Wearing Denim To Work: Jeans For Business Casual
The divide used to be clear: if you worked with your hands, in the field or in a factory, you could wear jeans to work. If you worked in an office, you couldn’t.
That’s no longer the case. More and more offices are allowing denim in the workplace.
Some even encourage it, as part of relaxed corporate culture that’s deliberately designed to contrast more conservative models.
There’s also a huge swath of the workforce employed in service-sector jobs that are neither manual labor nor white-collar office work: food service workers, retail employees, hoteliers, and more.
So, what are the rules on denim in the workplace?
When You Can’t Wear Denim
It’s easier to list the situations where jeans are an absolute deal-breaker than the ones where they’re at least potentially acceptable, these days.
Here’s the skinny on when you need to leave the denim at home:
- Anywhere ties are required. Ties and jeans are always a mis-match. (And yes, you’ll see men doing it anyway. That doesn’t mean it looks good.)
- Any time a uniform is required, such as a UPS driver’s brown trousers or a hotel cleaner’s company-issue black pants.
- Anywhere jeans are explicitly prohibited by company dress code (duh).
Outside of those situations, there’s at least a chance that you can work jeans into your outfit. The key is in knowing which jeans to wear, and how to use them as part of your larger wardrobe.
The Jeans You Can (and Can’t) Wear to Work
“Work jeans” originally meant just that — denim pants for hard physical labor. They were plain, tough pants that could take a beating, washed easily, and could be cheaply re-dyed in a sink or bathtub to refresh their look.
Those aren’t the jeans most men should be wearing to work.
For “dress casual” clothing, jeans should be darker, tighter, and simpler than their working-class progenitors. Acceptable jeans for most kinds of non-manual-labor workplaces need to follow a slightly dressier rubric:
- Dark color (deep indigo is most common, but black and gray denim work as well — no light or bright blues!)
- Close fit in the crotch (no sagging)
- Some taper to the legs (no large boot-cut or flare at the ankles)
Some fashionable jeans feature “contrast stitching,” where the denim is dark but the stitching is done in white, yellow, or orange that stands out against the fabric.
While stylish, it’s pushing the envelope for work wear — unless your office is very relaxed, save the contrast-stitched jeans for club wear, and keep it monochrome.
Here are some features that are automatic deal-breakers for denim in most office situations:
Any kind of “distressing” — rips, fringes, worn patches, etc. This should go without saying, really.
- Discoloration from bleaching or fading that makes the color patchy.
- Gear loops, cargo pockets, etc.
- Large logos or labels — a small label under the belt is fine, but anything oversized or printed on the legs is too showy.
Remember, jeans can be both expensive and stylish without being work-appropriate. The overall design needs to be subdued, not just from a high-end brand or store.
How to Wear Jeans in a Work Wardrobe
If you’re going to wear jeans to an office, remember that you need to be dressing them up.
Jeans are still automatically casual. And that’s fine, and can fit within the rubric of “dress casual” these days — but only if the rest of your outfit makes it clear that you’re trying. Otherwise you just look lazy.
Jeans with Sports Jackets
A sportcoat is always going to be your best bet with blue jeans. It’s a clear sign that “hey, yeah, I’m still dressing up here; I’m just keeping it comfortable and relaxed.”
Light, unstructured jackets work well with jeans. Corduroy is good, and so is cotton twill — though be careful of anything with a really visible diagonal weave that mimics the jeans too closely.
Your options for color and pattern are pretty broad.
So long as you steer clear of anything that mimics the jeans too closely, you should be in good shape. Wear a plain white shirt underneath for the most neutral base, or mix it up with some light colors and patterns for a more varied outfit.
Jeans with Blazers
The boxier, more structured cut of a blazer is a bit of a clash with the relaxed attitude of blue jeans.
You can do it, but understand that your options are going to be more limited than they are with a sports jacket.
Double-breasted is right out — the formality is too much of a clash with the jeans. And the traditional navy blue can also be problematic, as it’s too close to matching a lot of deep indigo jeans.
The best way to do jeans and a blazer is to either have a lighter, non-blue color of jeans such as slate gray, or to wear a less traditional color of blazer.
Jeans with Suit Jackets
We’ve actually written about wearing suit jacket with jeans before, but to summarize that article very briefly: you can re-purpose a jacket from a matching suit and wear it with jeans instead if the jacket is a basic single-breasted model.
The fabric is conceivably something you could make a sports jacket out of (i.e., no charcoal gray superfine worsteds), and the jacket is in decent shape.
In most cases this ends up being a better evening look than a work look. Suit jackets tend to have a more tapered fit and a dressier look than sports jackets, and you get more of a stylistic contrast as a result.
Take it on a case-by-base basis, but in general don’t plan on mixing and matching your suit jackets with your jeans for work wear.
