Clothing Tips 2023
At one time, a man's age earned him respect. Nowadays, society isn't kind to men over 50, whether it's in the workforce or the dating game. One of the biggest tellers of a man's age isn't even in his skin or hair – it's often down to his choice of older men's clothing items.
But, exceptions are made for dignified older gentlemen who dress well for their age.
In today's article, I'm sharing with you five style tips on how a man over 50 should dress if he wants to look sharp and impress without wearing old men's clothes. You will understand:
I see this in a lot of guys getting out of the military. They enlisted when they were 18 and find themselves still wearing the same clothes several decades later.
A classic mistake is you try to correct this by reading fashion blogs or magazines for advice. Be very careful because a lot of tips are aimed towards a younger, fashion-forward crowd.
Their styles play on youthful looks. I'm talking about undone shirt buttons, ripped jeans and so on. These might look cool on 22-year-old male models but don't wear well on an older man. Ruffled hair and an untucked shirt will make you look like you've been woken up by a fire alarm.
However, that doesn't mean you should go out and invest in a wardrobe full of old men's clothes! No man needs to wear sweatpants and a sweater vest, regardless of age!
So how should a man over 50 dress? Is it time to switch to high-rise sweatpants and orthopedic loafers? No. But you shouldn't be sporting ripped jeans with the cuffs rolled up to show off your ankle tattoo, either.
Older Man Clothing Tip #2: Find Brands That Suit YouDon't be afraid to change brand loyalties as you age, especially once you hit the point where your body is changing in size and posture. Clothing that fits well when you were younger may stop working as you age.
Do you have a couple of quality, reliable go-to brands for wardrobe basics like dress shirts and slacks? If not, swing by an upper-end menswear store and ask for some recommendations. Learn from the experienced staff. How have they adapted their own sense of style over the years?
Try on the same item of clothing (a dress shirt, for example) in a few different brands and see which ones work for you. What suits your body best? You don't have to actually buy anything, just find quality men's clothing brands that work well for you.
When it's time to replace something in your wardrobe, you now know exactly where to go.
Older Man Clothing Tip #3: Be Aware of Societal ExpectationsA hard truth in life you have probably discovered for yourself is people do judge a book by its cover. People have preconceived notions of how a man over 50 should dress and what 'older men's clothing' means.
Whether you're in the dating game or looking for a promotion at work, these stereotypes can negatively affect your life and force you towards wearing old men's clothes that make you look plain and stuffy.
The good news? If you understand what makes an older man attractive you can dress to control how people perceive you. Use stereotypes to your advantage!
Imagine this: If you don't take care of your appearance, it's easy for an older man with gray hair to look like a 'senior citizen'. As far as the world is concerned you are shuffling along to the early bird special at Denny's…forgotten and inconsequential.
On the other hand, look sharp with great clothing and the same gray hairs make women think of leadership, wisdom and maturity.
Think about Hugh Hefner in his old age – he makes sure to wear clothes that demand respect, and everyone from journalists to the Playboy Bunnies buy into it.
Older Man Clothing Tip #4: Own the Latest TechnologyThis falls under the category of old man's clothing accessories… but it's still important. Make sure you've got a good smartphone, observe basic phone etiquette and let people see you using it with confidence.
Other small consumer electronics like tablets are a great choice too. The point is to make sure people notice you access and competently use the digital world in the same way younger men do.
This visually signals to younger men (and women) you're a part of the same community. It also makes clear you aren't lacking in technology skills which are critical to today's working world.
You don't even really have to use these devices much in most cases. Unless you're applying for a social media job or a similar position, just having an up-to-date phone is enough to convince people you're still with the times. Whether you're actually checking Twitter every five minutes or not doesn't matter, so long as people know you could if you wanted to.
BONUS Older Man Clothing Tip: How To Dress Over 50 – Experiment With ClassicsTo avoid looking stuffy, you want to develop your own personal style of older men's clothing habits. That means adding some unusual elements and experimenting a little. The trick is to do it like an elegant older gentleman.
When young men want to stand out they generally turn to counter-culture symbols: long or spiked hairstyles, tattoos, ripped clothing and so on.
For older men, look toward classic but underused style elements instead.
Throw on a fedora or a Panama straw hat, swap a polo for a Guayabera, wear a light plaid suit as social wear on the weekends – clothing that nods toward classic mens' style…but you don't see men wearing these days.
There's a fine line to walk between old-school elegance and looking plain old-fashioned. If you're careful with your choices though and opt for subtle touches then it's clear your look is a deliberate style rather than a wardrobe that hasn't changed in 50 years. You can stand out in the crowd without looking like you're trying to disguise your age.
What to read next? Check out my list of stylish essentials every man should have in his home.
Click below to watch the video – Style Advice For A Man Over 50:
The post How An Older Man Should DressOlder Man's Clothing Tips 2023 appeared first on Real Men Real Style.
