In today’s world, looking smart, stylish, and fashionable is not a trend limited to the younger generations or women. But over 50 mens fashion has rather proven to be a rage too. After all, wearing well-tailored, fine clothes helps nurture your confidence and allows you to take on challenges head-first in your personal and professional life.
Moreover, looking presentable can boost your self-esteem and help you deal with daily problems with a calm and composed mind. Irrespective of whether you are a young boy nervous about asking out a girl you like or an older man about to give the biggest speech of your life, your sense of dressing up plays a vital role in your psychology and how you carry yourself.
Check out these studies, which have proved how over 50 mens fashion plays an important role in your psychology!
1. Case Studies on Fashion Psychology
Several researchers have repeatedly proved that dressing appropriately in neat, tidy, and smart clothes helps boost people’s confidence and self-esteem, irrespective of gender or age. Here are some ways fashion affects your psychology:
1.1. Fashion Influences Your Self-Confidence
Research by Penn State University studied the effect of different dressing styles and self-esteem in older women in nursing homes. They found that these women consistently reported feeling more confident when dressed in a more presentable fashion than usual. This has also proven to be the case in over 50 men’s styles.
1.2. Dressing Up Can Help Improve Your Mood!
Another study by the University of Hertfordshire proved that how people feel is reflected in how they dress.
You must have often noticed that you don’t put much effort into what you wear or how you look when you are feeling lousy or going through a low phase in your life. During such periods, you’ll often find yourselves in baggy, unwashed, untidy clothes. In contrast, you find yourselves styling up in stylish clothes when you are excited, happy, or just simply content.
However, your clothes can also be a huge mood-changer! A “Dopamine Dressing” theory says that dressing up in the clothes you love can help you boost your mood and feel better!
That’s why even though you’re getting older, over 50 mens fashion is very important in boosting your mood and making you feel better about yourself!
1.3. Looking Professional Can Help You Land Your Deals Easily!
Another study by Scientific American noted that the chances of landing a negotiation are improved if you are dressed more professionally and look smart and polished.
Well… now you know why styling yourself in a neatly ironed suit works best for your business meetings and helps you land those deals easily!
This is why many over 50 men’s fashion guides include those crisp and professional business suits.
As the age-old saying goes, “Dress for Success!”
1.4. Your Clothing Affects Your Behavior and Decision-Making Ability
Another report by the Association of Psychological Science showed that outfits as simple as formal and informal attires also affect the participants’ decision-making process, behavior, and manner of speaking. They noted that since formal clothes are associated with social distance, people behave more politely and professionally. On the other hand, casual wear calls for much more informal behaviors.
Your manner of dressing up affects the way you perceive yourself. Thus, it affects your behavior and decision-making process.
You must have noticed yourself speaking more professionally when wearing a suit or a tux. At the same time, if you are casually dressed in a flannel and jeans, you tend to be in a much lighter and friendlier mood.
Even though you’re getting older, over 50 mens fashion is vital to your decision-making ability!
It is no wonder, therefore, that a man’s style of dressing up affects other aspects of their life: be it a simple presentation you’re going to give, an exam you’re going to appear for, landing a business deal, or going out for a chill time with family and friends.
Fashion, on the one hand, is a social trend that affects different groups of people differently. While young girls prefer sundresses and tank tops, older women may choose ankle-length trousers, long skirts, or cardigans and sweaters. At the same time, while young men may prefer striped shirts, older men may have different choices.
Fashion can also be personal. Certain people may prefer certain types of clothes which match their personality.
Whether a personal adventure or a social trend, all of these outfits and fashion ideas keep going in and out of trend while giving people immense opportunities to explore the world of over 50 mens fashion.
However, with the lack of over 50 mens fashion advice today, it cannot be easy to know what styles go with your personality and looks.
But worry not! We’re here with the best style guide for over 50 mens fashion!
Not only will this ‘Over 50 Mens Fashion Guide’ help boost your confidence by enhancing your personality, but it will also help boost your mood and get you ready to take over any challenges thrown your way!