Jeans with Dress Shirts and No Jacket
If you’re really reluctant to wear a jacket, jeans can be worn with dress shirts.
The problem is that it doesn’t have much of a deliberate attitude. You look like a guy who just grabbed a couple things out of his closet, threw them on, and went to work. Not the most impressive presentation in the world.
There are a couple of ways you can dress the look up a touch so that you’re coming across as more deliberately-groomed:
- Wear good dress shirts. Get some with a little color and pattern, not just plain white, and make sure the fit is close (and that they stay tucked in — you don’t want your shirttails popping out or ballooning into a muffin top).
- Get a stylish belt. An interesting color of letter or a decorative buckle goes a long way toward creating a “look.”
- Keep the shoes dressy. You should be wearing good leather, preferably something with some visual interest to it. Brogues, saddle shoes, wingtips, etc. will serve you better here than plain brown or black work shoes, or worse, sneakers.
Another good option for the fall and spring: throw a sweater on over the dress shirt. It’s not a jacket, but it adds a little class and visual interest.
Not all offices are going to accept jeans and a shirt as sufficiently dressy. Be cautious trying this one unless you’re sure it’s allowed.
Jeans and a Polo Shirt
This is increasingly common at large chain retailers. You’ll see it at places like Best Buy and Target.
Outside of those stores, it’s too casual. If the owners are making you wear it that’s one thing, but it’s not a look you should voluntarily show up wearing on your own accord. People will think you haven’t learned how to dress yourself like a grown-up yet.
Jeans and a Necktie
No. Just don’t. Maybe for a funky social look; never for work. If you’re wearing a necktie, put some slacks on. If you’re wearing jeans, take the tie off.
The only people who wear jeans and a tie to work are car salesmen from the 1980s and franchise employees who don’t get a choice. You’re not those people; don’t dress like them.
Wearing Jeans To Work: Conclusion
There is no clear-cut line on when jeans are and aren’t appropriate at work anymore (unless, of course, you work somewhere with a dress code, and that dress code says “no jeans” or “jeans allowed”).
If you want to wear jeans to work, and you work inside in a non-manual-labor job, your best bet is to get a pair of dark, fitted jeans and try them with a dress shirt and a casual sports jacket.
If that’s too dressy, then you can downgrade to just jeans and a dress shirt (but accent well, so that the outfit looks deliberate). And if jeans and a sports jacket is still too casual, you might want to give up on the idea of wearing jeans to work and get yourself some stylish slacks instead.
Good luck!
The post Wearing Denim To Work: Jeans For Business Casual appeared first on Real Men Real Style.
——————–
By: Antonio Centeno
Title: Wearing Denim To Work: Jeans For Business Casual
Sourced From: www.realmenrealstyle.com/wear-denim-work-vdo/
Published Date: Mon, 01 May 2023 15:27:42 +0000
Did you miss our previous article…
https://mansbrand.com/how-to-select-the-right-frame-for-your-face-shape/
Thanks to your dedication to RMRS content, I’d bet you’re a pro when it comes to tying a tie in multiple different ways. But what about the other guys in your life?
Maybe you’ve got a son who’s heading to prom or a buddy sitting his first big office job interview. If they’re stuck on how to tie a tie, then it’s your job to step up to the plate and help them out.
But tying a tie on someone else is different from tying one on yourself! So it’s time to expand your necktie knowledge even further – in today’s article, we’ll be covering:
- How To Tie A Necktie On Someone Else
- How To Tie A Bowtie On Someone Else
- How To Teach Someone To Tie Their Own Tie
- Which Tie Knots Are Best For Beginners?
#1 How To Tie A Necktie On Someone Else
Tying a tie on someone else is not as simple as it seems.
For one, if you’re facing the man you’re helping, the process is backward to what you’re used to. That means the wide end of the tie will be on your left side instead of your right.
You also have to take into account the height difference between you and the person you’re tying the tie on, AND you have to angle your body in just the right way so that you can reach around them and still see what you’re doing.
It’s also important to be mindful of their ability to breathe – after all, you have to be careful not to pull too tight, or else you’ll end up choking them.
In short, gents, it’s a bit of a juggling act. So next time you need to tie someone’s tie, make sure you give yourself plenty of time – it’s not as easy as it looks!
To keep things simple, here are a few easy steps to follow:
- Drape the tie around their neck so that the wide end hangs down on their right side (NOT YOURS!), and the narrow end sits on their left.
- Cross the wide end over the narrow end, then tuck it underneath.
- Pull the wide end through the gap under their chin and pull it tight
- Now bring the wide end over the narrow end again and tuck it underneath once more.
- Finally, pull the wide end through the loop you’ve just created and give it a little tug to tighten everything up.
Et voila! You’re all done – your buddy looks great and you’ve helped him get there. That’s what being a great guy is all about.
