The Sunday News
Rutendo Chidawanyika
YOUNGER men are looking sharper than ever these days, and that’s a good thing. We like to see them take fashion trends seriously and experimen.
However, this becomes a challenge for the older men or the formal type of guy (a man who is always dressed in formal either by choice or job description).
With a lot of fashion coverage especially in magazines and tv programs — dominated by guys fresh out of college, it’s not always easy to make the newest looks work as you transition from formal to casual.
So how can a man with a white collar job look sharp when he is not a work? Accountants, lawyers, doctors and even editors (or any other office job) have a certain way they like to dress. Not to judge or to say it’s wrong but switch it up on a weekend, will you? Only a handful of guys can transition well and blend in. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing a suit and tie but there are other outfits that you can rock outside the office.
These are the must haves to turn that swag up (even in your 40s or 50s)
T-shirts — Don’t throw out the plain white undershirts, but get ready to move away from baggy tees with graphic logos or designs on them. Those are a younger man’s game. Start wearing casual collared shirts instead: short-sleeved work shirts, polos, and patterned dress shirts. They give you a little more class without overdressing things.
Henley shirts — A slightly more fashionable alternative to the t-shirt, with a small buttoning opening at the top but no turndown collar. Good for when you want a relaxed look, but still want to stand out apart from other guys.
Sweatshirts – Get rid of the college hoodies, those are last season and will make any man look like a boy. Wear light sweaters and cardigans instead, or even outer layers like jean and leather jackets.
Coats — Similarly, upgrade a generic canvas or nylon coat to a sturdy sportcoat or blazer. With a sweater underneath, they’ll hold up until the winter season ends and you can still wear it next winter. Own a good wool overcoat for when that happens.
Blazers — Own at least one traditional navy blazer. It’s okay if it’s a little boxy and stiff-looking, with the brass buttons and everything. You’ll wear it when you want to look respectable, but a suit would be too formal. Once you have one of these you’ll surprise yourself with how often you wear it.
Sports jackets — The blazer’s dressed-down cousin. A couple of these in textured weaves will keep you looking good all winter and even on a cold summer night. They’re versatile, and can be made to work in almost any social setting.
Leather jackets — If you find one you love and the quality is good, it’s worth whatever the price tag says. If you don’t love it, or the quality is cheap, or the fit is bad (leather’s not adjustable), skip it.
Blue jeans — There’s nothing wrong with these, some of the time. Get them dark and close-fitted and they look great. But throw in some corduroys, khakis, colored chinos, and wool dress slacks too. So many men wear the same type of trousers every day that a man who varies his up always stands out.
Khakis — They don’t have to be boring. Keep them slim and fitted, in a nice light hue, and pair them with colors outside the office-casual staple light blue.
Never underestimate the transformative power of a shoe. A guy in dark jeans and a tight white T-shirt wearing sneakers edgy. The same guy in the same jeans and t-shirt with a pair of dark leather work shoes is fashion conscious. If there’s one underrated wardrobe upgrade every aspiring dresser should work on, it’s the SHOES.
Dress boots — Smooth leather boots, but a little more rugged and relaxed-looking than dress shoes. A great way to stay good-looking but dry in rainy weather without resorting to shoes filled with water.
Brogues — Tooled leather shoes with decorative hole patterns punched in the uppers. Your safe, default dress-casual staple. For a bit more flair and those who are fashion crazy. Brogues are risky so if you are not a fan no one will penalize you.
Sneakers — Gym shoes are for the gym. Outside its pavement, wear leather shoes most of the time. Casual loafers, brogues, and boots all work well. So do leather work shoes. Colored canvas sneakers (think Converse All-Stars) and a few sneakers are what grown men can get away with. Do skip the younger nikes and adidas.
Belts — A plain brown one and a plain black one are a must. If they’re designed to take interchangeable buckles, so much the better. Beyond that, add whatever suits your tastes — there are a lot of options here. Remember to match the blet with the shoes for that edge.
Watches — Ideally, you should never look at your cell phone for the time. Have a dress watch and a more casual one, if you can. If you cannot do a watch then bracelets and accessories will be a better option.
Take advantage of it all. A well-dressed man in his 30s should look confident, classic, and just a bit more conservative than his younger counterparts.
You don’t need to look fresh off the runway — you need to look too savvy to bother with chasing those winds of fashion.
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