So what are you waiting for? Scroll down to find out the latest fashion trends in over 50 mens fashion guides for various occasions!
2. Style Advice: The Do’s and Don’ts of Dressing Up (The Over 50 Mens Fashion Edition)
2.1. Do’s:
- A general rule of over 50 mens fashion is always to wear well-fitted and well-tailored clothes. Make sure that your outfits are neither too tight nor too loose. If your clothes are too tight, you will find them uncomfortable, and your movement restricted. At the same time, baggy clothes do not bring out your personality nor make you look presentable. Make sure your clothes are well-fitted and breathable.
- Keeping your wardrobe color-blocked is a key to over 50 mens fashion as it brings out your mature personality and makes you look calm and composed. Neutral and subtle colors should be your go-to colors when choosing formal shirts. Try going for greys, cream, camel, navy blue, forest green, and the like.
- Try to go for brands like Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, and Abercrombie & Fitch. These are known for producing high-quality clothes and have a great collection of over 50 mens fashion.
2.2. Don’ts:
- Neutral and subtle colors are more suited to reveal your mature personality and make you look calm and composed. Avoid extra bright or loud colors which stand out oddly. Such colors are most often meant for younger men.
- Avoid wearing outfits and fashion items that are meant for the younger generation. Sneakers, trainers, cargo pants, etc., and colors such as neon colors, orange, red, and yellow are usually meant for young boys and do not create a strong impression. However, you can sometimes slip these colors into your casual wear.
- Don’t shop with brands that specifically cater to a younger consumer base. Brands like Levi’s, Todd Snyder, and Taylor Stitch often produce clothes for younger men. Try to avoid brands like these.
- Shirts with slogans, graphic t-shirts, denim shorts, hooded sweatshirts, and basketball trainers all cater to the style of younger men. Avoid such clothing as they give you a goofy look.
3. 6 Outfits Pieces Guys Must Have In Their Wardrobe
3.1. Dress Shirt
A dress shirt is the most versatile piece you can add to your wardrobe. Not only can you wear it on formal occasions like at your workplace, but you can also turn around, pair it with some jeans and go for a cool laidback style.
A button-down shirt goes best under a well-fitting sweater or with the sleeves rolled up to your elbows if it is full-sleeved. You can add layers and pair them with a blazer and jeans or go for a dressy casual look. You can also experiment with collared shirts and a blazer if you’re going on a date or some relaxed time with your friends at a cafe.
3.2. Suits and Blazers
A general rule when it comes to stocking up on older men’s wardrobe items is to have a unique selection of suits and blazers.
When a guy is a middle age, suits and blazers are usually meant for specific occasions. A suit is meant to show how serious, mature, and grown-up a guy is. You wear it when you go to work, attend weddings, or have formal meetings.
However, older men tend to exude these traits through age and maturity. And by the time you’re an older man, you are expected to have a unique collection of different suits.
So, this is your time to experiment with different kinds of suits. You can experiment with collars, colors, and different styles of suits and blazers.
A double-breasted suit is one thing that you MUST have in your wardrobe. Not only is it bold and appealing, but it also makes you look good and young. You can also experiment with a business casual blazer and pair it with a plain white shirt and jeans. This will give you a laidback, cool boss look while also giving off a real businessman vibe.
3.3. Khakis
Khakis are a wardrobe staple that older men in their fifties MUST have! The best part about khakis is that they can go with almost anything.
You can pair it with blazers and go for a business casual outfit. Or pair it with a button-down shirt and belt to make a formal outfit; you can also pair it with cardigans, a grandpa sweater, or even a denim jacket.
3.4. Polo Shirt
If you look at your collection of clothes and think there is still something amiss, it is definitely a perfectly fitting polo shirt. A well-fitting polo with its sleeves ending mid-bicep is going a classic older men’s style. You can experiment with the fabric, pique, jersey patterns, and colors and experiment with different types of pants.