#2 How To Tie A Bowtie On Someone Else
It’s far more likely you’ll be asked to help another man tie a bowtie. Let’s face it; most guys just don’t know how to tie a bow tie, whereas most guys do know how to tie a necktie to some extent.
So if you’re one of the rare few who have mastered the art of tying a bowtie, then it’ll fall to you to help your buddies out when it comes to attending weddings and other formal occasions in style.
Once again, you’re gonna run into some problems here. Tying a bowtie on yourself is a tricky business, so when it’s on someone else and everything is reversed, the process can be even harder!
Here’s a quick and easy guide for you gents:
- Drape the bowtie around their neck, seams facing towards their chest, with the end of THEIR right (your left) longer than the left.
- Place the longer right end of the bowtie over the shorter left end, making an X.
- Loop the longer end behind the ‘X’ and pull tight. Leave the longer end on their shoulder.
- Fold the shorter end right and left to create a bow shape.
- Holding the bow, bring the longer end down across the middle of the bow.
- Fold the longer end back towards their chest and pinch the fold.
- Push it through the loop behind the shorter end to create two wings.
- Tug the bow loops behind the wings to tighten.
- Adjust it until the bow is symmetrical.
- Make final adjustments. Ensure their bowtie lies flat and horizontal.
I know, it still sounds a bit complicated. So here’s a visual guide to aid you further:
#3 How To Teach Someone To Tie Their Own Tie
Here’s the thing – being the go-to guy for tying ties can get tiring. You’ve got your own tie to tie, and helping others can mean your style suffers as a result.
But it’s not like you’re gonna let your pals down. So what’s the solution?
Simple: teach them to tie their own tie instead of simply doing it for them!
In the above two tutorials, I told you to stand in front of the guy who’s tie your tying. That’s good advice if you’re trying to get the job done quickly. However, if you’re trying to teach them how to tie their own tie, it’s actually better to stand behind them while tying their tie.
Have your buddy stand in front of a mirror and stand behind him with your arms on either side of his. The aim here is to tie his tie from behind so he can imagine that your hands are his. As you tie his tie, make each movement as slow as possible and explain what you’re doing as you do it.
Once the tie is complete, untie it and do it again. Repeat the above and explain the motions as you go making sure he’s watching what you’re doing and taking in each step of the process. Go through the motions and tie his tie, then undo it for a final time.
It’s now his turn – tell him to repeat what you did and tie his tie as best he can. Keep a close eye on what he’s doing and if he makes a mistake, point it out to him and correct him. This way, he’ll have the experience of tying his own tie, but it’ll be strictly guided by your expert knowledge.
Repeat as many times as necessary until your buddy can tie his tie without your close supervision.
Good job, Teach’.
#4 Which Necktie Knots Are Best For Beginners?
When it comes to necktie knots, there are four main types: the four-in-hand, the Pratt, the half Windsor, and the full Windsor. Sure, there are hundreds of different knot styles to choose from, but these are the mainstream basics that every guy should know in order to look his best.
When teaching a guy to tie his tie, you can opt for any one of these 4 styles. I’ve listed them below in order of difficulty so you can make your own choice:
The Four-In-Hand Knot
By far the most popular, due in part to its simplicity. To tie a four-in-hand knot, simply take the wide end of the tie and pass it over the narrow end, then under and up through the loop that has been created. Next, make another loop with the wide end and pass it over the top of the first loop. Finally, pull the wide end through the second loop and tighten it to form a knot.
The Pratt knot
Similar to the four-in-hand, but with an additional step. After passing the wide end over the narrow end and under the first loop, instead of making a second loop, simply thread it back up through the hole that has been created. This extra step gives the Pratt knot a bit more structure than the four-in-hand.
The Half Windsor
Another popular option for those looking for a bit more stability than what the four-in-hand offers. To tie a half Windsor, start by placing the tie around the neck so that one end hangs about six inches lower than the other. Take the long end and cross it over the short end, then thread it up through the loop that has been created. Next, make a small loop with the long end and pass it over the top of the first loop. Finally, pull the long end through the second loop and tighten it to form a knot.
The Full Windsor
Similar to the half Windsor, but with an additional step. After crossing the long end over the short end and threading it up through the hole that has been created, instead of making a small loop, make a large loop. Now pass this large loop over the top of the first loop before finally pulling it through the second hole. This extra step gives the full Windsor a bit more bulk than the half Windsor.
So there you have it, four different tie knots to choose from when teaching your buddy how to spruce up his look. Start with the simpler four-in-hand knot and work your way up to the full Windsor. By the end of it, he’ll be tying his own ties like a pro!
Want to take your pal’s education one step further? Check out my guide to the best necktie knots every guy should master.
FAQs: How To Tie A Tie On Someone Else
What is the best type of tie to use when tying it on someone else?
A regular necktie or a clip-on tie would work well in these situations.
What are the essential tools needed to tie a tie on someone else?
