There comes a certain point in a man’s life where dress sense makes much more of a difference than it once did. It’s as if, one day, a sloppy tee and elastic waisted joggers are OK, and the next, they’re plain ugly. If you’re looking to smarten up your wardrobe this summer – and even get noticed – here are some take away tips for success:
Keeping Your Cool
Summer means shorts – no getting away from it. And shorts are great – as long as they’re not too short (think rugby player) or too long (the boy scout look). However you do it (cuff, roll-up or straight hem), stick to the 5-7cm above the knee rule. Keep your shorts slim-line (cargo style is too bulky around no-longer lithe hips), and understand a fly and fastener is de rigueur – please – no elastic!
Button up
No one is saying your T-shirt days are up, but it’s probably best if you cut back on them a little. That’s because, as the body bulks up with age, button downs are less defining and more flattering. Contrary to what you might think, in mature gentlemen, the contrast of collar and cuffs with casual pants, such as jeans and chinos, is eye-catching and stylish.
Teed up to go
On the mature man, Ts look best when they hover somewhere between fitted and slack. Loose and baggy is plain sloppy, and unless you have a six pack and want to show it off, close-fitting Ts simply display the bulk you wish you didn’t have. Fabrics that provide the balance are those with natural fibres – so go for light weight merino or bamboo, or cotton (provided it has just a whiff of elastane). Choose designs with raglan rather than set-in sleeves (raglan is where the shoulder seam runs on a diagonal from the neck to the armpit). It gives the garment a more tailored look. Don’t tuck in your T – just don’t – and if you’re wearing it under a light weight jumper, it’s fine (in fact, it looks great) if it extends below the band.
Skip the sandals
Forget the Greek leather-look leather sandal (even if you did pick yours up in Athens). They’re dated and dating, and there are loads more interesting designs to carry you through summer, with or without socks. For a casual look, skip the trainers and instead, don a pair of classic sneakers. Note: always have 2 pairs on hand: black and white, but don’t be afraid to throw in a coloured pair for a fun and edgy change. Having said all that, don’t biff the trainers quite yet – they add an element of surprise to a formal suit (truly – and people will love you for it!). Slip on clogs and mules for beach and barbecue wear, and let the dog have your flip flops!
Sunglasses savvy
If you haven’t done so already, make this the year you ditch the wrap-around sunnies. It’s not the look you want (trust us). Instead, head toward vintage sunglasses with defining frames, and if you want the eye protection of enclosed sunglasses, find something with prescription wings. In short, do anything you can to avoid looking like an ageing rapper or a faded gangster.
Topping it off
Leonard Cohen has a lot to answer for (there are far too many trilbies out there, now). When looking for summer sun protection, be creative, and think straw or light weight styles including the Panama, boater, and fedora. However you do it, don’t forget to slip, slop, slap as well – there’s nothing more ageing (or dangerous) than harsh sun on unprotected skin.
Enjoy sourcing your new summer wardrobe – and when you finalise it, buy more of the same in different colours – easy!