The best thing about this t-shirt is that it will give you a decent shape and make you look attractive with its unique looks. You won’t look too sophisticated, nor will you look dressed down. It is best for all kinds of occasions.
3.5. Jacket
While most men often wear sweaters and cardigans and avoid wearing a jacket, they don’t realize that a jacket is something that people are never too old to wear. Whether it is for young boys or older men, jackets can NEVER be out of fashion!
You can experiment with different types of jackets, whichever goes best with your personality and the look that you’re going for. We guarantee you that your look can never go wrong with a jacket! Not only will you look good, but it’ll also give you good shape and be an attractive layered addition to your outfit.
When we think of a leather jacket, what generally comes to mind is a young classic bad boy biker look. However, it is also great for older men. It is the perfect addition if you want a casual look or want to pull something on top of your t-shirt. A leather jacket can never go wrong!
Puffer jackets, bomber jackets, and denim jackets are other types you can try to look younger and more active.
3.6. Jeans
If you’re styling up your wardrobe, and do not have a pair of blue jeans on your list, then you are doing it all wrong.
Apart from the business formals, older men must also have a casual side where they can go for picnicking or a good round of gold with their friends. You obviously cannot turn up in your suit for these casual times. And for these times, a good pair of jeans is your savior.
This versatile piece can be paired with anything. Whether you’re wearing a jacket, a shirt, a blazer, a casual suit, a cardigan, or a sweater, wear jeans, and there you have it! A handsome man in an attractive outfit!
Outfit tip: Wear a long sleeve white shirt and a pair of blue jeans. Pair it with brown oxford shoes and a brown leather belt.
4. 5 Personal Accessories To Take Your Outfit To The Next Level!
Most men usually throw on coordinating shirts and jeans and are all set and ready to style their way through the day.
However, as guys in their 50s looking forward to making a statement with their presence, accessorizing your dress is one of the most important things you have to try.
This doesn’t mean you go all out with rings, chains, and piercings, but subtle, minimalistic, and personalized accessories will make you stand out from the crowd. It will make a statement and bring out your personality, making you feel good and confident about yourself.
4.1. Sunglasses
Investing in a nice and classy pair of sunglasses would be a valuable addition to your wardrobe in your fifties.
Instead of going for cheap sports or dollar store sunglasses, take some time out and check out what types and shapes of sunglasses suit your face and enhance your personality.
Not only can you pull sunglasses off with many outfits, but they will also help make you make a bold presence and keep you looking active like all other middle-aged men.
4.2. Cufflinks
Cufflinks seem like a subtle tool to fasten up your shirt’s cuffs and another alternative to buttons. However, they can be a brilliant way to turn a boring, monotonous outfit into one that stands out and grabs everyone’s attention.
Cufflinks can be a subtle way to spice up a simple outfit and show some class and elegance. They go best with a full suit or a blazer and are a minute way to look expensive. It can be worn for formal events, weddings, and even with your business attire.
You can style your cufflinks with single cuffs or double cuffs too.
Bonus points if you get personalized cufflinks to match your outfit!
4.3. Ties
Nothing makes a formal suit and blazer more attractive than a nice and lovely tie! If you are going to a formal event, a meeting, or a wedding, check yourself in the mirror for one last look and find something amiss, then it is probably a slick tie.
You can experiment with colors like navy blue, grey, black, etc. Try to study what goes best with your suit, shirt, and skin tone. You will notice that certain colors best bring out your personality and give you a smarter look. You can also try out different patterns of ties!
Don’t go for skinny ties, as they are very outdated! Go for ties with more width and length. Ideally, your tie should be almost 8 to 9 centimeters in width, as that’s what is most in trend.
4.4. Classy Belts
Belts will put your outfit together and give it a final touch of sophistication. According to The Adult Man, a man should ideally own 2-4 belts.
You should have a casual belt that you can use daily with formal and informal wear. In addition, you must also have a black and brown leather belt which you can wear for formal occasions, like weddings, business meetings, etc. Besides these, you can have whatever type of belt you want based on your preference.