You will need a mirror, a tie, and a patient person to wear the tie.
What is the easiest tie knot to use when tying a tie on someone else?
The four-in-hand knot is generally considered the simplest and most versatile.
How do I position the tie around the person's neck?
Start by draping the tie around the person’s neck, with the wide end on their dominant side and the narrow end on their non-dominant side.
How do I secure the tie when tying it on someone else?
Tuck the narrow end of the tie behind the wider end and adjust the knot for a neat and secure fit.
How do I make sure the tie is straight when tying it on someone else?
Use your fingers to straighten and adjust the tie as necessary, making sure it lies flat against the person’s chest.
The post How To Tie A Tie On Someone Else appeared first on Real Men Real Style.
——————–
By: Antonio Centeno
Title: How To Tie A Tie On Someone Else
Sourced From: www.realmenrealstyle.com/tie-knot-teaching/
Published Date: Fri, 09 Jun 2023 14:39:43 +0000
Did you miss our previous article…
https://mansbrand.com/5-reasons-college-does-not-equal-success/
Finish school.
Get a college degree.
Guaranteed success?
Not quite.
Attending college has become the socially demanded path.
Getting a college degree has become a goal in the chase to achieve happiness.
The only problem with the ‘college = success’ equation is that an academic education is not the answer for everyone.
The value of having a degree is decreasing.
Is it something everyone needs to have?
Yes, if you are an aspiring doctor, lawyer or architect.
But not all jobs require you to show a piece of paper that you are competent in your skills.
The numbers show that nearly 50% of students who start a bachelor’s degree never finish. And the average student loan debt for students in America is $30,000.
As parents, is it right to push your kids down that path? For most people, is that kind of debt necessary to give their children a chance at the good life?
If you opt out of a college education, what are the alternatives?
Read below for some suggestions and the 5 reasons why I think college is overrated for many people.
#1 College Doesn’t Teach You HOW To Think
Hundreds of students reading the same book and being taught the same information by a lecturer who probably never worked in the industry. That is the average scenario in a college.
A classroom full of students who are guided to regurgitate information back to the professor.
Although some colleges are exceptions to the rule, we are on the whole caught up in an education system that does not foster critical thinking.
The academic setting trains students to succeed in specific and controlled settings in an artificial environment.
At college, you will get to meet people with different opinions and lifestyles who will challenge your thinking in new ways. But it is not necessary to attend college to find yourself in such an environment. You’re likely to meet people in your neighborhood who can expose you to new ideas and ways of thinking.
Lifelong learners constantly improve themselves – that’s what’s going to determine success.
Colleges can be theoretical and not in touch with reality. In a world that is in constant flux, colleges are not changing fast enough. For many decades, too many Americans have bought into the idea that every person needs to get at least a bachelor’s degree.
Times have changed.
What matters more is having the skills to do the job, not a certificate that shows you’ve spent 4 years studying a topic.
A bachelor’s degree can still be a good investment, but it is possible to succeed in America without going to college for several years.
#2 Student Loans & Opportunity Cost Outweigh Benefits
Every year, millions of young people around the world ask themselves, “Which college and degree are right for me to launch a successful career?” Often the choice is guided by where the student will have the best campus life experience.
The question is not whether attending a university is a positive experience for most.
It’s whether the experience is worth the opportunity cost?
In Europe, some countries offer free education. But is it free? What about taxes paid by citizens? The money for your education has to come from somewhere.
An American studying in Europe is still paying the opportunity cost in the time it takes to complete a degree.
Instead, you may want to look at other opportunities – internships, trade, travel, opportunities that could earn you money while you discover what you are truly passionate about.
Additionally, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – more than 50% of American students have $30,000 of debt when they graduate.
College degrees are becoming more expensive each year. You must effectively mortgage your life to pay the price of a certificate. The return on investment for these college degrees is often much below the burden of debt acquired.
Sadly nowadays not everyone can afford to go to college. And those who are able to afford a bachelor’s degree carry the hopeful ambition that they are going to make a lot of money once they graduate. Some degrees pay for themselves but most won’t.
No surprise then that Barack Obama hinted that ‘folks can make a lot more by learning a trade than they might with an art history degree.‘
Not everyone with a college degree is going to make lots of money. How are you going to pay back those loans? It could follow you around for the rest of your lives.
#3 Information & Education Is Relatively Inexpensive
Education is crucial, college is not.
Matt Damon’s character, Will Hunting (from the movie Good Will Hunting) was spot on with this quote, “You wasted $150,000 on an education you could have got for a buck fifty in late charges at the public library.”
Information itself is inexpensive and easily accessible. Why not try checking out one of the books every man should read?
Online sources offer University classes for free and your local library is a treasure trove of information. If the only way you’re going to learn is by going to University, maybe that’s the best route for you.
Otherwise, consider alternatives to education. One of the sources that I use to consume information regularly is Audible.
