So, you've successfully conquered your 30s and your 40s – congrats! Now, it's time to learn how to dress in your 50s.
50 is a good, strong number. You've got a good few stories. You've seen things. You've even got your look and the vast majority of a curated wardrobe in place. Now's the time to put all your learnings (and investment pieces) to good use. One of the most important things when you learn how to dress in your 50s is to make sure that your clothes actually fit right. Go through your existing rotation, and make sure all of it slips on easily. Not just so you look good in them, but also so you feel good in them.
While your experimentation days are probably long over, that doesn't mean you can't have a bit of fun with your menswear. So, in this GQ guide, we'll be going through some of the golden rules of how to dress in your 50s, and a closer look at some of the dudes who are doing it, and doing it well.
How to dress in your 50s
#1: Colour is key
We're not saying you should retire colour from your wardrobe in any way, shape, or form, but if you do want to wear some, go for a more tonal look. We're talking about black, camel, light grey, navy blue, and forest green. If you're feeling a little mysterious, a dash of dark red could do no harm.
It goes without saying, but you should probably avoid anything that's a bit too bright and a bit too bold. Steer well away from acid colours, and while pastels can work in some cases, we wouldn't recommend wearing them all the time. You should also avoid graphics and patterns too. A little logo here and there is fine, but Gucci-level branding is a definite no-no.
#2: Invest to impress
Instead of buying that Harley you'd always promised yourself (and will probably ride approximately twice) or that Porsche that you've dreamt of since your teens (and will probably struggle to get into), use your 50s as an excuse to buy all those wardrobe items you've always wanted, but have never been able to justify.
Whether that's a leather biker jacket, a cashmere pullover, that Prada briefcase, or a whole rail of Savile Row suiting, make sure they're in classic colours that are going to last you for many, many years to come. You probably already have a few watches in your collection already, but this is the decade to finally get that grail.
Burberry Equestrian Knight Cashmere Sweater
#3: Suit yourself
Drainpipe suits with slim lapels are no longer the way forward. If you have any left in your wardrobe, now's the time to filter them out and replace them with something to suit a more mature body shape.
If you're not sure what to buy, go for a trim, two-button jacket with wider lapels and well-tailored, flat-fronted trousers. Give your ties a bit of a refresh, and if you're feeling adventurous, replace those old, tired dress shirts with a cool rollneck jumper.
#4: Good genes, good jeans
We sat down with model and good-looking guy Eric Rutherford to chat about how to dress in your 50s. “If I have noticed one item that many men don’t have in their wardrobes, it would a perfect pair of jeans that fit well in a proper length and wash,” says Rutherford. “It's all about finding the right fit for your body. There’s a strong chance that the jeans you wore in your 30s don’t fit the same as when you’re in your 40s or 50s.”