You can try out suede or braided belts. You can also experiment with your buckle, like box frame buckle and plate style buckle. Whatever your choice is, make sure it matches your outfit and shoes.
Refer to this link for more details on how to style your belt!
4.5. Pocket Squares
Pocket Squares are the most underrated male accessory piece that can add spice to your formal dress. It gives an effortless and bold look to your formal wear. It is usually used as a handkerchief for the face and the hands; however, it is a great addition to your formal suit and makes you look like a fine gentleman.
5. Shoes Every Man Over 50 Should Have!
5.1. Chelsea Boots
The good old Chelsea Boots are the perfect blend of casual and business and fit for older men above 50. Not only do they go well with work clothes and business suits, but it also spices up your informal dress.
5.2. Loafers
Easy to wear and to give a sleek casual plus formal look, loafers are high-end modern style and elegance served on a platter and the perfect way to put together your attire. You can experiment with different kinds of loafers, the penny loafer and the classic loafer, and pick out what you like best.
5.3. Running Shoes
Besides helping you keep fit and healthy, running shoes can be an invaluable addition to your style quotient. You can wear these with jeans, khakis, shorts, and cargo pants while running an errand. They are the perfect way to put together a casual and laid-back look.
6. Over 50 Mens Fashion Icons You Can Follow For More Inspiration!
6.1. Ralph Lauren
The legendary American fashion designer is best known for serving the best quality of fashion through his multimillion-dollar fashion company, Ralph Lauren Fashion Corporation. Undoubtedly, he is one of the most well-known icons of the industry for his sense of dressing up and styling.
With his distinctive style of Polo shirts, everyday apparel, and unique blend of Ivy and Prep styles, he provides the best dress guide for over 50 mens fashion: serving sophisticated and elegant looks for men every day.
Check out his Instagram page for classy, everyday looks you can go for!
6.2. Milind Soman
Milind Soman is a 57-year-old Indian Actor, Model, and fitness enthusiast. A known icon for his sense of fashion and style, Milind Soman also dabbles in several cool, minimalistic and personalized fashion looks, which can be an inspiration to men all around the globe. His fashion style ranges from a laidback, comfy style to minimal yet classy and elegant looks.
With his easygoing, minimalistic, and sophisticated outfits, he believes in bringing out everyone’s unique personality through their sense of fashion.
Check out his interview with Business Today to find out more fashion tips and advice from this “fashion guru!
Here are some fashion tips by Milind Soman!
6.3. George Clooney
The 61-year-old American actor and filmmaker George Clooney is known for his stunning dressing style and stealing our hearts with his award-winning films, The Midnight Sky, Gravity, etc. An inspiration for men over 50 mens fashion looks, Clooney strides into the limelight in his suave outfits and silver-gray hair, adding more to his charming demeanor.
6.4. Nick Wooster
Known for his fiery street style, Nick Wooster swipes everyone off their feet with his refined fashion outfits on Instagram. He has worked with the biggest fashion industry brands like Calvin Klein and Thom Browne and chain stores like Barneys New York. With his chic street style, trimmed beard, and sharp short grey hair, he is revolutionizing men’s style all over the planet.
6.5. Eugene Levy
The Canadian actor and comedian Eugene Levy CM is better known for his role in SCTV, the Canadian Television sketch comedy series, the American Pie film series, and the Canadian sitcom Schmitt’s Creek. Besides stealing his audience’s hearts with his unique, unconventional, and flustered characters, he has also been making headlines in top fashion magazines worldwide for the style of his unique outfits.
The actor’s eccentric suits, blazers, jeans, and the like, serve an enigmatic charisma of a real businessman – a mandatory look for over 50 mens fashion!
Final Thoughts
So what are you waiting for? Try out these unique outfits taking inspiration from the style slide mentioned above, and thrive through your 50s!
Want to know more about fashion?
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Last Updated on by Saket Kumar