You can carry your book with you anywhere, listen to it on your daily commute and be more productive as you listen to well-narrated stories as you go about your chores. I’ve downloaded over 200 of their audiobooks and have the app on my phone.
#4 There Are No Guarantees (Besides A Bill)
The problem is that people attend college with the mentality that they are going to find a dream job and make a lot of money once they graduate.
People need to understand that just because someone attends college that does not guarantee anything for them, except being in debt for a long time.
A college degree won’t guarantee you a high-paying job. It won’t even make you a skilled leader with a shot at the corner office.
Developing skills such as leadership, decision making, people and resource management takes real practice and experience. These are skills which cannot be acquired in the classroom.
Don’t fall for the implied guarantee that a college degree is your ticket to lasting success.
If you put the same amount of time and energy you’d spend completing a college degree into trying out internships and exploring options for apprenticeships, or even joining the military, you might do just as well – if not better.
You need to make the right decision for you.
#5 You Won’t Find Your Purpose There
The phrase, “finding yourself,” is commonly used by college students. Studying at a well-recognized university has somehow become a rite of passage for teens to pass into adulthood and a successful career.
Young people often choose college as an involuntary option after school because they haven’t decided yet what to do with their lives. A 4-year degree buys them time to make that decision.
Colleges sell themselves as places a person can find themselves.
That’s not always true.
A college campus is a protected world. It’s not the real world.
The mentality people should have when thinking about going to college is that they are going to keep expanding their knowledge on something they love, and will use that skill to solve real-world problems.
If you want to be a primary school English teacher, don’t expect a degree in education to prepare you for a room full of screaming kids. You might even find yourself hating the profession of teaching.
Just the same as you find a style that suits you through trying on different clothes, a man finds himself by doing things. By developing skills. By testing out ideas and projects in the real world.
The easiest way to find out what you are worth is to put yourself in challenging situations. Get a job. Volunteer with an organization to develop skills. Travel the world while working part-time. Pursue your current passions outside
Travel the world while working part-time. Pursue your current passions outside of college. And then consider a university degree, if essential, after establishing your true passions in the workplace.
College is the perfect choice for many people, especially with a full-ride scholarship. As a student at Cornell College for my Bachelor’s and at the University of Texas for my MBA, I can attest to the positive attributes of a college degree. The social and professional network is valuable
But I have also arrived at the conclusion that self-education is the best kind of education.
FAQs: Why a College Degree Doesn't Guarantee Success
Does having a college degree guarantee success?
No, having a college degree does not guarantee success.
While a degree can provide valuable knowledge, skills, and credentials, success is influenced by various factors such as individual abilities, motivation, personal circumstances, and career choices.
What are some reasons why a college degree may not lead to success?
Lack of Practical Skills: College education often focuses on theoretical knowledge, and graduates may lack practical skills required in the workforce. Real-world experience and specialized training may be necessary for certain careers.
Changing Job Market: The job market is dynamic and constantly evolving. A degree that was highly valued in the past may not hold the same weight in the present or future. Industries and skill requirements can change rapidly, making it essential to adapt and acquire additional skills beyond a degree.
Job Market Saturation: Some fields may experience an oversupply of graduates, resulting in intense competition for limited job opportunities. A degree alone may not be sufficient to stand out from the crowd, and individuals may need to differentiate themselves through internships, networking, or additional qualifications.
Entrepreneurial Pursuits: Success is not limited to traditional employment. Many entrepreneurs and business leaders have achieved significant success without a college degree. Starting a business or pursuing self-employment requires a different set of skills and qualities that may not be directly related to a degree.
Networking and Soft Skills: Success often depends on strong interpersonal skills, networking abilities, and emotional intelligence. These skills are not always taught directly in college, and individuals who excel in these areas may find success even without a degree.
Are there successful people who do not have a college degree?
Yes, numerous successful individuals have achieved great accomplishments without a college degree.
Examples include entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs (co-founder of Apple), Mark Zuckerberg (co-founder of Facebook), and Richard Branson (founder of Virgin Group).
These individuals demonstrate that success is not solely dependent on formal education.
Is a college degree still important in today's job market?
While a college degree continues to hold value in many industries, its importance may vary depending on the field and specific job requirements.
Some professions, such as medicine or law, require specialized degrees.
However, an increasing number of employers are emphasizing skills, experience, and practical knowledge over formal education. It’s important to consider the specific industry, job market trends, and individual career goals when evaluating the importance of a degree.
Does this mean I should not pursue a college degree?
The decision to pursue a college degree should be based on various factors, including personal interests, career goals, and the specific requirements of the desired profession.
While a degree may not guarantee success, it can still provide valuable knowledge, networking opportunities, and a foundation for certain careers.
What other factors contribute to success besides a college degree?
Continuous Learning: A commitment to lifelong learning and acquiring new skills can contribute to personal and professional growth.
