There’s a certain honor in dressing your age… And there are consequences for breaking that rule. Here’s how a man should dress his age…

HOW A YOUNG MAN SHOULD DRESS (AGES 18-29)
Having thick, ungrey hair and a fit body can go a long way in fashion. Take it from an older man and enjoy it while you have it.

Aside from the physical benefits, the “young” look is defined by experimentation, variety, and a touch of aggression in its defiance of conventional looks.

However, knowing when to experiment and when to fall back on timeless, reliable options becomes increasingly important as a young man gets older. A 19-year-old college kid is far less likely to need a smart-looking suit and the habit of wearing it with confidence than a 32-year-old professional man.

Casual dress for young men
Young men can pull off almost any style, as long as they’re really willing to embrace it. This means no half-measures – crazy, brightly colored pants mean a look you can mix and match with the rest of your outfit; don’t pair them with plain black dress shoes and a crisp white dress shirt. You’ll surprise people.

Choose a theme
When putting together an outfit, you should aim for a look that can be described in one word. (This is good advice for all ages, but it’s especially useful for younger guys, whose experimental wardrobes tend to be more diverse.) Are you looking for ‘ready-to-wear’ or ‘grunge’ themed clothing? How about a ‘hipster’ look? If you’re a bit of both at the same time, you probably need to change up some pieces.

Vary your look
For 20-year-old men, style should be about experimenting, finding the image you want for yourself. If you’re a college student who wears khakis and a polo shirt every day, I highly recommend stepping outside your comfort zone. Play around. I’ve never met a stylish young man who doesn’t have a wide variety of tops and pants (not to mention accessories) in his wardrobe.

Changing up your look every day will help you avoid feeling pigeonholed. Dress smartly in a tucked-in shirt, trousers and a dark blazer one day, then switch to bright corduroy trousers and a henley under a denim jacket the next. And so on.

Accessorize
What’s the difference between a guy in jeans and a hoodie and a guy in jeans and a leather cuffed hoodie?
There are quite a few, actually.
Using a striking accessory anywhere in an outfit clearly shows people that you have self-control and that you’re wearing a ‘look’ rather than a random mismatched piece pulled from your wardrobe.

This is especially important for casual outfits that can look like classic teenage sloppiness if you’re not careful. Sharp accessories mean that even if the older generation doesn’t like your style, they’ll have to accept that it’s a style.

How should a young man dress for everyday wear?
Dark, well-fitting blue jeans are always an acceptable everyday staple. Go ahead and invest a little more money into a pair that fits well and is a nice dark navy instead of a light blue.

A light blazer and a dark blazer are nice and casual.

Some brightly colored pieces, everything from T-shirts to pants and jackets. Try not to wear them all in the same outfit, but use them to liven up an otherwise conservative outfit.

At least a pair of plain khakis or slacks and a shirt that you can wear to church with your grandma (or any other casual but conservative event you may encounter in your life).

Belts. Wearing pants with belt loops and no belt just looks sloppy.

A few pairs of crazy shoes. Colorful canvas sneakers, fancy leather brogues and saddle shoes, espadrilles, loafers — whatever you want. But some options that aren’t sneakers or plain black/brown dress shoes are essential.

Speaking of feet, brightly colored or patterned socks don’t hurt either.

Business attire for young men
Once you leave school and enter the corporate world, the need for conservative pants, shirts and blazers increases. At least a real suit becomes a necessity for interviews, if nothing else.
In most cases these are unconventional garments; getting a good fit and paying attention to the basics is key to looking like a grown man rather than a schoolboy wearing dad's old suit.

First of all, a good fit
Ready-to-wear suits are intentionally oversized. This allows stores to sell them to as many men as possible, but it’s bad news for younger, thinner men. A baggy, baggy jacket paired with a youthful face is the easiest way to look like a child in borrowed clothes.

Whenever possible, shop for jackets and pants at businesses that offer in-house fittings. Take them to a tailor if necessary. The fit should be tighter than an older man’s. Don’t wear anything too tight, but avoid loose fabrics that hang loosely from your body when the garment is buttoned properly.

There are suits that are appropriate for business, with bold patterns or unusual features, but on a young man, they’re more likely to look like a mistake made in ignorance than a conscious style choice.

Stick to basic styles, such as a dark, two-button, single-breasted, notch-lapel business suit. Leave the three-piece, padded-shouldered, peak-lapel, pinstriped suits to men who have gray hair and can pull them off well.

