You've probably heard the saying, "dress your age." But what does it mean? And how can you dress in a way that is true to yourself while still following the guidelines of dressing your age?
How you dress says a lot about you. It can communicate your age, your personality, and even your level of confidence.
And while there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to dressing yourself, there are some helpful guidelines. You can follow these guidelines if you want to dress your age in a way that's both authentic and flattering.
In this guide, we'll show you which fashion rules to follow (and which ones to forget) so that you can dress in a way that makes the most of who you are.
What Does Dress Your Age Mean?
The phrase "dress your age" is often used to describe a way of dressing that is appropriate for your stage in life. In other words, it's age-appropriate men's fashion. It's about choosing clothes and styles that are suitable for the age group you belong to.
This doesn't mean that you have to dress like everyone else in your age group or that you can never experiment with fashion. But it does mean being aware of the overall look you're going for and making sure that your age reflects that.
For example, if you're in your 20s, you might want to experiment with flashy styles and trends. But as you get older, you'll probably want to gravitate toward a more classic look that shows your experience in the world of fashion and style.
The Fashion Rules You Need to Remember
Now that we've talked about what dress your age means, let's take a look at some of the fashion rules you should remember as you develop your personal style. These rules will help you create a look that perfectly compliments your age.
Stick to Classic Clothing Ensembles
One of the best ways to dress your age is to stick to classic looks. This doesn't mean that you can't experiment, but it's best to focus on pieces that will stand the test of time. Classic pieces only get better with age and can be mixed and matched to create endless outfit possibilities.
So, what exactly counts as a "classic" piece?
Some examples of classic clothing items include:
- A well-tailored blazer
- A crisp white shirt
- A tailored pair of trousers
- A cashmere sweater
- A bespoke suit
These are just a few examples, but you get the idea. The goal is to focus on clothing items that are well-made, stylish, and will never go out of fashion.
Dress for Your Body Type
It's also important to dress for your body type. If you're not sure what silhouette works best for you, it's a good idea to consult a professional.
Once you know which styles flatter your figure, you can start to build a wardrobe that makes the most of your natural assets. If you're broad-shouldered, for example, you might want to stay away from slim-fitting tops and opt for something that will balance your proportions.
On the other hand, and if you're plus-size, you'll want to find pieces that highlight your best features while providing ample coverage.
Let Your Personality Shine Through
Another important rule to remember is to let your personality shine. After all, fashion is all about expressing yourself and who you are.
Don't be afraid to let your personality flow and even outdress the younger guys. One way to do this is to experiment with different colors, patterns, textures, and men's fashion styles. Choose what resonates with you.
If you're a bold personality, you might want to try pairing some bright colors or prints together. If you're a creative type, for example, you might want to experiment with exotic prints and bold colors.
If you're more of a classicist, stick to timeless pieces and neutral hues. And if you're a free spirit, you might want to try mixing and matching different patterns and textures.
Accessorize
Don't forget to accessorize! The right accessories can really make an outfit pop. But as you get older, it's important to focus on quality over quantity.
A few well-chosen pieces will always look better than cheap trinkets. So invest in some key accessories that you love and that will last.
Some timeless men's fashion essentials include:
- A great pair of sunglasses
- A stylish watch
- An eye-catching hat
- Bracelets
- Necklaces
The Fashion Rules You Need to Forget
Now that we've gone over some of the dress-your-age fashion rules let's take a look at the men's fashion mistakes. With age comes wisdom, and part of that wisdom is realizing that not all fashion rules are worth following.
Tight Fitting Clothes
As we age, our bodies change shape and size. It's important to dress for the body you have now, not the body you had in your 20s. Tight fits are also not the ideal look for a professional, middle-aged man. Leave the skinny fits for the younger, inexperienced men.
That means avoiding tight-fitting clothes that are uncomfortable and unflattering. Instead, opt for clothing that is snug, comfortable, and compliments your body. A classic-fitting shirt and pair of pants will do the trick.
Matching Colors
When you were younger, you probably felt the need to match everything. Your tie had to match your shirt; your socks had to match your pants, and so on. But as you get older, you'll start to realize that matching isn't a must.
Don't be afraid to mix different colors and patterns. As long as the items complement each other, you'll break any stereotypes placed on your age group. There's no reason middle-aged men can't dress boldly.
In fact, sometimes it's more interesting to mix and match different colors and patterns. So don't be afraid to experiment with different color combinations. Your mid-forties are the perfect time to start getting more playful with tie patterns too.
Shop at Hansen's: High-End Clothes for Men in Their Prime
Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to dressing your age. The most important thing is to dress in a way that feels authentically you. Dress your age just means you're adapting to the times and making the best of it.
With that in mind, we hope you'll find these tips helpful as you start to build a wardrobe that reflects your age, style, and personality.
Shop at Hansen's for premium clothing today.