Work Ethic and Persistence: Success often requires hard work, dedication, and resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks.
Networking and Relationship Building: Building a strong professional network and cultivating positive relationships can open doors to opportunities and collaborations.
Emotional Intelligence: The ability to understand and manage emotions, communicate effectively, and work well with others can greatly impact success in various fields.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Being adaptable to change, embracing new technologies, and staying current with industry trends can contribute to long-term success.
Click below to watch – 5 Reasons Why College Degree Does Not Equal Success
The post 5 Reasons College Does NOT Equal Success appeared first on Real Men Real Style.
——————–
By: Antonio Centeno
Title: 5 Reasons College Does NOT Equal Success
Sourced From: www.realmenrealstyle.com/college-degree-necessary/
Published Date: Wed, 07 Jun 2023 16:26:43 +0000
Good things come to those who wait.
You’ve waited; now let the good things roll.
Let’s be clear up front: the clothes you’re buying when you turn 60 aren’t going to define your style for the rest of your life. That could be thirty-plus years – imagine writing an article for a man of 30 and expecting him to follow that plan until retirement!
So we’re going into this with the understanding that “sixty-plus” is a big age range. Your style will grow and evolve during that time the same as it has every other month, year, and decade of your life.
But sixty is a good benchmark for the time when a man can start really shifting from the fashion of middle age to the fashion of the elder gentleman.
This is not a bad thing. Some of fashion’s greatest icons have been silverbacks. They just got better as they aged. Both money and taste tend to accumulate over time, and the results make for a whole different school of fashion from the younger generations’.
Casual Style in Your 60s: Needs and Wants
If you’re fortunate enough to have retired by your 60s, your whole wardrobe is effectively “casual” clothes – you’re just dressing for yourself, now, with no professional needs to meet.
Resist the temptation to slide promptly downward until you hit the “sweatpants and hoodie” stage of things. That’s not doing anyone any favors.
A man of any age should take just as much care with his casual clothes as he did with his work wardrobe, if not more. What you wear when you’re on your own time says the most about you as a person – it’s your own taste, opinions, and attitude, on display before you ever open your mouth.
Men in their 60s and older have the ability to make a statement with the weight of years behind it. Use that to your advantage, and dress to meet the needs and wants of an elder gentleman:
Fit is King
Every man needs a great fit. By your sixties you should not only know the importance of a good tailor, you should have one – or several – of your own, experienced men with your measurements on hand and a good understanding of your preferences.
Obviously, not everyone’s fortunate enough to have a good relationship with a good tailor, but do your best to cultivate them in your general geographic area. And if you find someone that does a good job, keep him in business!
A lot of the best tailors are also gentlemen of advancing age, and you never know when they’re going to decide it’s time to hang up the shears…
Fundamentally, the function of a tailored fit is to make your body look good. Keeping your adjustments up to date can be important if your body is changing in weight or proportion, which isn’t unusual in older men. Stay on top of your sizes – if something’s starting to pinch or to sag, get it in to the tailor.
It’s good advice for any man. But it can matter a lot for older men. There’s some deep cultural conditioning that thinks of an old man in an ill-fitting suit as “sad,” “poor,” “lonely,” and lots of other negative things that probably aren’t true. It’s just the impression that’s out there.
Stay on top of your tailoring needs, and dodge it.
Gravitas
Younger men project authority with aggressive cuts and bold color contrasts. At your age, that’s a losing game. Impress people with the weight of your years rather than the force of your personality – dress like the elder statesman, not the young gun.
That means, for the most part, somber colors and conservative cuts. Top-notch fabrics also go a long way here; an older man in a thick, rich wool coat can intimidate the hell out of a younger man in a cheaper, thinner jacket.
Cultivate a little aloofness. Not a lot – just a little. Dress to remind people that you’ve been around and seen a few things. Your fabrics should be luxurious, your colors varied but restrained, and your style full of classic elements.
It’s also not a bad idea to indulge in a few of the accents of the “elder statesman.” Wear a good felt hat in a classic style like a porkpie or homburg. Carry an elegant cane, even if you don’t strictly need it. Always have a neatly-folded pocket square in your outer breast pocket, and a clean handkerchief in an inner pocket – and know to use the latter for utilitarian needs like wiping your eyes and nose, not the former.
In short, carry yourself like a gentleman of some stature.
Capability
Our culture is not always generous to its elders.
Be aware that, as your hair silvers (or vanishes), and especially once your body starts moving more stiffly, people are going to start treating you a little more dismissively or condescendingly.
It’s obnoxious, but it’s something that realists should plan for. Just as the younger man needs to dress a little sharper and a little more aggressively in his business attire if he wants to be taken seriously at a firm filled with middle-aged men, the older man in his retirement needs to still dress like someone with places to go and people to see.