Read more articles from RealMenRealStyleCrossdressing Perv Who Terrified Elderly Scots Women By Flashing Fake Breasts Fined
A crossdressing engineer who left two women terrified after he was caught exposing a pair of fake breasts has been ordered to pay £1,500 compensation. Scott Mathieson, 52, prowled the streets of East Kilbride, Lanarkshire, under the cover of darkness dressed in women's clothing.
He repeatedly targeted a 73-year-old who spotted him on doorbell camera footage walking up to her front door and trying the handle. Mathieson returned weeks later and 'suggestively' flashed his chest and rubbed a breast with one hand.
He then shook the breasts before walking away. The pervert made a third visit where he was seen on camera peering in his victim's bedroom window and police were contacted but he could not be traced.
Read More Related Articles Read More Related ArticlesIt emerged he had earlier targeted a 92-year-old woman by opening his jacket and exposing the artificial breasts. Police snared Mathieson weeks later after spotting him wearing a female body suit, dark wig and glasses.
Mathieson, of Bishopbriggs, Glasgow, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court and admitted a charge of stalking and another of threatening or abusive behaviour between June and September last year. The court heard he had a lifelong interest in women's clothing and attends LGBTQ clubs to indulge in his fantasies.
He claims it helps him express himself but he still identifies as male and did not believe he was being watched by his victims. Depute fiscal Rebecca Clark said: "The complainers are both vulnerable women and he was trying the door handle of one of their properties.
"The conduct involved him cupping, rubbing and shaping the artificial breasts with his hand. From looking at them, they are not a genuine representation given that they are large with nipples protruding. This offence does involve some sort of deviance."
Gregor Jarrott, defending, said: "He totally accepts his conduct in respect of both charges and is aware his conduct would have caused a reasonable person fear or alarm. He first became interested in female clothing at the age of five which progressed and he now attends LGBTQ clubs where he dresses as a woman.
"There have been long standing identity issues but he does identify as a man and finds this is a way to express himself. There has been no breach of trust between parties and at no stage was there any contact between them and, as far as he is concerned, nothing was said between them.
Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles"He didn't know or think anyone was watching and he was deliberately doing this walking about at a time of night when he didn't think anyone would be about and it is his position that this is a private matter and an expression of himself."
Sheriff Louise Gallacher put him under supervision for two years as a direct alternative to custody. He was put on the sex offenders' register for the same period after it was ruled there was a 'significant' sexual aspect to his actions. Mathieson was ordered to pay £1000 to his first victim and £500 to the second.
Sheriff Gallacher told him: "This is a very serious offence committed over a three-month period where you exposed two elderly and vulnerable females to behaviour which caused them considerable fear and alarm and for one it has caused an adverse impact on her mental wellbeing.
"I have no hesitation in concluding this was done for your sexual gratification and that your behaviour indicates an underlying deviance from which society is entitled to be protected."
Prosecutors accepted a not guilty plea to a third charge which alleged Mathieson had caused an 67-year-old woman fear or alarm at her home in East Kilbride and looking in her windows in July last year.
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READ NEXT:How "Beef"'s Costume Designer Captured Distinct Asian American Identities Through Clothing
Since its Netflix debut on April 6, "Beef" has earned rave reviews and sparked emotional reactions among Asian American and immigrant communities. Unique in its storytelling and visuals, the A24 production features both a thrilling plot and simultaneously comedic and poignant performances from cast members Ali Wong, Steven Yeun, Joseph Lee, and Young Mazino. But underneath all of the adventure, it offers a complex, nuanced look at the diversity of the Asian American experience, which is also portrayed through the lens of fashion.
Describing "Beef" as her "most personal project" to date, costume designer Helen Huang says Danny (Yeun) and Paul (Mazino) remind her of her own stepbrothers, who also latched on to subcultures in the majority-white cities of Torrance and El Segundo, CA. Prior to discovering the film, she was searching for an Asian American production, whether written by an Asian American writer or featuring a majority Asian American cast. "As soon as I read the script, I knew I wanted to do it because it shows Asian Americans on so many different economic levels and in so many different regional parts of LA," Huang, who previously worked on titles like "Station Eleven" and "American Horror Story," tells POPSUGAR. As she started working on "Beef," photos of family, friends, and others in her life landed on her mood board.
Asian Americans are not a monolith, and it was crucial for both Huang and "Beef" creator Lee Sung Jin (also known as Sonny Lee) to authentically represent that through the characters and their clothes. Each character in "Beef" has a distinct sense of style, none of which falls under the stereotypical "rich Asian" aesthetic that's often exaggerated on screen. "We have so many different details to our experiences, so we really tried to get as nuanced as possible," Huang says.
"Because there are a lot of Asian men on the show, I wanted Asian men to be recognized as style aficionados."
Marked by whites and creams, Amy (Wong)'s minimalist, creative wardrobe creates a strong identity throughout the series; it only veers into color when she's experiencing turmoil. Danny (Yeun), on the other hand, dresses like he hasn't left the '90s in his outdated work shirts and thrifted button downs. George (Lee), similar to his wife, wears relaxed, stylish pieces that scream luxury from an artistic point of view in a non-obvious way. "Because there are a lot of Asian men on the show, I wanted Asian men to be recognized as style aficionados. That they are stylish, like clothes, and dress beautifully, outside of the box," Huang says.
