Oldesters - What are you wearing?

Embossy

Most older people especially males seem to dress in dowdy and boring clothes. Personally, I always dress young, even though I am a male in my 60s. I wear skinny jeans, denim jackets and leather biker jackets in the colder months. I would not be seen dead in suit and tie and baggy shapeless pants. What do you guys thinks and what do you wear?

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

I don't know how to describe my style of clothing. It varies by the season and what's in the shops. Certainly never a suit, shirt and tie, except perhaps a wedding or funeral. That said I'd never wear a demi jacket or biker jacket - evening my youth. Light summer trousers and T-shirts or short sleeved shirts at present. Jeans, jumpers, and an occasional sports coat type jackets have a place in the wardrobe along with fleeces and an odd overcoat.

finla

I've been wearing shorts for the last two months. I find the older I get the less I care about what anyone thinks about my clothes. I wear what I feel comfortable in!

OldGoat

"When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat that doesn't go, and doesn't suit me,
And I shall spend my pension
on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals,
and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I am tired,
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells,
And run my stick along the public railings,
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other people's gardens,
And learn to spit.
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat,
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go,
Or only bread and pickle for a week,
And hoard pens and pencils and beer mats
and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry,
And pay our rent and not swear in the street,
And set a good example for the children.
We will have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practise a little now?
So people who know me
are not too shocked and surprised,
When suddenly I am old
and start to wear purple! "

Jenny Joseph

Suits, shirts and ties worn out of choice rather than requirement. Thats how I rock.

looksee

Right on OG, love that, and have started (metaphorically) 'wearing purple'. I wear purple anyway. Sometimes.

cavu

I prefer the shape and fit of bootcut wranglers on men.

Cannot wait for skinny jeans to go out of style, never liked them on anyone.

Embossy

finla wrote: »

I've been wearing shorts for the last two months. I find the older I get the less I care about what anyone thinks about my clothes. I wear what I feel comfortable in!

Good for you! Likewise, as I get older, I don't give a damn about what people think about the clothes that I wear. I wear what I like and if people don't approve, how cares!

Embossy

cavu wrote: »

I prefer the shape and fit of bootcut wranglers on men.

Cannot wait for skinny jeans to go out of style, never liked them on anyone.

Must disagree! I just love wearing skinny jeans as they are comfortable, practical and suitable for cycling and riding etc.

cavu

Embossy wrote: »

Must disagree! I just love wearing skinny jeans as they are comfortable, practical and suitable for cycling and riding etc.

If it makes you happy, so be it.

It would not be my preference and personally think a skinny jean looks rather effeminate on men.

Jellybaby1

I parked in the supermarket carpark today. A chap got out of his car, tall, lean, blonde hair, shades, beard, skinny jeans. Looked great! If you want to wear them, wear them. But only if you look like him. He was a dreamboat! If only I was 40 years younger! Sigh, have I reached my dotage at last?

dr.fuzzenstein

I have a look I call "sports-casual"

Graces7

Long . graceful, flowing, that covers many facets I would prefer not to be visible..

dr.fuzzenstein

But seriously, 99% jeans and T-shirt and some comfy runners. And nerdy t-shirts at that. Star trek, marvel, star wars, DC and so on.
In the summer 3/4 length shorts and short sleeved shirts. Lucky to have an easygoing employer. You need it at 30 degrees.
Sandals and flip-flops whenever I can get away with them.
In the winter add a ski jacket and a fleece. You'll need it at -20.
And I'd feel naked without my mjölnir necklace, Seiko and the 2 rings, the stainless steel engagement ring and my silver claddagh wedding ring. Don't like gold jewellery.
I'm 48 and you wouldn't catch me dead in a suit. Literally. I will stipulate in my will not to be buried or cremated in one.
I have worn a tie four times in the last 10 years, three job interviews and one funeral.
I will never wear one again if I can help it.

Day Lewin

I'm wearing purple already anyway. Also red and black, and lace. I like feminine, skirts and dresses, with a bit of movement and flow. Often a hat, too.
Absolutely can't stand that old-dear-y look with short hair, long tee-shirt and three-quarter length pants.
Each to their own, of course, but I wouldn't even be buried in such an androgynous rig.

Embossy

dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »

But seriously, 99% jeans and T-shirt and some comfy runners. And nerdy t-shirts at that. Star trek, marvel, star wars, DC and so on.
In the summer 3/4 length shorts and short sleeved shirts. Lucky to have an easygoing employer. You need it at 30 degrees.
Sandals and flip-flops whenever I can get away with them.
In the winter add a ski jacket and a fleece. You'll need it at -20.
And I'd feel naked without my mjölnir necklace, Seiko and the 2 rings, the stainless steel engagement ring and my silver claddagh wedding ring. Don't like gold jewellery.
I'm 48 and you wouldn't catch me dead in a suit. Literally. I will stipulate in my will not to be buried or cremated in one.
I have worn a tie four times in the last 10 years, three job interviews and one funeral.
I will never wear one again if I can help it.