Be on the side of overdressing
A young man in a suit and tie looks like he’s trying to impress when everyone else is wearing sports jackets and open collars. A young man in a blazer and khakis looks like a kid who can’t be taken seriously when everyone else is wearing suits.

When navigating the intricacies of business attire, projecting an image of formality and respect with well-chosen, polished clothing sends a strong message about one’s commitment and professionalism.

In a world where first impressions matter, a suit with a more formal air shows that you pay attention to detail and are ready to take on challenges.

While workplace dress codes can change, opting for something a little more formal can help ensure compliance and convey a seriousness of purpose that can enhance one’s professional image.

KISS – Keep it simple, idiot!
It’s always better to look like you’re trying too hard than not. When in doubt, wear a suit. If you find yourself overdressed, take off your tie and put it in your pocket. If you show up underdressed, there’s no way around it.

Simplicity is timeless. In a world full of distractions, a simple, refined wardrobe speaks volumes. Opting for classic pieces like a well-fitting solid-colored suit, a crisp white shirt, and a tasteful tie can exude professionalism without unnecessary complication.

The elegance of simplicity lies in its versatility; it transitions easily from meetings to networking events. A minimalist approach not only simplifies decision-making, it also exudes confidence and sophistication.

A well-groomed, uncluttered wardrobe also reflects an understanding of the subtle power of modesty, allowing one’s skills and talents to take center stage in the professional arena. A young man who embraces simplicity cultivates a polished image that effortlessly navigates the complexities of the business world.

How should a young man dress like a professional?
Make sure to include the following in your wardrobe:

1. At least one suit. A simple, single-breasted model in charcoal gray or navy is best and should be tailored to fit close to the body.
2. A navy blazer . It goes with everything and is always respectable. For a wilder evening look, it can also be paired with a funky shirt or trousers.

3. A plain white shirt, spread or pointed collar (not button-down). For the most formal business environment.

4. At least a few collared, light-colored or patterned shirts.

5. At least three ties, including a few conservative ones, dark, plain or plain.

6. A pair of simple, shiny black oxford balmoral shoes. For more casual business attire, a second pair of brown leather oxfords or bluchers is also worth getting.

7. Medium gray wool trousers. The navy blazer for the lower body — versatile and functional with almost any look. And of course, they can be paired with a navy blazer.

8. A plain black leather belt and a plain brown leather belt. Your leathers should always match, and a worn belt can ruin even the most polished suit.

HOW A PROFESSIONAL MAN SHOULD DRESS (AGES 30-54)

It doesn’t happen overnight, but every man has a transition point in his life. You go from a man who tries out different careers, frequently attends interviews, and tries out life to someone who has a pretty good path in mind and plans to continue working on it. Fashion changes accordingly.

But don’t get out the walker and stairlift just yet. Becoming a professional man doesn’t mean it’s time for high-waisted stretch pants and nursing home brochures. It means shifting from the more aggressive young man style that says “Look at me!” to the understated elegance of a man who knows what he likes and is confident about his place in the world.

Instead of saying “Look at me!”, a professional man’s attire should say “I know you’re looking at me.” It’s a sense of confidence that comes from pure assumption. A little honesty goes a long way, too. When your waistline starts to widen and your hairline starts to recede, change your style accordingly. Trying to wear the same clothes you’ve been wearing before and a different hair color won’t look good on you.

Casual Dress for Professional Men
For most working men, days off and evenings are not a complete waste of time. You never know who you’re going to run into, and appearances still matter. Filling your wardrobe with comfortable casual clothes that actually look good (rather than relying on work jeans and T-shirts) will keep you ready for that effortlessly.

Raise your standards
Teaching yourself to dress well is easy: you just need to have good clothes.

Isn’t it easy?
Most men’s default wardrobes need a raise in standards. A pair or two of jeans is fine (especially dark, skinny jeans), but beyond that you should have an equal amount of cotton pants and an equal amount of wool pants. A variety of colors keep you both diverse and stylish.
Shirts should get the same treatment. Once you’re past 30, there’s really no room for T-shirts outside of exercise and physical labor. It’s time to show some maturity. Most of your casual shirts should have collars. Your go-to outfit should almost always be something that looks good when you throw on a sports jacket.
And speaking of which, a professional man should have a casual jacket in his wardrobe. Several. A slim fit will flatter your body and you’ll show everyone that you can dress well for both business and pleasure by taking the formality a notch higher.

