Men in their 40s and 50s dress best when they keep things simple: clothes that fit the body they have now, good fabrics, quiet colours and very few trends. The aim is not to look younger. It is to look like a man who knows what suits him.
What changes after 40
- Fit matters more. Bodies change; sizes from ten years ago may not be right. Re-measure and use the size guide.
- Fabric matters more. Texture and weight look better than thin, shiny cloth.
- Trends matter less. Classic shapes are the ones that flatter.
What to retire
- Skinny jeans and heavily ripped denim.
- Graphic and slogan T-shirts as everyday wear.
- Thin, tight T-shirts that cling to the stomach.
- Bulky running trainers with everything.
What to wear instead
- Straight or tapered dark jeans with a little room in the thigh. See jeans.
- Chinos and pleated trousers. A pleat adds comfort at the waist and looks smart. See pleated trousers.
- Knitwear. A quarter-zip, crew neck or roll neck is the most flattering top a man over 40 can wear: it skims the body and adds structure. See jumpers and knitwear.
- Knitted polos in place of T-shirts. See knitted polos.
- Overshirts and cardigans as an easy middle layer. See cardigans.
- A proper coat. A knee-length overcoat lengthens the frame.
- Leather shoes. Loafers, Chelsea boots and plain smart trainers. See footwear.
Fit: the three checks
- Shoulders: seams at the shoulder edge.
- Middle: a top should skim, not cling. If it pulls across the stomach, go up a size or choose a heavier knit.
- Trousers: a mid or higher rise is more comfortable and more flattering than a low one. For more room, see Big & Tall and elasticated waist trousers.
Colour
Navy is the most flattering base, kinder than black to most skin tones as hair greys. Add grey, cream, olive, camel and burgundy. Dark colours on the lower half and at the middle are slimming; a lighter layer near the face lifts the outfit.
Outfits that work
Work
Navy quarter-zip over a pale blue shirt, grey trousers, brown boots.
Weekend
Dark jeans, a knitted polo, an overshirt and smart trainers.
Evening
Charcoal roll neck, tailored trousers, a blazer and loafers. See blazers.
Winter
Any of these under a long overcoat with a scarf.
Questions answered
Can men over 40 wear trainers?
Yes. Choose plain leather trainers in white, navy or black and keep them clean.
Can men over 50 wear jeans?
Yes. Dark, straight or tapered jeans with no rips suit every age.
Should I still wear T-shirts?
Yes, in a heavier cotton and a regular fit, and ideally under a layer. See T-shirts.
What is the easiest upgrade?
Swap a hoodie for a quarter-zip or a cardigan. It is as comfortable and immediately smarter.
See the smart casual edit. UK delivery is free and tracked on every order, with free 30-day UK returns.