Maintaining high dress standards keeps off both the obnoxiously sympathetic (“help you across the street” types) and the dismissive (negligent waiters, counter staff, and so on).
That doesn’t mean business dress, though there’s no harm (and sometimes quite a bit of fun) in slipping on your most imposing dark suit and a necktie for a walk around town or some afternoon errands. It does, however, mean making sure that everything you wear is well put-together, with a style that’s deliberate and adds up to a clearly-structured “outfit” rather than just some random clothes thrown together.
The better your fit and the finer the garments themselves, of course, the more authority it’ll lend you (thus our points #1 and #2 here). Put it together with some deliberate care and you’ll avoid much of the hassle of dealing with people half your age – who can, let’s face it, be jerks sometimes.
Casual Looks for Your 60s and Older
So what looks good on an older gentleman?
Comfortable, well-fitted clothes, same as on any other man. Classic styles are going to work better than fashion-forward runway experiments, of course – they look “timeless,” which is a really great word to have associated with you as you get older.
But the formality can range from a full suit on down to jeans and a T-shirt (just make it really well-fitted jeans and a T-shirt, and maybe only if you’re still in pretty good shape).
You should have a pretty extensive wardrobe to work with, if you’ve been good about adding quality pieces in your 40s and 50s. Get things to your tailor for adjustment as often as you need, and keep on adding new pieces, with an eye toward quality purchases — don’t be afraid to spend on the best stuff, when you find it.
“They’ll fight over it when you’re dead,” the slogan of the Saddleback Leather Company, is a great quality to look for in your clothing purchases at this age. With that in mind, here’s a few looks that should keep your friends and offspring good and jealous:
The Casual, Double-Breasted Jacket
A combination of phrases you won’t see often before you turn sixty: “casual” and “double-breasted.”
Most men think of the double-breasted jacket as stodgier and more formal than its single-breasted cousin. They’re partway right — but only partway.
An older gentleman has the inherent dignity it takes to wear a double-breasted jacket well. Buck the business-dress standard by getting it in a color or pattern that wouldn’t work in a boardroom: forest green, chocolate brown; heather gray. Throw in some pinstripes if you feel like it. Jazz it up until no one can mistake it for anything but casual, purely-for-pleasure wear.
This works with both matched suits and blazers. Double-breasted blazers, you say disbelievingly? Yes. They exist, and they don’t have to be restricted to navy blue with brass buttons. Try one on in a rich, dark color, or even a plaid.
You’ll be the only one in the room wearing anything like it, and that’s a good thing.
The Southern Gentleman
Borrow a bit of timeless elegance from America’s tradition-soaked South for the hotter months: white trousers, striped seersucker jackets and suits, straw hats, and of course the red-soled white buck shoe.
There are hundreds of variations on the basic idea. Pick the one you like. It’s the most respectable solution to heat and humidity: light-colored, lightweight cotton and linen. You’ll still have your jacket on when everyone else is rolling up their shirtsleeves, and you’ll feel just fine.
This look requires some investment in quality — you can’t get away with anything but a 100% cotton shirt, for example, and it needs to be a light, breathable weave, too, preferably made from long-staple cottons like the Egyptian, Sea Island, or Pima varieties.
Play around with colorful accents in your light-colored ensemble to complete the look. A bright red pocket square puffing insouciantly up from a white or white-and-blue-stripe blazer grabs the attention – politely, of course. This is a Southern style.
Soft Tweed
The hallmark of Oxford professors and British country gentlemen for generations, tweed is fuzzy, wooly stuff. It often blends different colors of threads, making a subtle pattern in addition to the visible texture of the cloth.
Own a couple pieces in tweed. Jackets, trousers, matched suits, overcoats – it’s a gentleman’s three-season leisure fabric.
Older gentlemen look particularly good in relatively high-fronted jackets with plenty of pockets, usually flap pockets. Any sort of gray or earth tone works well. Check and plaid patterns are relatively common. There’s really no limit to the styles you can find, so browse until you find one that you like.
Pair a tweedy outfit with relaxed leather shoes like brogues or monkstraps, or with a pair of dress boots for a subtle equestrian flavor. A tweed jacket can take a dress shirt and tie or a soft rollneck shirt — your call. You can even slip an unmatched vest underneath for a very country esquire feel.
3 Wardrobe Pieces Every Man Older than 60 Should Own
The Perfect Overcoat
A full or three-quarter length wool overcoat is the senior gentleman’s best friend. It’s well worth having one custom-made to get the perfect fit in the shoulders — with a straight coat, everything else follows from that, though some men like a bit of taper at the waist or flare at the hem.
You shouldn’t restrict yourself to just one. A plain, dark gray or navy blue overcoat is a good starting place, but men in their sixties (and up) can get a lot of mileage out of a camelhair or olive overcoat as well.
