Casual fashion thoughts please

[MOTU]

I really enjoyed the style thread pinned at the top of this forum. I have lost about 45lbs and I am in need of clothes that fit, so I am trying to be thoughtful about this and really upgrade my look.

I have already picked up some date night/club clothes and shoes and I am happy with that look so far.

However, I live in TX and this is a very informal place. I really don't hit the clubs and high end restaurants too often, so I am looking for thoughts/advice on some more casual fashion: think icehouses, BBQ's, and even every day wear to the grocery so you are looking good for your daygame.

I don't do the cowboy thing, so I am trying to develop a "california comfortable" look. Light, colorful, etc.

Shoes: I usually wear van's with my jeans and I have gotten some Sanuk chiba's and I really like them for more casual. I would like to add a nice pair of leather sandles that are perhaps a bit more sporty.

V Neck shirts: I don't have a long neck so I think I look better in V Necks. I have bought some Polo V Neck T's that fit me well but they don't launder up that great. Anyone have a favorite brand of T shirts?

Shorts: I have been ordering Columbia's because I can specify the inseam (8"). They fit me OK but sure don't scream "lluxury" lol. I generally wear cargo - should I go to 4 pocket? How do you all feel about denim shorts for dude's our age?

Swimsuit: solid? Prints? Board shorts? Bright colors? It seems shorter shorts are coming back in but I was thinking of staying just above the knee.

I am also interested in your general comments, links and other resources related to mature male casual fashion. Google didn't turn up much of use - it all seemed to be geared toward 20's somethings.

Thanks!

 

[dasein]

We are close in age. Just some random opinions, GAP is good for t-shirts. I never buy mine there but found an outlet store that sold them called Rugged Wear or something like that and get them for $2-3. If wearing a t-shirt as a primary shirt, fit is key. Never huge billowy t-shirts and not too stretchy/tight that look kind of gay.

If you are going to wear shorts as an adult, get tan legs and beef up/define your calves. If you have skinny legs or don't want to tan, don't wear shorts. Women tell me it's a huge turnoff. There are long pants in light weight for hot weather. I started doing better when I stopped with the shorts in summer and started wearing very lightweight wool and linen pants. Khakis are boring but acceptable also.

Shoes, used to wear laceups, but many women find them unsexy. Most of them prefer loafers on a man, never sandals unless you are cruising outdoor granola places or very young women. Unless you have nice skin and little hair, the less you show the better including feet and arms. Good luck.

 

[Warrior74]

I'm in the south as well and it's pretty informal here.

Here's a tip I came up with. Go to google images and enter the name of the city and the type of event you are going to. Dress similarly.

This is a quick google image search for Houston Wine Tasting 2014.

Use facebook of party locations, clubs, events to find photos. Dress one step above those people if you can, at the very least fit in.

 

[MOTU]

@desien: thanks I'll check out Gap shirts. I'll look for them at Marshall's or other discounted. On shorts, I think I legs are my best feature.. They were actually muscular even when I was heavier. I do need to groom my toes though.

@warrior: good suggestion, thanks.

I went to a PAC Sun outlet store are their were two early twenties hotties working and they actually had a good convo with me on how dudes my age should dress.

Their tips: nothing too trendy but old school fashion with a little modern flair; they showed me a short sleeve oxford looking button down that had the pocket in a different color. They weren't fond of cargo shorts or denim shorts on older dudes. They also said all my sh!t should look like it just came from the dry cleaners, no wrinkles ever unless it was one of those crinkly shirts.

Still interested in more feedback.