Balance your colors
Neon orange velvets are a young man’s treat. As you get older and settle into life a bit more, you’ll want to tone it down a notch.

That doesn’t mean you should stop wearing a variety of colors. In fact, a professional’s wardrobe can benefit from some of the best color combinations for men (which will keep regular business attire from looking stale), but colors shouldn’t be the focal point of the outfit.

Casual business attire doesn’t have to be all about blues and grays. Explore shirts, jackets, and even pants in soft but rich colors like burgundy and forest green.

Or, for a softer look, try pastels like coral pink and seafoam green. Any of these color palettes can potentially transform a simple chinos-and-collared shirt look into something unique.

Layer
A complex life deserves a complex look. Don’t be afraid of visual ‘noise’ in your everyday attire. Sports jackets worn over collared shirts are a good default outfit, but they’re not the sum total of professional choices. Invest in turtlenecks, cardigans, henleys, vests, coats and other pieces that add complexity to your upper body. Texture also adds visual depth that can add a little more seriousness to a simple outfit. Visible textures are great on jackets and pants, and decorative elements are great on shoes and belts. You’re wearing this for fun, so keep some fun shapes in there.

Casual attire for professional men
1. A few patterned or textured sports jackets. Throw them over any outfit with a collared shirt and long pants for an instant upgrade.
2. Pocket squares. You’ve grown up to be an eye for detail and should have one of these in your breast pocket when you wear a jacket.
3. Gray wool slacks. Think of them like you used to think of blue jeans: the default trouser for every situation, which can be dressed up or down as needed.
4. A nice collection of comfortable long-sleeved shirts and polo shirts.
5. Shoes that make a statement: brogues, saddle shoes, chukka boots, or other options that interest you. Tennis shoes and solid black/brown dress shoes should be reserved for tennis and business meetings, not for fun.
6. A few ties (bow ties are an option here) in an interesting color, pattern, texture, or shape. Wearing a tie all the time when you’re wearing a colorful shirt is boring, but occasionally wearing a tie for fun shows that you’re in control of your look.

Business attire for professional men
Your business attire needs will be determined in part by your “Professional Man” profession — lawyers need a wide range of suits; car mechanics don’t. Every man can use at least one suit in his closet for interviews, weddings, and business meetings. Beyond that, use your own judgment and focus on buying the kind of clothes you wear to work on a regular basis. But there are a few rules that work for every level of formality:

Be realistic about fit
Don’t mess with the fit of your good business clothes. Always have them tailored and be honest about your measurements. Thinking you’ll lose those ten pounds next month is just fooling yourself. Lose weight, then get your clothes adjusted.

In your professional years, the fit of your clothes is a major sign of success (or failure). A guy who wears a low-slung suit or a sports jacket that’s too short on the sleeves looks like someone who can’t or doesn’t care about looking better. Neither will inspire much confidence in his friends and peers. It’s better to have fewer clothes that fit better than too many clothes that fit well. Prioritize making everything in your work wardrobe look smart and comfortable, rather than adding new pieces for the sake of having a full wardrobe.

Lead by example
Think about your basic clothing needs, no matter what your job is.
Plan to exceed them now.
In business, there’s no reason to conform. If you work for someone else — a boss or employer — it shows them that you’re comfortable where you are and don’t plan on advancing. If you’re self-employed, it shows your clients and business partners that you’re complacent. So plan to go a little beyond your workplace “dress code,” whether it’s a formal set of rules or not. If khakis and an open-collar shirt are the norm, alternate casual jackets and ties as ways to break the rules. If everyone already wears suits and ties, invest in a good shirt and tie, and always be sure to wear a pocket square.

Complete every element of your outfit

When you turn 30, it’s time to get yourself a sports jacket.
Wearing a good suit or a nice blazer with a pair of good pants is only half the battle. The devil is in the details. A professional man should aim for professionalism in all of his business attire, not just in the big pieces. Shirts should be quality and fit snugly, with loose collars that don’t peek out from the skin. Cuffs should be visible about a half-inch from the hem of the jacket sleeve. Pocket squares should be available, bags should always be leather briefcases and not tote bags or messenger bags, and leather and metal accents should always match (don’t wear a silver watch if your blazer has brass buttons, etc.). The difference between a man in a nice suit with no accents or sloppy details and a man in a nice suit with all the little accents in place is striking. When you’re out of your 20s, that’s a difference you have to deal with every day.

