by Bridget Webber

Created on: March 05, 2009   Last Updated: August 15, 2011

Men over the age of forty have some advantages over younger men. This is because many can afford better quality clothing, and hopefully have some experience when it comes to style. However, having possibly lived through the swinging sixties, and the glam rock seventies, many men of this age bracket may be stuck in a fashion rut and a little advice probably won't go amiss.

Clothing That Fits

Classic tailoring is the smart way to go. By the time you have reached your forties or beyond, sophistication is the best way to make a good impression on the style front. You don't need to wear the latest trends aimed as teenage guys who spend their time skateboarding, unless this is an activity that you engage in too.

The Power Suit

All men should have at least one power suit to their name. Such a suit comes in handy for formal occasions, and when it's time for wining and dining. The combination color shirt is back in fashion and can look great with a suit. The color of the combination shirt is different on the collar than its main body, and still looks stylish when the suit jacket is removed.

Materials

Soft materials are in at the moment. This is an advantage as silks and satin feel great against the skin and can look romantic when worn as a shirt, or as a wide material sash instead of an ordinary belt. Cool linen and cotton is also a must when it comes to summer clothing that is stylish.

Colors

Primary colors can look fabulous on men over forty, especially if they have grey hair. The current trend for metallic colors, such as bronze, silver and gold, can only be worn effectively if time hasn't made your complexion a little sallow. If you do tend to look pale opt for warmer colors which won't give you a washed out appearance.

Pants

Pants, or trousers as they are referred to in the UK, are best kept at a regular length at your age, unless you are super fit and muscular. Although long shorts and short pants are on trend this year they can make a man look like a little lost boy from a distance. Longer length pants, on the other hand, look more mature and classical.

Accessories

Chunky jewelry can appear cheap and spoil a mans appearance if he isn't careful. Gold does look expensive, but only when worn in a sophisticated manner. Instead of over-loading yourself with items, opt for statement pieces which speak for themselves, rather than going for quantity.

Leather belts can help finish a look well, and a cool trilby hat or similar character piece shouldn't just be for the young.

Coats and Jackets

Long trench coats always look great on men, as do leather jackets in sophisticated colors such as brown or grey. Denim jackets tend to look a little too young for many men of forty and over, but if the right cut of jacket is found they can still look the part.

Fashion to avoid at all costs

Some men, having reached such an age, suddenly discover color and fun fashion. They happily sport bright ties in clashing colors with cartoon motifs on them. They take up wearing funny waistcoats made out of patchwork with Bart Simpson on them or little cuddly sheep. Be aware that this may look like fun to you, but to others it signals your age. Dressing this way will not make you look any younger after-all.

Tie dye clothing is great if you want to draw attention to yourself while you hug trees with a sign around your neck saying that you want to save the Earth. There's nothing wrong with that. However, for day to day wear go back to classic tailoring.

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