Good for you! I like your style! Likewise, I would not be seen dead in a suit.

Embossy

cavu wrote: »

If it makes you happy, so be it.

It would not be my preference and personally think a skinny jean looks rather effeminate on men.

As regards skinny jeans being ' effeminate ', back in the 50s, when young men discovered fashion and rebelled against the drab colourless dress style of their fathers, drainpipe trousers were a trend of that time. Today's male skinny jeans wearers are simply continuing on that tradition of non-conformity.

OldGoat

Embossy wrote: »

As regards skinny jeans being ' effeminate ', back in the 50s, when young men discovered fashion and rebelled against the drab colourless dress style of their fathers, drainpipe trousers were a trend of that time. Today's male skinny jeans wearers are simply continuing on that tradition of non-conformity.

You consider jeans to be 'non-conforming'? Jeans and tee-shirts are uniform and trying to find something other then jeans and tees, particularly for men, ranges from difficult to nigh on impossible. Skinny, bootcut, bellbottoms, highwaist, parallels or whatever other cut/design of jean are simply variations of a pair of work-trousers. You might as well be wearing a boiler-suit.
Each to their own of course but don't mistake jeans as being anti-establishment.

Day Lewin

OldGoat wrote: »

You consider jeans to be 'non-conforming'? Jeans and tee-shirts are uniform and trying to find something other then jeans and tees, particularly for men, ranges from difficult to nigh on impossible. Skinny, bootcut, bellbottoms, highwaist, parallels or whatever other cut/design of jean are simply variations of a pair of work-trousers. You might as well be wearing a boiler-suit.
Each to their own of course but don't mistake jeans as being anti-establishment.

Jeans are the ultimate uniform, EVERYONE wears them.
How to look exactly the same as everyone else: wear jeans.

Now, a kilt, for gentlemen...ooh yeah.
Very comfortable, very handsome, and very non-conformist. What's not to love??

Jellybaby1

Oh dear. Ohdearohdear. Ohdearohdearohdear! A KILT!?? Ohdear. :eek:

Embossy

OldGoat wrote: »

You consider jeans to be 'non-conforming'? Jeans and tee-shirts are uniform and trying to find something other then jeans and tees, particularly for men, ranges from difficult to nigh on impossible. Skinny, bootcut, bellbottoms, highwaist, parallels or whatever other cut/design of jean are simply variations of a pair of work-trousers. You might as well be wearing a boiler-suit.
Each to their own of course but don't mistake jeans as being anti-establishment.

There was a time when only tough guys wore jeans and denim jackets and the really tough guys wore jeans and leather jackets. I remember a time when jeans were banned from certain places of entertainment. I agree that jeans and tee-shirts are now so widely worn that they have lost their tough guy rebel image, but there was a time when they were considered ' way out ' .

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Embossy wrote: »

There was a time when only tough guys wore jeans and denim jackets and the really tough guys wore jeans and leather jackets. I remember a time when jeans were banned from certain places of entertainment. I agree that jeans and tee-shirts are now so widely worn that they have lost their tough guy rebel image, but there was a time when they were considered ' way out ' .

We must live in different worlds. I'm in my mid 70s and never saw jeans nor denim considered tough guy apparel - except on characters in a few America movies. Certainly they went through a phase of being 'cool' and trendy but that was en route from work clothes to common everyday wear. I'll wear them and couldn't tell you what my preferred leg type is called. They're just practical and hardwearing and suit going for a winter walk or, when past their best, for doing the garden.

Ragnar Lothbrok

52 year old skinhead here! I still wear Doc Martens and tight jeans, although my jeans are now longer than in my youth when I'd wear them rolled up to the top of my 14-hole Docs (I only wear 8-hole Docs now).

I also wear soccer jerseys most days, which many people consider tacky on an "older gentleman" but I don't care. I work in a job where luckily there is no strict dress code and we don't deal face-to-face with the public, so within reason pretty much anything goes.

I have a Harrington jacket for decent weather and a black pilot jacket for cold weather. I also have a lovely black Crombie overcoat which I wear when the occasion calls for it.

I've dressed like this pretty much all my life since I was a teenager, and I did wonder if I was "mutton dressed as lamb" in my 30s and 40s, but I never really felt comfortable in anything else.

Having said all that, I don't have a problem wearing a suit, shirt and tie when I have to. In fact I quite like it on the rare occasions I do wear a suit.

I hope I'll be dressing in the same style when in my 80s

looksee

Back in the day, when I was about 16 I was dressed to go to the youth club. I was wearing clean (ironed ) jeans, a brown shirt (also clean and ironed) and Jesus sandals. My mother looked at me and said 'you're not going out dressed like that, are you?' I think the brown shirt was the main offender, I had not been aware of the 'Brown Shirts' at that stage. Anyway I went.

Edit, to stay on topic, I still wear jeans if I feel like it, or floaty skirts, or trousers, and tee shirts or short sleeved jumpers or those tops that look like a short dress over trousers. Or whatever I feel like. I don't like fitted clothes, jackets, shiny jewellery (I like beads) or synthetic fabrics. Like another regular on the forum I like dressing up, in my case in (reasonably authentic) historical type outfits especially long skirts.

