Dressing your age for men. A woman’s perspective Part II

Ask A Woman: Dressing Your Age Part II

If you’ve got a question that needs the female treatment, chances are you’re not the only one who wants to ask it. Beth is our source for the answers. From opinions on men’s style to decoding the sometimes mysterious ways of women, she’ll take on a different question every Thursday. And don’t worry, your identity will be protected too. Click here to get to know Beth, then get in touch with her by sending your question to: askawoman@dappered.com
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Miss Beth’s first installment on dressing your age?  She’ll reference many of your comments you left under that post.  So click here to get caught up.

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Hi Fellas,

Last week we began a discussion on age and style, and we got some great comments, so let’s keep talking.  Three major questions were raised, and we’d all love to hear your answers.  Let’s get started…

#1. What are you looking forward to wearing as you age?

I’d said that I have my own ideas about how to gauge whether or not your style is “appropriate” for your age.  Note who you’re looking to for style inspiration.  If you’re 35 and asking your barber for “the Biebs,” you may want to reconsider your style choices.  (By the way, Donny Osmond totally rocked that look in the 70’s, so let’s give credit where credit is due, mmm?)  And as Raymond wisely pointed out last week, this goes both ways:

“As a 20 year old guy, there’s some things I’m actually waiting to get older to wear (at least on a regular basis). This mostly pertains to hats such as fedoras, etc, as I feel like at my age it’d come off as nerdy, or even worse, hipster-y.”  – Raymond

If you’re 25 and you’re scouring the Internet to find out where Bob Barker buys his blazers, you may need to wait a few years.  Like Raymond, are there styles you’re looking forward to wearing after you’ve aged a few decades?
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#2. Does level of fitness contribute to how long you can pull off younger looks?

Several people mentioned attitude and body shape being a more important determinant of what you where than age.  But attitude and body shape are not necessarily requirements for young people to dress with style.  There are plenty of younger folks who don’t have slim physiques but still dress fashionably.   It seems like that would indicate that with aging there still comes more restrictions for fashion–yes, you can where trendy styles, but only if you maintain a fat-free frame.

“Honestly, I think fitness and energy matter more than age. If you are 50 and have the shape and face to wear slim jeans with an oxford shirt and tie, then do it.” – Stephen H

What do you think of the theory that you can wear styles aimed at younger folks when you’re older, as long as you remain active and trim?
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#3. Have you started to ask yourself what is and what is not age appropriate?

Matt says he doesn’t think about age when he’s dressing…but I wonder if that’s because, at the age of 23, he’s young enough that he doesn’t have to wonder yet if his clothing makes him look ridiculous.

“I’m 23. I don’t really think in terms of age when I’m deciding what to wear. Every week day I’m in a suit and tie for work. My clothes are tailored and fit me well, so that might make it youthful.”  – Matt

I myself am older than 23, and in the last year or so, I’ve found myself thinking twice before I purchase a new garment–is this age appropriate?  It’s a new consciousness for me…and I have to say, it makes me feel a little uncomfortable.   Anyone else out there second guessing their purchases as they age?

Okay guys, round two on age and style–let’s hear what you have to say.

-Beth

Got a question for Beth? Send them to: askawoman@dappered.com