Does Fashion Have An Age Limit?

[PaulAnderson]

As we get older, do we need to be careful about fashion? Now, when I ask this, I'm not talking about "Style", I'm more talking about current fashion trends?

Since finding FashionBeans I've worked towards expanding my wardrobe, and have tried to pick a variety of items that I feel will suit me, and that I feel comfortable wearing (trying to be a little more adventurous at the same time).

So far this has included a pair of carrot fit chinos, a pair of tobacco chinos, a pair of purple chinos from Burtons, a flat cap, a waistcoat, a navy casual blazer, a snood and some military boots.

My wife thinks I'm going through a mid-life crisis, and tells me that only 17 year olds wear these things. To be fair, some of my purchases have gone down very well with my wife, but is she seeing something I am not with most of it?

At 35 am I too old for these more fashionable items? and more importantly, am I running the risk of looking foolish?

I'd certainly be interested in seeing more age related articles on FashionBeans (e.g. particular looks for different age categories related to each article).

[Jay]

I'm 40 (although I look ten years younger) and am more interested in fashion now than I ever was. I think whatever age you it's about finding that balance between fashion and style that works for you. The important thing is that YOU feel comfortable and confident in what you wear and you'll have more chance of carrying it off. If you look in the mirror and find yourself thinking, 'can I really pull this off?' the chance are you won't.

I've always walked a line between fashion and timeless style that works for me and some of the recent trends absolutely suit the more distinguished older gent down to the ground (I'm rocking the heritage look, tweed, brogues, fair isle, chunky knits, chambray oxford shirts and the like at the moment). And with oldies as models is all the rage, never has being old been so fashionable!

This summer I went to town on block colouring (bright red and blue chinos and loafers/espadrilles were my uniform) and breton styling, fairly on trend, but done my way (a smart tailored edge to the casual).

I can't comment on the carrot cut chinos as I'm not a fan of them on anyone, but I can stil carry off a skinny cut with the best of 'em I like to think.

So, be confident, wear what you feel like, blur the line between style and fashion and don't listen to others' opinions too much.

[This Charming Man]

I have to agree with Jay, although there is a fine line...I think you can be fashionable as you get older, but you need to know what you look good in.

I think style is the most important thing, if you go into Topman and buy or dress like everyone in there, you lose your credibility. Take inspiration from trends, but dont dress head to toe in them....find your style and tailor it to trends.

[Col]

Would it be apt to say that: Fashions are (should be?) limited by age but style is ageless?

There are some trends, historical and current, that younger people can definitely pull-off better. For example, regardless of my or anyone else's tastes, a late teen/early 20-something could get away with wearing board shorts, flip-flops, probably band t-shirts and loose jeans (not all at once, obviously), yet someone of twice that age would definitely be noticed more, and not in a good way. Conversely, a mature gentleman would probably carry a nicely tailored bespoke suit in a far more refined-looking manner than your average 16 year old.

But I guess I'm stereotyping here really. Regardless, I'm of the opinion that part of recognising fashion and style is being aware of your age and dressing to compliment but not letting it become a barrier.

[Paul McGregor]

The Charming Man hit the nail on the head for me. Concentrating on style and taking inspiration from trends is key, rather than trying to imitate the 18 year olds you see.

[Brown]

Yeah, I think Jay and The Charming Men said it best

For me at least, while fashion and style are different things, they both add up to shape your identity. I am 29 and am only just starting to identify myself through the clothes I wear.

I'd like to think there is no age limit to fashion per se, but I guess if you ever feel uncomfortable with how you're styling yourself, negative/contrary comments from friends/family aren't going to help with your confidence.

[Olly]

Some great points made here. My dad is a case in point. I don't know how he pulls it off cos he really doesn't care but he has been wearing a killer pair of washed red wrangler jeans, indigo denim shirts and some battered old fairisle jumpers of late. Sometimes it just comes, together. he looks comfortable and he pulls it off. With aplomb.

[Ben]

I'm 35 and probably wouldn;t wear a snood and military boots. Not because I'm too old. I just hate them.

[Abby Normal]

My belief is you should dress your age. It's a sign of accomplishment & maturity.

[Signor Leigh]

There are some things men shouldnt do as they age. Yesterday my girlfriend was buying a pair of red skinny jeans and she asked me when is she too old to wear them (she's 30), There is no single rule but I did say it would be unbecoming to wear something so loud in your late forties.

You'd like to think that people know when its time to go more conservetive stylish instead of trend whoring.

I know a chap who's in his late forties and wears white sports trainers and stonewash jeans. I told him it looks bad (bad at any age tbh) but he didnt give a fuck and said they were comfortable. So, I guess if you dont give a fuck what people's reactions will be than fashion is ageless. Still if you want to be percieved as a person who can dress in a competant manner i'd say comply with a toned down style in your middle-age.