new thread
Well - it's time to re-invest in wardrobe and I must confess that I'm completely at a loss. So - I thought I'd solicit opinions on how to proceed from a group of "stylin' people".
My fundamental issue is that at 44 with new long(ish) hair I have no idea on what sort of clothes etc would work best for me. My loving (and very patient) wife is happy to point out that there are pants on sale at Walmart but beyond that isn't able to be helpful. I have no interest in trying to relive my youth (where I also had no style sense) and want to appear to be what I am - a 44 year-old dad who has a professional, responsible job.
My lifestyle is basically in two parts. For my casual "around home" part, I live in a small, fairly conservative town with two teenagers and want to look like I'm their dad rather than some homeless guy that they're taking pity on. This - I can almost do on my own. The second part is tougher. I work in IT for a conservative, family owned distribution company. I spend the bulk of my time in the office, on the phone and in meetings. I do occasionally have to go into the plant as well. I believe that at work they think I look like a partially reformed biker.
Right now around home it's jeans (now faded and baggy) and sweatshirts (down to just black ones). For work, I wear a white shirt, tie, and docker type pants with black safety shoes. The advice I had from a dear friend many years ago for work attire was to look around at how everyone else is dressing ("business casual") and dress just slightly better. As far as the hair goes, around town it's often in a tail but occasionally loose. At work it's in a segmented tail or a bun.
A "challenge" to work around is that in the winter I like to grow out a large fuzzy beard which I trim back after new-years. The beard IS optional and I'm willing to make changes to it.
I've attached pictures so you can get an idea of what the base material is.
What I want to end up with is an image that reflects who I think I am - a conservative almost middle-aged guy who has a quirky side. I've thought about going for the "engineering professor" look at work but am not sure I could get the hang of a bow-tie.
What I'm looking for is some guidance on where to turn. Some pictures of people who you think have a style like what I'm thinking of would be helpful. Suggestions of where else to ask would also be helpful. As I said, I'm looking at "re-investing" in my wardrobe - so it will be out with the old (which is pretty worn out) and in with the new and I do expect to spend a fair bit of money to do it but will expect it to last me a few years as well.
Thank you everyone for your support of my hair-growing journey and now the "search for style".
Andrew B
How about investing in henley-style or polo-style knit tops? They are stylish and casual, but don't look teenagey. Buy them in heathered-knit or other textured knit for variety.
Long sleeve henley; http://www.mountainbosshoss.com/IMAGES/Copy%20of%20Henley%20LS%20white.jpg
Short sleeve henley: http://www.aspshop.net/upload/upimg8/Anvil-Cotton-Deluxe-Short-Sleeve-Ash-Colorblock-Henley-30138.jpg
Classic polo: http://www.bennettsclothing.com/images/polo_mesh_model.jpg
Supplement your jeans with cotton twills in black, navy, brown, kahki, and plumb colors.
Add cotton pinwale corduroys in black, grey, beige/tan and brown.
These would be good choices for casual wear that would expand your wardrobe, and enable you to be conservatively dressed for a 40 something man. Try Target and Kohls for inexpensive styles like this, if you can afford a little more, by a few really nice pieces at a store like Macy's. Stores like Old Navy and Eddie Bower are good sources for casual knit tops. Don't buy from just one store. You definitely need more than jeans and sweats.
These are ideas of what I see as more conservative casual wear being worn by the mature male. Pick what appeals to you, and make it your style. Pick colors that complement your hair color, eye color and complexion (wife can help there). For comfort, stick to cotton or cotton-ramie or cotton-linen blends. Avoid polyesters or polyester blends. Natural fabrics also last longer. And look for sales when you can. HTH!
Carol - thanks for the input. I like the Henley long-sleeve shirt.
Well you asked, so here's my $0.02 worth...
For business, slacks/khakis along with a polo or collared shirt seems to work for many "business casual" environments. My first job post-Navy required a shirt and tie for a while, but my latest position goes well with the "polo and khakis" arrangement.
For "off-duty" hours [grin], the first rule in my mind is to be comfy. Jeans or khakis can work for the bottom half, with polos, t-shirts, more casual-styled collared shirts, etc for the upper half.
On the other hand, at home I wear what works for me, period. The only concession I generally make to people coming over is that I'll throw a shirt on instead of sitting around in nothing but a pair of shorts.
Jim