Casual clothing for the mature man

[DarkShade]

Hey all, looking to revamp my summer wardrobe, and I'm at an impasse. I'm nearing the dreaded 3-0 beginning of next year, and I feel like my wardrobe should be more fitting to a more mature, experienced individual.

Do 30-something men still wear Old Navy/Aeropostale? I think most of the stuff is very youth-directed and oriented, and any older man wearing stuff like that could be looked upon as if they were trying to scrape together some semblance of youth while looking woefully out of his age range.

My ex-fiancee, who I am semi-dating again, tries to assist when I'm looking at clothes and she seems to pick out the gaudiest, most teenaged-angst ridden clothing, like short sleeve button-up shirts with terrible plaid patterns and LOOK AT ME kind of new-generation garbage attire. I'd like to think she knows what she likes but I'm beginning to think that she thinks I'm 16 again?

What brands/styles are most befitting to a professional, mature (but not too mature) man and what sticks out the most when you look at clothing for yourself?

 

[Mike32ct]

I agree with Samspade. I love Kenneth Cole. Calvin Klein is quite good too.

 

[5string]

Don't forget man thongs.

 

[DarkShade]

Yeah, I'm definitely not a fan of skinny anything on me. I'm a solidly built mesomorph and skinny jeans would look *really* bad, heh.

My ideal look is clean clean clean. Crisp whites contrasting with minimal design and clashes. I own a few pair of very simple design shoes, such as minimalistic Pumas, pair of Polo boots (kind of look like Lugz), clean and simple Reebok workout crosstrainers and some work Oxfords.

I've been working on layering schemes with clothing. Thin open collared button-up over a minimalistic t-shirt, jeans (not too loose and not too tight) with belt matching the shoes.

I think the problem I've run into is that most places sell these godawful designed shirts and pants with sh!t splattered all over them, when I just want a clean simple look.

 

[PDubb75]

For the record, I am 100% with you on short leave button-ups and plaid shirts. I can't stand them. I also have not liked Old Navy/Aeropostale for about 5 years now. Not that I wouldn't wear them, I just don't seem to find anything I like. It may be exactly the reason you just mentioned; it seems very youth-directed.

I find a lot of good stuff at Macy's, if you have one by you. One of my recent favorite brands from there is Alfani Red. It is actually the brand of the R&B singer Ne-Yo. However, I just looked on the site, and it seems their new releases are a lot of short sleeve button-ups and plaid. Go figure. Plaid is "in" right now, so you are gonna see it a lot. If you are interested in looking at some of their stuff, here it is: http://www1.macys.com/search/result...MPARE_ITEMS_GO_BUTTON=COMPARE_ITEMS_GO_BUTTON

They have a lot of formal stuff, and others I simply don't like, but some stuff I find is some of my favorite pieces of clothing.

I agree with the above posters with Calvin Klein and Kenneth Cole. J Crew has some good stuff, if you feel like risking getting blinded by the colors of a lot of the clothes in their store.

Aside from some of those patterns I've found, I really don't shop by brand. I simply go around to different stores and look at everything. Try some stuff on, see what fits well, looks nice, etc. Sometimes I'm surprised with what I like once I try it on, and it ends up being a go-to outfit for me. Magazines like Men's health, GQ, etc can give some ideas of styles that may fit your interests.

In my opinion, a watch and shoes can completely make or break an outfit. A nice, mature, high quality (not necessarily high priced) watch can differentiate your look. The same can be said for shoes. Although, most importantly with shoes, they should be well kept. I can't stand when people go out with nice new clothes, thinking they look so fresh, and their shoes are busted up. Maybe it's just me?

One piece of advice that was given to me, and I actually have benefited from (after laughing it off at first): Don't skip over advertisements! Clothing used in ads, even if not advertising the clothes themselves, are highly researched. They base them on what the target audience usually likes/looks best in/fits personality. Keep in mind, that also means men in ads targeted to women.

 

[bilboteabaggins]

big ralph lauren fan but I have gotten recently to where nothing they have fits me(getting in decent shape and need tapered clothes), polo custom fit sh!t is not a athletic fit like you get at hollister/a&f, which I have become a big fan of lately

so basically I stick with a&f, hollister and american eagle, one thing is for sure though, b!tches love button up shirts with the sleeves rolled up, I have heard it many times

and for gods sake don't ignore the shoes, I get more compliments over my shoes than anything else

 

[DarkShade]

Ha yeah, I wore my black suede pumas to a bar once and before I even walked in, the guy at the door is like "When you die, I want your shoes.", I guess compliments from a guy are better than none at all?

I think I'd like to add some minor accessories as well, maybe a very subtle and tasteful neck chain or something that doesn't scream "I'm a metrosexual" but says "I'm a classy guy". I've always preferred silver-colored metal over gold so it's easier to match with clothing, especially blacks and other dark colors

 

[KarmaSutra]

At 30 we're just beginning to warm up to life's delicacies.

My entire wardrobe elevated to a higher level at 30. I stopped with the Polo-esque pretentious sh!t. I stopped wearing sneakers as a default. Now I wear black boots (with a very heavy shine), a good boot-cut pair of jeans, and, damned-near always, a V-neck shirt, or light sweater.

