Introduction
In this article, we progress into the next decade of our ‘Dressing Your Age’ series – FashionBeans quest to create a stylish world for generations to come. When the fiftieth birthday looms, the general reaction is one of dejection and despair – but despair not loyal FashionBeans reader! Read on and learn how to brush off the dust, blow the cobwebs away and re-house the spiders for good. A fresh approach to dressing will keep you looking and feeling better than you thought possible. That is underlying ethos of this series; to not only keep you looking the best you can, but also feeling your very best. With such an approach it’s important to say that these articles can be treated with a pick-and-choose mindset. Just moved away from bustling city life to that dream beach hut in the sun and never want to see a tie again? See our advice on casual wear. Reached the top of the company? Take a look at our advice on suits. Apply the advice that relates best to you – your comfort level and personal style. I guarantee that it will keep you feeling top notch for years to come.
The Fifties
As always with a man’s wardrobe, many of the clothes from the previous year can look fantastic. With this in mind, take another look at our 40s article, as many of these tips can translate perfectly here too. The difference when reaching the 50s comes from knowing how to turn things up in the style stakes, without looking too garish or like last year’s decomposing boy band. Keep thinking about style rather than fashion, understatement more than statement pieces and always think, ‘What would Jagger do?’.
Fifties Lookbook
Mick Jagger would start off by looking at the following lookbook for inspiration. He would probably say that although the models here are potentially thirty years younger than yourself, using the pick-and-choose approach discussed earlier, individual items can easily be interpreted into a look for the 50 year old. Thanks Mick.
The Importance Of Health
Before we jump enthusiastically into Wardrobe Tips, I’m going to dampen that enthusiasm slightly with a comment that was posted by FashionBeans reader James on the recent 40s article;
“I’m 54 now and if I could give one piece of advice to the 40 year olds is stay fit. Clothes look great on a well proportioned body. Over time its easy to accumulate weight and your choice of clothes won’t matter. Models and street style blogs all feature trim figures regardless of age.”
I totally agree with James. Staying in shape will always mean looking good, healthier and keep you feeling better. Although James aims this advice to those in the 40s, I would argue that there is no time like the present and that with some guidance, 50 could be the time to get healthier than before.
Wardrobe Tips
However, telling you how much metal you should be lifting up and down isn’t my expertise and frankly, is not what you expect of me. So let’s get to the good stuff – those all important wardrobe considerations you should be making when you hit the big five ohh. Note: Before we start, you will notice that throughout this article there are plenty of picks from high street stores that you wouldn’t necessarily associate with the older male. Of course, we would all like to think that we will be financially comfortable when we reach 50 but in today’s society, this isn’t a guarantee. The high street can still be shopped by men in their 50s, the key is to look for quality and avoid obvious branding. Topman, AllSaints and the like can still provide for men your age, you just need to be a little more considered. In addition, with the progression of online shopping, you don’t even need to step into a store with all those little whippersnappers either! Alternatively, if you cannot get your head around this concept, or simply want to move away from these ‘younger’ brands, there are definitely retailers on the high street that can deliver contemporary clothing for the maturer male. Think M&S (very underrated), Next, Burton,
Formal Wear
Roll Up, Roll Up!
There is nothing quite like a rollneck to keep everything looking mature, age appropriate and contemporary. They were all over the recent autumn/winter runways, and the rollneck is a piece that can be worn comfortably by both someone in their 50s and the trend following youth. A rollneck can also be a great way of injecting colour into an outfit, as they come in such a rich range of colours and textures. A thin, colourful rollneck can look effective under a shirt, whilst a thicker, woollen piece will be excellent on its own for winter. However, be sure that the rollneck doesn’t make you look like you have a neck with rolls on it! The rollneck works best on a slender frame but will also look excellent on an athletic build. They can definitely work well on larger build men, but you need to be sure that the neck is not too tight – try a looser chunky knit rather than a thin, clingy merino version. Just be sure to experiment and see how you feel.
- Reiss Dynamic Double Breasted Blazer With Patch Pockets Black
- Horiyoshi The Third Phoenix-print Silk And Cashmere-blend Scarf
- Austin Reed 110th Anniversary Silk Handkerchief
- Asos Oxford Derby Shoes