Day Lewin

I dare anyone to post a pic of what they were wearing today. Okay, this weekend.

looksee

Don't need a pic, jeans, (old) teeshirt, fleece, christmas socks. In my defence I have been housecleaning and ironing, and its lashing rain and chilly here.

Edit: the fleece has ancient paint on one sleeve.

Jellybaby1

I think we have been asked to post photos of ourselves a long time back and I believe only two here have ever done so, not me. Today I was.......adorable!

cavu

Embossy wrote: »

As regards skinny jeans being ' effeminate ', back in the 50s, when young men discovered fashion and rebelled against the drab colourless dress style of their fathers, drainpipe trousers were a trend of that time. Today's male skinny jeans wearers are simply continuing on that tradition of non-conformity.

You mean the non-conformity of wearing the very same skinny jean that every other fashionista male is wearing? :rolleyes:

cavu

I am comfortable in (non shape-conforming) linen, crisp cotton shirts, dad jeans (cue Embossy rolling his eyes).

Was never sold on the idea that "clothes make the man." Tis the man that makes the clothes, regardless of style or quality - fashion is just window dressing.

looksee

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

I think we have been asked to post photos of ourselves a long time back and I believe only two here have ever done so, not me. Today I was.......adorable!

Its generally considered now Not A Good Idea to post pics (though not forbidden) for personal security reasons.

Embossy

cavu wrote: »

You mean the non-conformity of wearing the very same skinny jean that every other fashionista male is wearing? :rolleyes:

It's the non-conformity of a middle aged male wearing skinny jeans! I have never seen a man in my age group wearing the skin tight jeans that I wear.

Jellybaby1

looksee wrote: »

.... (I like beads) ..... Like another regular on the forum I like dressing up, in my case in (reasonably authentic) historical type outfits especially long skirts.

Still a hippie at heart Looksee!

twignme

I'm 62, and while I am very happy to don a smart suit for work or the little black dress and heels when required, more often than not in my down time the clothes are skinny jeans, converse or ankle boots, biker jacket or washed out denim shirt and my trusty arab shemag.
Oh, and a little dab of Chanel No5 behind the ears.

Embossy

twignme wrote: »

I'm 62, and while I am very happy to don a smart suit for work or the little black dress and heels when required, more often than not in my down time the clothes are skinny jeans, converse or ankle boots, biker jacket or washed out denim shirt and my trusty arab shemag.
Oh, and a little dab of Chanel No5 behind the ears.

You sound like a real cool 62 year old twignme! I notice that mature ladies are more likely to wear trendier clothes than men of a similar age. I also wear skinny jeans and biker jackets, but I have seldom seen males of my age dressing like I do.

twignme

Embossy wrote: »

You sound like a real cool 62 year old twignme! I notice that mature ladies are more likely to wear trendier clothes than men of a similar age. I also wear skinny jeans and biker jackets, but I have seldom seen males of my age dressing like I do.

Thanks Embossy. I recall my late mother many many years ago, refusing to go into what she called a ‘cardigan shop’ for clothes. I didn’t understand then, but I do now.

cavu

Embossy wrote: »

It's the non-conformity of a middle aged male wearing skinny jeans! I have never seen a man in my age group wearing the skin tight jeans that I wear.

There's good reason for it.

Some fashions are best outgrown :pac:

Embossy

For me, clothes are how I express myself and stand out from the crowd. My look could be described as Biker/Rocker - long shoulder length hair, earrings, denim, black leather and boots. I have no intention of changing my look just because I have reached a certain age. So, it's a case of Rock On!

tayto lover

finla wrote: »

I've been wearing shorts for the last two months. I find the older I get the less I care about what anyone thinks about my clothes. I wear what I feel comfortable in!

Me too.
Love my shorts and polo shirts. Might wear a body warmer over the polo when it gets cool. Dress for comfort.

Jellybaby1

So tweeds are out then for all of us? Not the merest hint of twin set and pearls for any of the ladies here? Thought not.

OldGoat

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

I think we have been asked to post photos of ourselves a long time back and I believe only two here have ever done so, not me. Today I was.......adorable!

There are probably dozens of photos of me scattered throughout Boards. I've never been one to shy from a camera lens nor to hide my light behind a bushel.

Jellybaby1 wrote: »

So tweeds are out then for all of us? Not the merest hint of twin set and pearls for any of the ladies here? Thought not.

Love a good tweed. Have plans to go island hopping in Scotland later this year in search of some nice whiskys and hopefully picking up a couple of bolts of tweed for a new suit.

Jellybaby1

You always were one of a kind OG!

OldGoat

I'd blush but no-one would be fooled by that.

dr.fuzzenstein

cavu wrote: »

There's good reason for it.

Some fashions are best outgrown :pac:

People say that because they have literally outgrown them and skinny jeans are never sexy with a beer belly hanging over them.
If I didn't have one, I'd wear them too...