Our Senior Men Are Setting Fashion Trends In 2024

This is a call out to all men over 60! 2024 heralds the good news that your wardrobe is again in vogue. The trend is called, "eclectic grandpa"!

© Danielle Robertson Consulting Pty Ltd t/as DR Care Solutions

Grandfathers – lock your wardrobe!

If you’re male and over 60, lock your wardrobe as your children, grandchildren and relations may raid it for cardigans, vests, knitwear, tweed blazers and loafers. It’s a gender-neutral fashion trend - meaning everyone will be after your things!

In 2024, the “eclectic grandpa” look is in vogue. Basically, if you can picture a grandpa wearing the piece of clothing or accessory, fashionistas are advised to grab it for their grandpa-style wardrobe.

Find your own style for 2024

Trends aside, a new year brings the opportunity to express your style and creativity through what you wear. It certainly can bring a lift as those around you smile at your self-expression.

So let’s work on your self-expression for your mental health, and to raise the spirits of those around you.

Where do I start? Let’s find your style

American model Eric Rutherford^[1] (currently 55) gives the following advice to British GQ magazine readers:

“Firstly, I believe a man, whether 22 or 42 or 62, should dress for his personal sartorial expression. Not some trend or random ‘must’ list. My golden rule is find your style that fits your life and sets you up to represent your best self with great fun, flair and fit.”^[2]

Inspiration for your style

If you need some nudging, look at the Instagram pages of senior male fashion influencers such as Rutherford. A recent article in the UK-based Silver Magazine, a magazine for over 50s, identified 10 influencers^[3] with one being Australian, Craig Harris^[4], a Melbourne-based model!

Some pointers

While rules are frowned upon when it comes to expressing your own style, some men are simply lost when it comes to fashion so here’s five pointers from the influencers:

• Make sure your clothes fit properly. Your clothing needs to be comfortable and not too tight. This is important for your own wellbeing, physical and mental.

• Avoid the trendy fashion items and follow the classic styles of enduring fashion labels where the clothing is more tailored. Brands such as Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss and Gazman give some inspiration. If you cannot afford them, look at the style and seek out a lower priced equivalent at say at Uniqlo or Target.

• Avoid label emblazoned t-shirts, and unless you sport a six-pack, avoid t-shirts and any material that clings (while exercising is the exception of course!). Go for a collar in your casual shirts and wear cotton or linen.

• For wardrobe essentials consider:

  • A classic quality crisp white shirt (avoid tight fits), only buy 100% cotton or linen.

  • A pair of good fitting jeans, avoid ripped and distressed jeans, and avoid tight or skinny jeans. The preference is for a darker denim and, in summer, consider white jeans.

  • A tailored sports jacket (blazer), preferably navy or choose understated windowpane checks and houndstooth. A blazer is considered a style necessity, with the warning that it should look tailored.

  • A pair of quality dark brown lace-up leather shoes. Avoid the designer trainers.

  • A style of quality hat (Fedora, Akubra, French Flat Cap etc) that suits you and protects you from the sun.

• The influencers advise on investing in quality, not quantity. “Less is more” in senior stylish men speak. Also, they repeatedly speak of having a “good fit”. If it’s not a good fit, you can always go to a tailor.

Let 2024 be the year you express your seasoned style that comes with age - and have fun doing it!

Need help caring for a loved one? Please feel free to call me, Danielle Robertson, at any time for an initial discussion on how to set up the right care, support and assistance at the right time and in the right place.

Resources

^[1] Fashion Beans: 15 Style Lessons From Eric Rutherford 
^[2] GQ Magazine: How To Dress In Your 50s 
^[3] Silver Magazine: 10 Men Over 50 Proving That Age Is Just A Number 
^[4] Craig Harris - @craigbharris