Business attire for professional men
1. A proper suit, preferably made-to-measure or custom-made. 100% wool, good fit, dark color and a reasonably conservative style make it suitable for any business environment.
2. At least one pair of grey wool trousers. If your suit is very formal, wear them with a blazer.
3. A navy blazer. In fact, you’ll need one of these at almost any age. If you’re in an office that doesn’t require suits but expects “business casual” attire, add more blazers and sports jackets.
4. Lightly patterned or textured sports jackets for business-casual events. Instead of just a collared shirt, wear these over your dress shirt and slacks.
5. If you regularly wear collared shirts to work, you should wear a lot of ties. Nothing says you’re “stuck in a rut” like wearing the same half-dozen ties over and over again.
6. A few plain white button-down shirts for the most formal meetings and occasions.
7. Plenty of light-colored or patterned shirts for more casual business attire.
8. Black leather Balmoral Oxfords , in good condition and well-polished. A similar pair in brown for slightly less formal suit and tie situations.
9. Good belts and a quality men's watch. If you're not wearing a watch at this age, you look a little careless.

HOW A MATURE MAN SHOULD DRESS (AGE 55+)
When you're in your 40s, people expect you to take life very seriously. You're also old enough to start seeing signs of ageism in the way people treat you, especially if you're looking for a new job.

Dressing for your mature years means finding a balance between dignity and dignity. Timeless styles are increasingly your friend, not trend-based fashions that come and go. It's also time to simplify things a bit, leave the intricately detailed clothes to younger men, and opt for understated elegance whenever possible.

Casual clothing for mature men
Don't give up on your relaxed style unless you want to be mistaken for a retiree on a fixed income. Stretchy pants and sweatshirts say, “I’m done with life.” Be a little more lively when you greet your silver (or disappearing) hair. Don’t be afraid to dress more stylishly than younger men.

One of the joys of old age is that when you wear a suit for fun or are the only guy in a crowd wearing a blazer, you don’t look like you’re trying too hard. You’re an old man. You can do things like that. Casual suits are one of the underrated pleasures of American menswear. Get a few — striped seersuckers, plaid wool, pastel linen, or whatever else you like. When you don’t want to wear a suit, opt for slacks and a sport coat instead. An open-collar shirt or turtleneck underneath will always say, “I dress like this for fun.”

The most important thing to avoid is anything that smacks of laziness over studied ease. You want to be seen as a leader, a mentor, and a wise man. Your clothes should look like they took some thought and work. There are many young men out there who are eager to dismiss their elders as “tired” and “old” (often to make themselves feel better about ignoring good advice). Show those young men that you have more to teach them.

Add more accessories
It’s amazing how many great pieces of clothing some men never bother to wear. Hats, gloves, scarves, cufflinks—these are the finer points of an older gentleman’s everyday wardrobe.

While the young may look overdressed, you’ll look like the VIP guest or owner of the restaurant or theater you’re visiting. A few favorite hats are something every man should own by the time he turns 40. If you don’t already have them, work to find them. Colorful leather gloves (anything from a muted burgundy to a chic yellow) are a three-season piece that almost no one thinks of wearing, and they’ll definitely set you apart, if nothing else, in the spirit of honor. Smaller accents like French-cuffed shirts, casual cufflinks, colorful pocket squares, and neckerchiefs complete the image of a man who has the ability to outshine both time and everyone else, even on his day off. The only touches to avoid are those that evoke a certain bygone era, whether or not they’re back in fashion—an older gentleman wearing a tie will look like a 19th-century oil painting. Stick to the timeless classics.

Add personality
As you get older, more and more people will want to pretend you’re invisible. Don’t let them. Wear the quirky, the interesting and sometimes the downright surprising while you’re on your own time. Got a favourite old tweed jacket? Pair it with a pair of brightly coloured cotton or linen trousers to go from ‘aging English gentleman’ to ‘urban sophisticate’.
Your mid-forties and up are also the age when it’s finally acceptable to wear fun, playful ties. Don’t make it a habit, but don’t shy away from the occasional bold tie that shows off your joie de vivre. Break the stereotype that older men are serious and reserved. When people look at you, they’ll probably crack a smile on their face, and that’s always a good thing.

Even a smart pair of men’s shoes can be enough to grab attention, even when paired with a relaxed outfit like trousers and a turtleneck.
Do whatever it takes to remind people that you’re there and, if need be, older and wiser than they are. Even the things you carry in your pocket can come in handy here; young people today are always impressed when a well-dressed man in his 60s pulls out his smartphone and opens his web browser.

