Photo Credit (Pixabay)
Andy Gilchrist is a Southern California style guru, the owner and editor of the popular men’s fashion website Ask Andy About Clothes and the author of the book The Encyclopedia of Men’s Clothes.
Andy saw the need for a welcoming environment where men could ask questions about fashion and style without feeling ashamed after working in men’s retail.
Andy shared his expertise on style with us by offering some of his own professional tips. For Andy’s style advice for men over forty, continue reading!
Andy’s Fashion Advice for Over-40 Men
Always present yourself in your finest light.
Do you think clothing is irrelevant? Dress as though you are going to a possible job interview each time you answer the doorbell or leave the house. Naturally, since we’re talking about running errands and going to the grocery store, this can be casual attire—but nice casual. When you go out in public, you never know who you might run into!
Refuse “Dad Jeans.”
Most people don’t look well in the ubiquitous jeans. Are you familiar with “Mom Jeans?” “Dad Jeans” also look awful. For more formal events, swap them out for dress pants and khakis for more informal ensembles.
Accept your hair as it is.
Are you going bald? Have you got grays? Bald looks best bald, so avoid wearing wigs or combovers. In fact, being bald has a certain allure for women and is highly manly. In addition to looking fantastic, gray is a far better option than artificial dark hair dye.
Chic socks
Make sure your socks and pants are the same color when you’re dressed up for formal occasions or wearing business clothing.
Hat regulations
When the National Anthem is playing, whenever you enter a building, and particularly when you are eating indoors, take off your hat or cap.
Complement your accessories.
Shoes and belts should always be made of the same fabric and color. Put on brown leather shoes and a brown leather belt, for instance.
Not down, but button up
Never button your vest, cardigan sweater, sport jacket, or suit at the bottom.
Fit comes first.
When choosing your wardrobe, make sure it fits well and is suitable for the event! The most crucial aspect of clothes is fit. If a suit or jacket is customized to fit you precisely, it might look just as good as its more expensive equivalent.
Become an expert in color and pattern.
Your figure is accentuated and flattering in different ways by different colors and patterns. Vertical stripes slenderize and play up height. Dark-colored solids or simple patterns also appear slimmer. Bold patterns, on the other hand, enlarge everything they envelop.
Use caution when handling your billfold.
Back pain may result from injury to the muscles and nerves caused by sitting on a heavy bench. Regularly clean your billfold. Keep two small wallets in the pockets of your front trousers. If you are ever robbed, you can even separate the valuables, such as your driver’s license, credit cards, and cash, from the useless, and then turn over the useless wallet!
I appreciate Andy sharing his wisdom. We’ve been motivated to constantly look our best by you!
