The fashion faux pas that ages men
Yves Saint Laurent once said, “Fashion fades, but style is eternal.”
He might have had some other words for men wearing ugly gym shoes, wide pleated pants or ill-fitting suits.
“Expressing your style is the most exciting part of fashion,” said Chris Easter, president and co-founder of The Man Registry, an online gift registry and wedding planning resource for grooms.
Fashion is all about the individual, so there really are no hard rules, he said.
“It comes down to common sense and wearing what you feel good in. It's common sense to pair your dress shoes with dress socks, but that doesn't mean you can't incorporate a fun pattern on the dress socks you buy. Find ways to express yourself while still maintaining the common sense of how you put an outfit together,” Easter said.
Looking your age
Wearing clothes that are not in line with the current fit trends can age a man.
“A middle-aged man is undoubtedly going to appear older in wide-fitting pleated pants and a boxy blazer than in a slim-fit pant and more tailored blazer,” Easter said. “Wearing items in the current style of fit can be the difference between seeming older than you are or giving off a younger and fresher vibe.
“Your clothing may not age your face, but your overall essence will feel younger if you stay in tune with current fit trends.”
People should wear clothes that they feel good in, Easter said.
“There's no rule that if you're over 50 you can't still support your favorite football team with a hoodie and jeans,” he said.
Slimming affect
Slim- and trim-fit pants continue to be a top choice for men in everything from jeans to casual to suit pants.
“If you try on a pair of slim-fit pants and they feel too tight or uncomfortable, don't buy them,” Easter said. “Some slim pants are extra slim, some are a little looser. It is always possible to find clothing items that are on trend but also comfortable.”
Nothing ages a man and makes him appear heavier than pleats or a boxy or loose fit, Easter said.
“Fit is the most important factor when buying new clothes. … Try to stick with a classic straight fit or slim fit if it's comfortable,” Easter said.
No matter his size, a man will look slimmer in a classic straight-cut pant than in a boxy pleated pant, Easter said.
A well-tailored garment gives a man a flattering appearance.
“Never hesitate to have your clothing altered. If you find a pair of jeans that you feel great in but they're a little long, purchase them and have them shortened,” Easter said.
Spot of color
For spring and summer add some color.
“A pocket square or colorful tie is a fun place to start, but don't be afraid to put your pop of color in with a solid colored shirt or a multicolored patterned shirt. Green and yellow are big colors this spring, but any color you're drawn to is a great place to start,” Easter said.
Be aware of what colors work with your eyes, hair and skin.
“Don't be afraid to make your blue eyes pop with a blue shirt,” Easter said.
All black is a classic look but can age a man.
“Don't be afraid to mix it up with patterns and colors,” Easter said.
For comfort or commuting there are endless fashionable sneakers to choose from.
“Companies like Nike are always coming out with fresh options that you can wear with a nice pair of jeans,” Easter said.
For something a bit fancier, go with an upscale leather boot, like from Red Wing.
“They're comfortable for your feet and can always be dressed up or down,” he said.