Casual wear for mature men
1. A few off-duty suits. These can be casually patterned or made from traditionally comfortable materials like linen and seersucker.
2. Vests and waistcoats are a great way to look stylish without wearing a jacket (and are also a great way to slim down a wide waist). Keep a few in your closet, either as part of a three-piece suit or on their own.
3. Lots of wool trousers and sport jackets. The more colors, patterns and textures you have in your wardrobe, the more mix-and-match looks you can create.
4. Quality, everyday sweaters: cardigans, Guernsey or Aran Island sweaters, etc. Don’t opt ​​for anything baggy or shapeless.
5. Comfortable, well-polished leather shoes in a variety of patterns and colors. A few pairs of dress boots wouldn’t hurt either.
6. All the little things: hats, gloves, walking sticks, scarves, etc.
7. A good knee-length trench coat or similar coat. It’s not a bad thing to have more than one in different colors.

Business attire for mature men
Work is a whole different world for older men. If you’re starting out in a new business, it’s important to prove that you can handle younger employees; if you’re responsible for your own staff, it’s vital that you show seriousness and wisdom. Luckily, business suits look better than ever when paired with gray hair. You have access to the widest range of business styles, and no one will dare challenge your right to wear the most stylish. Enjoy. Don’t be afraid to stand out with a suit or sports jacket. Single-breasted, two-breasted suits in solid navy or anthracite are for young entrepreneurs. An older man has the dignity and weight of experience to wear a double-breasted suit or a three-piece suit, and he doesn’t have to shy away from elegant pinstripes.

Of course, you don’t want to violate good business attire here. If you’re wearing a suit for a serious, formal job, it should be dark, simple, and understated. But navy, anthracite or striped black are all very suitable, and it’s hard to argue with the added elegance of a full waistcoat (the crease of a vest or double-breasted jacket).

If suits are a regular business necessity, invest in a variety of business-appropriate styles. In competitive firms, any hint of habit or routine can be misinterpreted as complacency, so don’t be ‘the guy who wears the double-breasted suit every day’. Mix it up for maximum effect.

Invest in the best materials
Subtle differences are key to any older man’s wardrobe. Your suits or jackets don’t need to be noticeably different from a younger man’s – but they should be better.
High-quality fabrics and tailored fits are the best way to achieve this subtle edge. Two navy blazers of the same cut and colour can look noticeably different if one is made of thick, rich wool and cut to the wearer’s measurements, and the other is untrimmed and made of a thinner, cheaper fabric. Having clothes that are a little better than everyone else’s is worth investing in later life. And it gives young men something to strive for that they can always use.

Less is more
All that being said, an older man doesn’t need to be flashy in his business attire. Understated elegance is key. Good fabrics, quality suits and all the details are just right — and then stop there.
Fancy watches, designer brands and aggressively slim silhouettes are for younger men. Your clothes and accessories should look good, dignified and comfortable. This will elevate you above any subtle dominance. In suits and jackets, this can be achieved with softer shoulders and a less pronounced tapered waist. In more casual attire, sticking to darker, more muted colours and avoiding stark blacks and whites will have a similar effect.

Business attire for mature men – what to wear
1. Really great, stylish men’s suits . This is when you really need to shine. Don’t be afraid to live the good life with your suit choices.
2. A few crisp white shirts for the most formal business occasions. For a touch of elegance, wear ivory or cream instead of pure bleached white.
3. Enough ties to always have the right one for an outfit. You’ve been collecting them for over twenty years; you should have plenty.
4. A navy blazer and gray wool trousers in a quality fabric that fits your measurements.
5. Black leather Balmoral Oxfords , well polished. The leather soles are an extra touch of elegance (and very comfortable to walk in once you get the hang of it).
6. Pocket squares, cufflinks as needed, and a simple, stylish wristwatch.
7. A good wool coat that goes at least to the back of the thighs. Dark navy or charcoal are good colors, and camel or khaki are good choices for a second coat.

Style is not age-specific. But that doesn’t give men the freedom to dress however they want. Embrace new opportunities to experiment with different styles as you age. Don’t be afraid to completely change your style as you move from one decade to the next. At the end of the day, always keep these philosophies in mind when it comes to dressing for your age:

Have fun, it’s okay if your outfit doesn’t hit the mark at first (it’s part of the process).
Love yourself, stay true to yourself, and wear your clothes to reflect the best version of yourself.

Be confident, feel as young/mature as you look, and don’t let clothes wear you out…