Tips And Works

With age comes wisdom. The lessons learned over the course of a lifetime make us smarter and stronger. And by the time most of us hit our 40s, we feel like we’ve seen and done it all; we feel secure in ourselves, our careers and our style. Unfortunately, though, that last one sometimes stems from a false sense of security. Unlike other aspects of life, the style strategies we acquire over time end up working against us, especially after watching a few decades of ever-changing fashions fly by. At some point we must reevaluate, and the fifth decade of living is the perfect time to do just that. So, to impart some style wisdom for guys in their 40s, here is a list of fashion tips to consider.

Avoid fashion fads

Don’t fall for today’s fashion-marketing ploys. By now you should maintain a style that’s timeless, not timely; you should avoid the latest trends at all costs. And the key here is not only avoiding fads, but also recognizing them. Since fashion fads generally target a certain age demographic, you can easily identify them according to who’s wearing what. For instance, the boutique sneakers and ironic T-shirts worn mainly by guys in their late teens and twenties are suited perfectly for that age group. But a 40-year-old sporting a shirt that says, “I wish your girlfriend would stop staring at me” will only seem creepy, not cool. Simply put, fashion fads exist for guys still experimenting with their style. You're past this stage of the game and are ready for a well-defined, classic wardrobe that mirrors the man you are inside.

Leave the past behind

Just because certain looks “make a comeback” doesn’t give you license to pull these items back out of your closet. As you well know, more often than not, the past is typically best left in the past. In terms of fashion, here’s why: When certain looks cycle back around, they almost always return with a modernized twist, such as an updated cut or re-envisioned style. Turn your attention to aviator sunglasses, for example: Though they cycle around quite frequently, they always reappear with a slightly modified frame or lens that’s different from their last go-round. So, be smart and never raid your closet for those items that resurface from the days of yore. Invest in the new version to ensure you’re updated, not outdated… but only if the look or item is a fashion staple, rather than a fashion fad.

Don’t mistake business attire for stylish attire

What works from 9 to 5 won’t always work from 5 to 9 or on the weekends. Believe it or not, even your nicest business clothes don’t translate into great evening attire. In fact, wearing your work-wear to functions outside of normal work occasions appears stuffy and one-dimensional; a look no guy in his 40s should contend with. Show the world you’re at the top of your game by presenting variations of yourself. Instead of wearing your best office suit to a dinner party, couple your sport coat with a pair of modern, straight leg jeans, a simple dress shirt, and your casual loafers. Adding depth to your arsenal of outfits proves you’re a contemporary, style-savvy guy with a defined sense of fashion and know-how.

Keep it simple

One of the easiest and best solutions for dressing well in your 40s is keeping things as simple as possible. Loud patterns and flashy ties should be left to the younger generations. Fill your closet with a diverse collection of solids and/or pared-down prints that are unpretentious and unassuming. Make yours a sophisticated, subdued style that speaks for itself. It’s simple, really.

Keep it clean

You know what they say cleanliness is next to. And guys in their 40s should pay special heed to the concept of keeping it clean in a few areas: One, make sure your clothes strike crisp, clean lines; baggy, ill-fitting clothes look dumpy and lame. Go for clothes that create smooth lines and breaks around your frame, giving you a polished, dapper appearance. Also, think about the cleanliness of the garments themselves. Obvious, maybe, but it still must be stated: Torn and/or stained clothes are juvenile and should never leave the confines of one’s home. And last, but not least, always be well-groomed and clean-shaven. Clean skin and hair is industry standard by now, and facial hair
generally makes you look older. Make a big statement by maintaining an all-around clean appearance; it invokes an impeccable, all-powerful image for guys in their 40s.

Embrace your age

The underlying principle to looking great in your 40s (and any age, for that matter) is to embrace your age. Take pride in number of years you’ve lived -- don’t try to hide them by adopting a style that belongs to another generation; dressing in clothes that are too big or too small will only give you away and make things worse. Using the tips above, you should find age-appropriate garments that flatter your strengths. Plus, keep your receding or thinning hair short; comb-overs fool no one! However, you should battle the march of time with certain grooming products: Teeth whitener, hair dye,and face washes/lotions all work in fighting off the years. There’s no shame in defying your age, as long as you’re doing it in suitable ways. Embracing your age will produce a masculine, mature sophistication that suits 40-year-olds to a tee.

over 40 and fabulous

Styles constantly change, and keeping up with trends can be a daunting task. Thankfully, though, you guys in your 40s are well beyond this: Yours is a style that’s defined, classic and elegant. By employing the timeless strategies above, you guys can enjoy a more confident, stylish, distinctive image that’s suited to your demographic. But most of all, you can finally own up to the style wisdom that comes with age. And hopefully, that wisdom comes with enlightenment.