Classic Style Without Turning Into My Dad....

Since turning 40 last year ive been facing a dilemma with regards to what I wear. I'd like to think I'm a fairly good dresser, but must admit to being led by the mainstream - which i dont think is a bad thing.

For me the transition to taking the next step is when is it time to don a blazer, although this seems to become less and less of an issue these days as blazers are everywhere. Im a very young looking 40 year old so dont want to be old before my time, but wondered what peoples thoughts are on the matter, what item(s) they think defines a certain stage of your life and what issues theyve faced as they get older!

Blazer recommendations also welcome.

I don't think you have to start wearing a blazer all the time at a certain age. Just wear what you like, if that's a blazer, then get involved. Just make sure you get the fit spot on, as an ill-fitting blazer can be a very aging look. Especially if teamed with some ill-advised jeans and formal shoes; unless that Jeremy Clarkson look is what you're after!

haha, well not for the time being!

I'm 19 and wear a blazer pretty much every day. I think the trick is to avoid heritage-style looks as you get older. I think young guys like me can get away with the more geography-teacher-chic looks (lots of tweed and corduroy), but if you want to stay looking youthful, that's probably not the way to go.

I'd consider tailoring from brands like Kooples or Allsaints which is a bit more edgy (avoid the really distressed stuff though, I'm not a massive fan). A well-cut navy blazer with jeans is also never going to go out of style and it's a look you can rock everyday.

I'm in a similar position, as I am in my late thirties. It doesn't stop me opting for corduroy and tweed though! :) I know what you mean about worrying about turning into your dad, I have similar thoughts, especially with certain items of clothing/footwear, though I think what it has actually done has made me realise how well my dad dressed compared to most of the other dads at school when I was younger!

You might find these articles useful:

Dressing Your Age: Thirties (30s) – Part 2 | FashionBeans.com
Dressing Your Age: Forties (40s) | FashionBeans.com

Oh it's not so much the materials itself that I think are ill-advised! It's that whole look: cord blazer, knitted tie, brogues, cable-knit socks. It's only being so young that allows me to get away with those looks without looking like one of my History lecturers!

A tweed blazer with jeans and an oxford is ageless! (considering everything fits well)

I think if you get all the basics nailed down and create a capsule (there is an article on the main site) then you can't really go wrong.

Just avoid any teenage-esque cliches such as drop crotch jeans/chinos, hoodies and any current trend that River Island or Topman are currently promoting because most of them suck.

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Originally Posted by Pin Money

I don't think you have to start wearing a blazer all the time at a certain age. Just wear what you like, if that's a blazer, then get involved. Just make sure you get the fit spot on, as an ill-fitting blazer can be a very aging look. Especially if teamed with some ill-advised jeans and formal shoes; unless that Jeremy Clarkson look is what you're after!

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This is basically it. I don't think there's a better time to live in than right now when it comes to what we wear.. there's no longer this "line" between the age groups. The old saying "it's not what you wear, its how you wear it" has never meant more!

You could easily throw on a boxy blazer, some extra long jeans, and some shoes, and look a disaster. Making sure your blazer fits in the sleeves, shoulders, and chest is essential. A solid pair of indigo jeans that taper, or finish above your shoe... These are easy ticks in the box imo, but could be massively wrong - and DO go massively wrong as we all see every day no doubt!

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Originally Posted by Alex

You might find these articles useful:

Dressing Your Age: Thirties (30s) – Part 2 | FashionBeans.com
Dressing Your Age: Forties (40s) | FashionBeans.com

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I was going to recommend these also - possibly my favourite series of articles the site has produced