The key is to get good, sober coats in rich wool. Stay away from baggy trenchcoats with lots of buckles and flaps, and from plastic-like synthetics. If you want a casual style, a duffel coat or a shorter coat like a blouson works well.
His Own Tuxedo
By his sixties, a man can reasonably expect to be attending at least a few black tie events here and there. There will be weddings, charity or corporate events, award ceremonies, and perhaps even the occasional New Year’s Eve ball or the like.
At some point it becomes more cost-effective to have a proper tuxedo made to measure (or completely bespoke) rather than renting each time. You also end up with a much higher quality of garment, and an unmatched fit, which helps you shine in comparison to guests still stuck in rentals.
Stick to the basics here and have a classic black tie dinner suit made: tuxedo jacket with either peak or shawl lapels, plain-front trousers with the proper braiding, white formal shirt, and all the necessary accents (black bow tie, shirt studs and cufflinks, dress pumps or highly-polished black oxfords, and so on).
If you find yourself going on cruises or otherwise ending up at white tie, rather than black tie, events, invest in the necessary shirt, tie, and tailcoat, but those are much less common than black tie events.
It’s one of those investments that only gets used a handful of times – but that earns its worth after just one or two uses.
A Few Good Waistcoats
Waistcoats are another of those looks that seems made for the dignity of an older man. Of course, one of their initial functions was covering the paunch of men who’d let themselves slip a bit, but you don’t have to be expanding at the waistline to benefit from the nappy look.
The easiest way to acquire good waistcoats is to have three-piece suits made for yourself. In casual colors and patterns, that gets you not only a few “social” suits, it also gives you vests that can be worn with unmatched jackets or trousers for a more contrasting look.
It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of swapping vests – it’s possible to make some unsightly combinations if you get too many patterns and colors going on — but once you get it down you’ll have access to a look that most men never touch.
It is also possible to buy waistcoats that are not part of a suit, and in many cases these are flashier, with elaborate “wallpapering” patterns or high-sheen facings. Don’t shy away from these if you like them, just wear them judiciously, and only with sober, rich jackets and trousers that can balance them out.
Looks for the Man Over 60 to Absolutely Avoid
You’re old enough now that you don’t need anyone telling you what you can and can’t wear – but we’re going to anyway, just for one or two of the most egregious looks that should never, ever appear on a man older than sixty. If you’re thinking that you’re the exception to one of these rules, you probably aren’t. Or maybe you’re just an unrecognized fashion genius. You decide.
- Logo T-shirts. If you’re washing the car or something, fine. Otherwise, no logo T-shirts. No band names, no corporate brands, nothing. Leave the T-shirts to younger men in general, and if you have to wear one, keep it close-fitted, dark, and one solid color. One possible exception? If you have a super-rare, super awesome vintage shirt from at least thirty years ago – something from a The Who concert or whatever — and you want to make younger men jealous. Age has its perks.
- Novelty neckties. At this age your ties should be elegant, silk, and expensive. If it has Mickey Mouse or Star Wars on it, you’re doing something wrong.
- Hawaiian and camouflage prints. Like the neckties, you’re past the age where novelty prints really work for you. Will you still see old retired guys on the beach in tacky Hawaiian shirts? Absolutely. Should you be those guys? Probably not.
You’ll also want to steer clear of all the usual badly-dressed suspects, especially athletic gear (including sneakers) and absolutely anything with an elasticized waist. Wear them at the gym and nowhere else.
A final concern that older men do sometimes run into: what about clothing necessitated by a medical condition? That is to say, if your hands aren’t working too well anymore and you can’t do up buttons, can you switch to velcro pants, and so on?
The simple answer is “yes.” You do what you gotta do, right? Age and ill health hit us all differently, and at different times. We make the best of it. If you need chunky orthopedic shoes, or a cane, or an extra-long jacket to drape over a curved spine, you get those things and you wear them, and you don’t take any crap from anyone about them either.
It may be worth building a relationship with a tailor. Work with them to keep any medically necessitated alterations discreet — there are some tailors doing fantastic work for people with partial paralysis, motor problems, and similar conditions, and a lot of their stuff is hard to tell from “normal” menswear until you get right up close and notice that there’s no buttons or zippers. If you could benefit from that sort of tailoring, and you can find someone who specializes in it, it’s a great way to stay looking sharp.
But if you can’t, stock your wardrobe well anyway, and wear your nice clothes with whatever small nods to necessity you have to. That’s life. You still look good. Don’t sweat it.
Want more? Check out how you can avoid making the biggest style mistakes guys experience as they get older.
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The post How A Man Should Dress In His 60s | Casual Looks appeared first on Real Men Real Style.
——————–
By: Antonio Centeno
Title: How A Man Should Dress In His 60s | Casual Looks
Sourced From: www.realmenrealstyle.com/man-over-60/
Published Date: Wed, 31 May 2023 14:09:48 +0000
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