With men of all ages, generally, dressing like shit, it seems to me that men who are up there in years, say, 65+, transition into a generic "fuck it" retirement sartorial mode: "dungarees" that are too wide in the waist tightly belted practically up to their chests, huge white sneakers, such as New Balance (prolly beneficial for fallen arches), cheap polo shirt and a Members Only-type outer jacket. Few men of "a certain age" I cross paths with, even in affluent communities, dress in a way we would characterize as well-dressed: sport jacket, shirt and necktie, trousers, shoes all of high quality and well-coordinated. How do you envision yourselves dressing in your Golden Years?
Well, I'm already there but still fighting the good fight, moreso now than ever. My experience is somewhat different from yours, Marc. Yeah, I see a lot of horribly dressed old people, as I do people of every age, but when I see a guy who is reasonably well turned out--decent slacks, sports shirt, polished shoes, etc.--he is almost invariably an older man. And when I consider somebody an "older man," it means he is pretty damn old!
Are you kidding me? With all the dough spent on a decent wardrobe, I'll definitely be wearing the same stuff ( or kind of stuff) I'm wearing now- the difference being that I won't care if I'm overdressed.
Truth be told, as I get older I think i'll be getting more sportcoats and less suits.
Last edited by yachtie (2008-05-23 20:10:38)
I imagine dressing well in one's dotage presupposes actually having a full life and high self-esteem, being out and about, traveling, visiting friends and family, and not spending your life in a rocking chair. On the other hand, having a nice wardrobe could be motivation or inspiration for getting off your duff and enjoying a full life. It could be one reason for wanting to get up in the morning. Clothes can offer a psychological lift to those who might otherwise dread their golden years.
Southern Florida comes to mind.
I rarely follow the style of people my same age. The best dressers I've met are in their golden years -- Mimmo Siviglia, who's in his 70s. tops my list.
I find it goes own of two ways. Either a man becomes increasingly refined in age, or they adopt the pure comfort route.
Recall, with a generation that has largely passed, the man who wore blue, red, or beige one piece outfits for day-to-day and Havana shirts for anything else. Typically there was something in the hair, well-combed, and a lot of Old Spice. Comfort is not a new phenomenon. I met more than a few well off retirees sporting this look.
Hopefully, wearing shoes with good support now will be of benefit in future years. Who wants "dress" New Balance black shoes.
Last edited by rsmeyer (2008-05-25 06:06:56)
Last edited by The_Shooman (2008-05-24 23:01:26)
l've noticed many of the oldest blokes getting around in light gray or light brown vinyl zip up loafers with plastic soles. Really foul footwear that is very popular. The shoos retail for about 5 bucks.
Hi
I've just done a post of pet hates and maybe should have ready this first.
Lewis
Not for the first time, I find myself wishing I'd inherited my grandfather's wardrobe (I still have some cufflinks, his tweed Crombie and his leather wallet). Lots of nice bright knitwear, blazers, suede shoes, very easy going and Astaire-esque.
At least, 25 years later, I am well on the way to inheriting his hair
I keep hearing the David Bowie song in my head.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FcKrr0s2yuY
I see meself as a dapper gentleman that I am and will be dressing the part as I will not be doing brute labor and building empires on sweat equity any longer.
Q for the house: What will YOU wear when you get old?