Here in Central Florida it's far too hot to wear anything long-sleeved except for the two days it drops below 60.

My right arm is 80 percent sleeved so I like to wear shirts which give my ink air to breathe and live.

As far as accessories are concerned, less if more. Quality is vastly more important than how much you're shining and peacocking.

I wear a heavy Fossil watch on my right wrist. A Titanium link bracelet on my left. No chain anymore.

When you reach our age, and our level of commitment, it's best to find your own style. Stop trying to be a mannequin in front of Old Navy.

 

[Colossus]

Nice info here.

I agree with samspade about Kenneth Cole and CK--generally they have great colors and fresh designs (for shirts). I wear those 2, some Ralph Lauren, some Izod, and Express. PacSun even has some nice V-neck t-shirts without skater designs on them, more modern MM stuff.

For dress clothes I love Express, although it can be hard for a bigger guy to find sizes that work there. Their t-shirts are usually cheap and fresh and their ties are tip-top in my opinion, although very pricey. Nice dress shirts too, but I BARELY fit into an XL.

For jeans I love Lucky (expensive as hell but you only need 1-2 pair), but you can easily find non-designer brands that look the same.

For shoes, I love sneakers; although my gf is trying to get me away from them. I probably have at least a dozen pair of brightly-colored sneakers, and some nice Oakley flip-flops because I hate wearing shoes in the summer heat. I have a pair of Aldo boots that are non-gay but they only work in winter.

I dont accessorize except for a simple leather bracelet I bought in Costa Rica. Jewelry and watches arent my thing. I like Oakley GasCan and Flak Jacket shades.

So in general, you gotta find colors and patterns that work for you and your build. I'm about 230 muscular lbs so I like stuff that shows my upper body build and leg size. I let my gf pick colors and such that work with me since she has good "MM" taste. Brand doesnt matter so much as color, pattern and fit. Too tight makes you look like a tool and too loose looks sloppy.

 

[thirdtimescharm]

Dreaded 30?? Really? Can I throw up now?

Wear clothes you are comfortable in.

There was this 27 year old I met while living in NYC last year. She started right in about this shirt I was wearing. It was an old Eddie Bauer shirt which I really like. She says "get rid of it." And I said, "screw you, I love this shirt."

Later that night in her bed, she says it really turned her on that I didn't back down about the shirt. That I wouldn't back down about what I liked. Never back down, own who you are and what you are about. Even if it's no different than anyone else.

 

[DMSR76]

Dreaded 30?? Really? Can I throw up now?

Wear clothes you are comfortable in.

There was this 27 year old I met while living in NYC last year. She started right in about this shirt I was wearing. It was an old Eddie Bauer shirt which I really like. She says "get rid of it." And I said, "screw you, I love this shirt."

Later that night in her bed, she says it really turned her on that I didn't back down about the shirt. That I wouldn't back down about what I liked. Never back down, own who you are and what you are about. Even if it's no different than anyone else.

Well played sir. And sage advice.

 

[DarkShade]

I checked out some of Alfani Red stuff and I like what I saw, might have to head up to Macy's and see what they have. I'm also kind of in a transformational stage as I'm losing weight and working out again, so I might buy something I won't be able to fit in as a goal (like a 32-34 inch waistline, I'm around 36 now)

Also grabbed some Dolce & Gabbana The One Gentleman cologne, smells great

 

[bilboteabaggins]

don't buy much, you will find the transformation to become a obsession once you start, I bought all kinds of **** at 40, 38, 36, 34, 32, 31 and now 30

 

[Fuglydude]

Very cool info on this thread. I think you guys living in the US have access to more and better priced clothing than we do up here in Ca-na-da.

I've always had a tough time finding clothes that fit me well... Currently sitting at 5'8" - 185 w/ a 32" waist and around 12% bodyfat. Colossus I'd imagine you probably have a similar issue. I have to get most of my formal stuff custom tailored as they don't normally make suits with a 46" chest and 32" waist. Its only gonna get worse too as I'm gonna try and pack on another 20-25 lbs in the next several months.

I found older Diesel and some Big Star tops fit me quite well, however, the newer crap isn't my style at all. haha, I've actually taken to buying stuff at the thrift store... you can get brand name crap for like $5-10, and its pre-worn so you don't have to "break it in" as much. God I'm a cheap basturd!

I think a not-too-flashy t-shirt that's fitted appropriately, some nice jeans w/ dress shoes is a great casual look for the MM.

 

[Roosevelt]

Best Clothing gives attractive looking to your beauty appearances. Try the branded clothes and latest fashion for to look beautiful.

 

[AmIAFC]

What exactly is wrong with skinny jeans?

You want to wear clothes that accurately showcases your physique, right? Now, I'm not talking about being a tool and wearing shirts so tight that your nipples cast a shadow, but tight-fitted clothing is ideal -- look at the old era cowboys.

 

[wiiliamcooper52]

I like
Old Navy/Aeropostale
shirts

Also the Kenneth Cole