Fashion Rules for 40-Something Men

Dress Tips for Men in Their 40's

“Dress your age!” You've probably gotten the warning a couple of times, especially if you're getting on in the years. It's not written in very many places, but there is a way for mature guys to dress; what's fashionable for the yuppie crowd very often isn't for guys past 30. Here are a few rules of thumb on dressing up for the mid-life crisis years.

Tight Isn't Right
You're not Richard Gere and it's definitely not the 1970's anymore. Body-hugging clothes don't look good on 40-something bodies, no matter how built and toned you are. At this point in your life, you're already considered part of 'polite society,' and wearing extremely fitted clothing is something polite society doesn't do.

Shirts and tees should fall slightly away from the chest, not clinging straight on your pecs or man-boobs. Pants – jeans in particular – shouldn't hug your butt, and must have some room around your thighs. Skinny jeans are out of the question for you, and should instead be given to an equally fashion-conscious son or nephew.

Trust Your Tailor
Even the most toned and gym-built bodies start going to seed around these years, and you likely have some extra pounds on you that weren't there a decade ago. RTW fashion will become a difficult proposition because of your body's needs in terms of fit. It's time you paid more frequent visits to your tailor.

Fit-wise, few things trump tailor-made items. And when your body shape changes, tailors will be your wardrobe's best friend. They can make shirts to hide your beer bulge, slacks that draw attention away from your pear shape and jackets that won't hug your chest in an unflattering manner. When it's too late or too hard to change your body, the next best thing is to change your clothes. For more information you may also want to read our guide on How to Find a Tailor.

Tees Are Tired
Regular old t-shirts are perfect for teens, fashionable for 20-somethings and permissible for 30-somethings. Once you breach the 40's, however, tees become a choice saved for the beach or evenings at home. Not only will most graphic tees be inappropriate or too immature for a man of your stature, but the fit will also be a difficult variable.

Once your age gets past 39, it's time for you to turn polo shirts and button-up shirts into your de rigeur casual attire. Not only do they look slightly more formal (and thus more age-appropriate), but they're also better for hiding certain body imperfections that tend to pop up in most men your age.

Your Ties-Necktie Team