Fashion tips for a 40 yr old bloke.

[Chrissy Boy]

What should I be wearing as casual gear. I'm 6' tall and largish build. I currently wear clothes i.e. t-shirt and trousers that somehow make me look small or rather short in the leg. Do I trail around the shops asking advice are or there web sites I can study. Everything is geared for thin 20yr olds and I can't wear there stuff ( Oldest swinger in town) nor do I want to end up looking 65.

Any suggestions?

[jocasta]

As a woman I would suggest you try somewhere like Next, they sell 'normal' blokes clothes. Try to go for neutral colours, not patterns or stripes (most people, let alone blokes dont know how to mix/match) like Beige, khaki, Navy, some Black, white. Look for non-high fashion items, clothes that will last past fads. The important thing is to get clothes that fit properly, ask the assistants to measure you properly around the chest, neck and trouser length (they get asked all the time - you are not gay for doing this!) Hope this helps, if all else fails, get a really honest woman and take her shopping with you!

[spudqueen]

While you're out and about (at work/in the pub/ out shopping etc) have a look at what other blokes your age/size are wearing and if they look good go for some similar clothes, but make sure you try them on first to check size; does the colour suit you; and do you like it

[sunflower68]

I think a great look for any young ish (sorry!) guy is a longer white tshirt under a cool sweatshirt (Tesco do very reasonable and fashionable stuff).  For some reason and I don't know why this look seems to knock years off . Try and think 'loose and casual', instead of baggy or, the opposite, tight.

[DrPhil]

I'd try the jeans (normal without being low slung or too baggy) with a shirt over, rather than tucked in ,kind of look! The shirt must be plain, not patterened, with maybe fine vertical stripes. Ben Sherman in Debenhams do a great range of shirts in s-xxxl sizes, which are also shapely. As Sunflower says, looser rather than tighter! Footwear casual with jeans, not necessarily trainers - you can buy something between a shoe and a trainer from most department stores or sports shops. Pay attention to your overwear also! No anorack styles! As jocasta says - next have a good range, also Debenhams, as they have lots of independent retailers there! Good luck mate.

[Englishbird]

trouser length is critical :o) When you put on a pair of trousers or jeans the back of the trouser should be about half an inch off the floor, if not touching, so the front will fall over part of your shoe.  Loads of people get this wrong (myself included) Shirts out in stead of in, and agree with above comment about white t-shirt under a sweat shirt or jumper.  Should just show at the bottom and top.  Classic colours and good fabrics.

[Eeeek]

and no white socks.....

Trinny and Susannah did a makeover of Jeremy Clarkson and made him look pretty cool altho he immediately went back to his old way so just dont dress like him and you should be fine!

[Loosehead]

Clarification please.

two have mnentioned a white t shirt under a sweatshirt showing at the bottom and top. You mean the tshirt should not be tucked in andshould hang below the level of the sweatshirt?? Have I mis understood?

[Englishbird]

http://order.next.co.uk/page.asp?b=X35&p=366&o=1

Yes, the t-shirt should hang below the sweatshirt but only slightly! not down to your knees - there's some examples on the next website above.  Some tops you can buy already look like they've got a t-shirt inside them.

Shouldn't be tried with a sweatshirt with an elasticated bottom :o)

[magicdice]

i wouldn't bother trying to make yourself look shorter

i'm 17, and i'm 5'11 but still wear heels & show off my legs lots, because you'll look better dressing in what makes you look & feel good rather than in what makes you look of a similar build to everyone else

[Chrissy Boy]

Thanks all. Got the day off tomorrow and going with female friend for honest criticism. I shall try all your suggestions

Cheers