10 Things I Want From Clothes
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I am not trying to dress like somebody’s idea of an older man. I have nothing against comfort, but I am not interested in clothes that look like somebody gave up and called it mature. That is not the lane I ride in.
I still like color. Clothes with a snazzy cut. Clothes chosen with a purpose are the way I have made fashion decisions all my life. As an older guy, the only thing that has changed is I now care about whether my clothes work for my real life instead of whether they match some style rule somebody made up.
I need clothes that move with me, layer well, and let me dress up or down depending on the occasion. I want style, and have no interest in fighting with my clothes throughout the day.
1. Clothes need to fit without putting up a fight
Fit matters because bad fit turns into a whole attitude problem. A shirt that pulls in the wrong place, a jacket that locks up at the wrong moment, or pants that make sitting down a negotiation are not helping me.
A good fit should let me move, breathe, drive, work, and still look put together. I do not need perfection. I need clothes that understand I have a body and a day to get through.
2. Layers actually matter regardless of the time of year
I am a year-round jacket person. I keep a jacket or sweater on me, in my truck, and at work because I do not trust buildings, offices, or anybody else’s thermostat.
My usual setup is a wicking shirt, a top shirt, and a jacket. I adjust the weight depending on the season. From around September to April-ish, I am probably wearing a long sleeve shirt as an undershirt regardless of what the rest of the outfit is doing.
Owned item: 32 Degrees Heat Men’s Lightweight Baselayer Crew Top – Thermal Long Sleeve Shirt
3. Jackets Are Essential
Jackets are not an extra for me. They are part of the outfit and part of the survival kit. A good jacket gives me warmth, shape, and options without making me look like I just grabbed whatever was closest to the door.
My go-to is my trusted cashmere sweater. I wear it daily at home and have worn it to work and out on the town. Other jackets in my collection include: a wool jacket, wool coat, and performance winter coat. Additionally, I mix multiple fleece jackets and hoodies because those get real use. Fleece may not sound fancy, but the right one can work hard and still look clean. As I type I have one of my favorite fleece jackets on.
Owned Item: Columbia NCAA mens Collegiate Flanker III Fleece Jacket and one I am winking at 100% Pure Cashmere Button Front Cardigan
4. A packable travel jacket
On a recent trip I didn’t have the right jacket with me so I am on the hunt for a packable travel jacket. I want something light enough to carry, warm enough to matter, and sharp enough that it does not look like I threw camping gear over real clothes. My options right now are camping level jackets, but I want to upgrade to something I can wear anywhere for any occasion.
Travel clothes need to earn their space. If I am packing it, it needs to work in more than one setting. A good packable jacket should cover chilly mornings, cold airport terminals, and those mystery rooms where somebody set the air conditioning to a meat locker.
Researching: TACVASEN Men’s Bomber Jacket Full Zipper Spring/Fall and TACVASEN Men’s Fleece Full Zip Lightweight Casual Jacket with Pockets
5. Uncompromising comfort
Comfort is not the same as giving up. I wear what I like and want and will not apologize for any fashion decision I make. Be it a fleece jacket or a hoodie. If I decide to rock a sweater it can be casual and still have presence if the whole outfit looks considered.
An outfit still with shape, color, and intention can be comfortable without looking like I got dressed in the dark.
6. Different Colors & Patterns
I like color. My current favorite is green though gray has creeped into my closet, but I put lots of color with it so my outfit does not scream “please do not notice me.”
Most of my outfits are not screaming out loud for attention. I leave that to my socks or tie. I just like clothes filled with color. Looks like 70’s colors and patterns are making a comeback. I don’t feel like I am going to break out in a sweat from looking at whats out today. While I will always fall back on a red quarter zip, a green jacket, or a blue shirt I look to make a simple outfit feel intentional.
Researching: JOGAL Mens 70s Floral Dress Shirt Long Sleeve and JOGAL Mens Striped Henley Shirt Short Sleeve Traditional African Dashiki
7. Versatility
Everything in my closet has to have the ability to move around a little. A shirt has to be able to work with jeans or slacks. A clean jacket can go casual or polished. A sweater can sit under a coat or stand on its own if the cut is right.
That kind of flexibility matters. When I was younger and trying to go clubbing I would put together “outfits” but today that does not work for me. A closet full of single-use outfits that don’t go with anything is useless to me. Clothes need to be able to handle a normal day without making me feel like I need a costume change.
I have tweaked the interchangeable wardrobe in true Generation X style. Instead of it applying to suits I applied it to my entire closet. Navy, charcoal gray, red, and green are in my closet in big ways. Added to the classic colors I have hundreds of combinations instead of a closet full of random shirts I bought just because they were on sale.
8. Fabric matters more than hype
Paying attention to how fabric feels matters above all else. If the fabric feels off the whole day goes down the drain. If the clothes don’t breathe, they remind me of polyester from back in the ’70s. If they don’t stretch where they need to, it increases the odds of a wardrobe malfunction. Since clothes today are wrinkle resistant, that is not a major concern but if the material is so weak it looks wrinkled all day that’s a deal breaker for me.
Warmth matters too. If it looks good but is so thin it offers no level of warmth I may as well be naked. I don’t think my wife would appreciate me trying to leave the house that way so I need the fabric to be heavy enough to get the job done.
9. Shoes are just as important
Shoes can pull the outfit together or ruin the whole thing. With old age and injuries I am wearing more casual shoes these days, but that does not mean I am wearing old folks orthopedic shoes! Color, style, and comfort are at the top of my list for a shoe. Shoes must look good, and not make walking feel like punishment.
Style is not useful if I am thinking about my feet all day. Using my HSA/FSA funds I have been able to find shoes that are stylish and comfortable. I was quite surprised to find out I could buy shoes using benefit money!
FYI: Before wading into the waters of todays orthopedic shoes be prepared for some back and forth with sizing. I had to return the Flux Footwear Adapt White Leather Trainer shoes twice to get it right because I wear thick socks and the shoes run small.
Owned Item: Gravity Defyer Mighty Walk Orthopedic Shoes for Men for Standing All Day, Comfort Wear Neuro Cushion Trainers, and Flux Footwear Adapt White Leather Trainer
10. Intentionality
Today all clothing choices are about intention. Every outfit doesn’t have to be fancy, but I do want to look like I gave the matter some thought. A good outfit should say I am comfortable, but not careless. Grown, but not boring. Big, fly, and still very much in the room.
That is the lane for me. Not chasing every trend. Not dressing invisible. Not letting comfort become an excuse to stop caring. I want clothes that work, look good, and let me move through the day like I belong in it.
With these tips and tricks you can look good while not feeling like an ancient dragon. What about you what are some tips that shape you closet and style?
