50 year old wants to change wardrobe.

[philosophe]

Re pleated pants: try on pleated and flat front models and see what looks better. If pleats, never, ever more than two. Those accordion like pants from the 90's look horrible.

 

[buckster13]

Magoo, thanks for the direction. You give me a great starting point.

 

[mr. magoo]

Originally Posted by buckster13

Magoo, thanks for the direction. You give me a great starting point.

No problem. Remember the answer to all your specific questions can be very difficult. Pleated pants or flat front? Button-down or straight collar? Two-button jacket or three-button jacket? Double-breasted or single-breasted? There is no right answer to any of those, just preferences amongst people. You can look great choosing any of them, or terrible.

But you have to know the fundamentals of fit first before deciding. You can rock $10 pants and a $5 shirt with a $50 jacket and shoes if it fits right, is well cared for, and flatters you. You can look like crap in a $2000 suit and $500 shirt if they don't. Remember clothes, when chosen correctly, are meant to correct your physical deficiencies -- the bulging gut, the stoop, etc. The difficult part is learning how to choose ones that complement you as a person.

Once you have that down, you're in a better place to make decisions about particular pieces of clothing, styles, etc. Until then, you're kind of shooting in the dark and are likely to spend some money that benefits you, and spend some money that doesn't.

 

[norton]

I'll second the lands end shirts. I'm very happy with the price and fit of their custom shirts. Their only drawback is the limited fabric choices, but they're great for core solids.

I'm 49 and have been going through a similar experience for the last month or so. I'd suggest concentrating on shoes, quality shoes make an enormous difference. I've been building an Alden collection.

 

[kitonbrioni]

Perhaps if you posted a picture of your current "best" outfit, it would be helpful in offering suggests of upgrading.

 

[Bradford]

Congratulations on the decision to upgrade your wardrobe.

I agree with the suggestion that you post some pictures of your current style and also suggest that you start by doing a great deal of reading on this site.

I would suggest that the basics to emulate the Clooney style include a few good suits, specifically gray and navy. While they don't have to be expensive, you should get them tailored so they fit properly.

The next move would be to pick up some spread collar dress shirts in white and blue. Either barrel or french cuffs would be fine although french will require to also buy at least one pair of cufflinks.

Finally, although I don't hate tassel loafers like some of my fellow forumites, you probably want to get some lace-up dress shoes. Search the threads for styles you like. Allen Edmonds can be found for reasonable prices and are a good basic shoe. More expensive suggestions can be found throughout the forum.

Whatever you do, have fun and welcome to the forum.

 

[mr monty]

Originally Posted by buckster13

No tassle loafers, and will check out L/E shirts. How about some pleated wool pants?

Pleated wool trousers is a go. Leave the "slim fit " stuff for the younger guys. And don't rule out tassle loafers. Alden has a nice brown suede pair.

 

[Thurston]

+10,000 on buying quality over quantity. And that doesn't have to mean buying only expensive items. If I had it all to do over again I'd have much less mediocre (in terms of fit, quality and color) stuff in my closet. I know people say this over and over, but I'm not sure how many practice it. It requires patience and discipline.

I also wouldn't dismiss pleated pants. I generally prefer flat front chinos but pleated wool pants. Buy what fits your body, your age and what you want to look like. Just remember that pleated pants don't have to look like a mainsail.

I like and own those tassel loafers too.

 

[a tailor]

fit comes first.

 

[HomerJ]

Originally Posted by kitonbrioni

Perhaps if you posted a picture of your current "best" outfit, it would be helpful in offering suggests of upgrading.

+1

 

[buckster13]

It's starting to take shape here. I love the Alden shoes and those are a great place for me to start. I was also thinking about the spread collar shirts, I have way too many buttondown. I also spent a about an hour reading "what are you wearing now", I'll look into building a basic start. Thanks

 

[Fade to Black]

if you liked Clooney's looks in the 'Ocean's' movies, go Armani MTM.

 

[buckster13]

what does MTM refer too? Sorry, fashionwise I'm pretty stupid

 

[Raz]

Originally Posted by buckster13

what does MTM refer too? Sorry, fashionwise I'm pretty stupid

Welcome

MTM means

Made-to-measure

"Made-to-measure suits are based on an already existing pattern that is adapted to match the idiosyncrasies of a clients body shape and posture. The process is not as intensive as that adopted for custom suits and again the finish and cut of the suit will be magnificent. A made-to-measure suit usually weighs in at about half the cost of a custom suit."

http://www.toffsworld.com/fashion_de...mens_suits.php - 14k -

 

[chorse123]

Originally Posted by buckster13

what does MTM refer too? Sorry, fashionwise I'm pretty stupid

No need to apologize. We all have to start somewhere. MTM is short for Made to Measure, where a garment is made for a customer based on their measurements. I would stay away from Armani Made to Measure however as it's going to be absurdly expensive.