Aside from perfecting each character's style nuances, sourcing clothes proved to be another challenge for Huang. She shopped from each character's perspective — for Amy and George, it was specialty boutiques and luxury online retailers, because they'd never be seen at a department store. For Fumi (Patti Yasutake), meanwhile, she sourced unique designer pieces from The RealReal. For Danny and Paul, Huang imagined they'd likely pay visits to the mall and Goodwill, so she curated from mall brands and thrifted finds. Due to a stringent budget, the crew purchased (and subsequently returned) much of the wardrobe from online retailers like Farfetch, Ssense, and Mr. Porter. There were so many returns, in fact, that some of the stores even gave her "stern talking-tos" and banned her temporarily. "We did make a couple of them angry, but I think it was worth it," Huang jokes.
Ahead, Huang breaks down each of the core characters' different styles. Keep reading for more details about the inspiration behind each of their looks, key labels they've worn, and more style notes.
Amy's Style in "Beef"Huang describes Wong as "the dream actress to work with" because she isn't afraid to "go full character." Mirroring her wealthy plant business, Kōyōhaus, Amy's style is simplistic, relaxed, and features pieces from independent designers and boutiques like Mohawk General Store, a multi-brand luxury retailer in LA. Mohawk co-founder Bo Carney, whose Instagram is full of chic outfit photos, was actually on the mood board Huang created for Amy, along with flower and plant shop owners she discovered on Instagram.
Viewers may have noticed that Amy's wardrobe largely consists of whites and creams, with stark pops of color when she goes through change. Viewers first meet Amy when she's in her car, wearing an ivory cable-knit bucket hat that's flipped up. "You wouldn't think a perky hat in such a warm texture would belong to a person that just got into a road rage," Huang says. During the penultimate episode, in the midst of a failed heist and extreme violence, Amy even wears an ivory jacket and tan trousers.
Huang recalls pitching that specifically to creator Lee: "Wouldn't it be fabulous and kind of surreal if [Amy] was in this very controlled color?" She explains: "Underneath her personality is all of this doubt, rage, violence, and dissatisfaction with herself. She looks very controlled on screen, but what she's doing is extremely out of control, and I really like that tension that builds."
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Danny's Style in "Beef"The goal with Danny's style was to make sure he looked the opposite of current, Huang says: "He's the type of man that stopped buying clothes when he was, like, 25." Consisting of work shirts, fleeces, and layered long-sleeves, most of his wardrobe was thrifted from Goodwill, reflecting the way the character often feels like he's stuck in the past.
"We were looking from 1998 to the early 2000s, because my thought was he kind of stopped evolving after that," Huang explains. While Danny certainly doesn't pay attention to fashion trends, he isn't careless about how he presents himself. We see him dressing up in a cornflower blue button-down from JCPenney for church and more professional, clean shirts when he's on the job as a contractor.
Danny's look in particular was inspired by the men Huang saw growing up, including her stepbrothers and father. "I watched the Asian American men around me trying to navigate their space in America and how American they had to be to be accepted . . . Through Steven [Yeun]'s character, I hope that they feel seen," she says.
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George's Style in "Beef"George easily has one of the most enviable wardrobes of the series, oozing with quiet luxury and a stylish confidence that's not often portrayed in Asian men on screen. With an artistic point of view, he has an "international sensibility," achieved with clothing from online retailers like Ssense and Mr. Porter.
While he's seen in interesting silhouettes and tailored designs, his warm, loving personality is reflected through his impressive collection of knit sweaters from brands like Nanushka and Kapital. "It's like, the 'secret bougie,'" Huang says. "You know his sweaters are like, a thousand dollars, but he's really low-key. He's not the type of character that cares about Tom Ford shoes, but he cares about the newest Croc release."
3 / 5
Paul's Style in "Beef"Though Danny and Paul are brothers who grew up in the same environment, the latter is clearly more engaged in the world and his surroundings — which is also demonstrated through his clothing. With Paul's finances and background in mind, Huang's point of reference was mall culture, specifically stores like Zumiez, Pacsun, Champion, and Express. "He's trying to be more current [than Danny] but he's still 10 years behind," as opposed to Danny's 20.
Because Mazino's IRL style was so cool and up-to-date, Huang remembers telling the actor apologetically that they had to "tone down the cool." "The top half [of his outfit] would be normal, and then the bottom half, we'd put him in really skinny jeans from Abercrombie with rips," she says.
4 / 5
Fumi's Style in "Beef"As the widow of a famed artist, Fumi's chaotic, avant-garde wardrobe is a big part of her character. "She designs herself like an art piece," Huang explains. You can't miss her flowy patterned dresses, vintage Issey Miyaki pleats, and strong color choices, particularly alongside Amy and George's "naturalistic" clothes.
In an effort to stray from stereotypical portrayals of older women on screen, Huang wanted to go all out and commit to the over-the-top, Comme des Garçons aesthetic. "Older women don't really get a chance to be seen as full characters with their full identity," she says.
5 / 5
