on October 15 | in Fashion, Issue 11 | by John Hand | with No Comments

The final frontier—or is it?

This decade is one of great wisdom and understanding of your sphere of influence, which can mean a variety of things. The likes of these with the addition of a few personalized hurdles: empty nest syndrome, reconnection with your partner, retirement realization and monetary concerns, additions to the family, grandchildren, or the loss of a partner.

This decade is one of great wisdom and understanding of your sphere of influence, which can mean a variety of things.

As for adjusting your wardrobe to this new decade of change, keep your clothes tailored to where your body is presently. Not when I lose “X” amount of weight. We all have a mental image in our head of where we want to be and where we are presently. That’s okay.

Just because your age has a new digit in front of it, do not let it dictate a shapeless grocery sack shape.

This means a lower rise on pants/jeans, especially if you have added a few extra pounds as we have aged. This happens to EVERYONE…it’s not personal. Make sure your pants are comfortable but not “saggy” in the seat or crotch. This visually gives the appearance of being heavier than in reality. As for jackets or suit coats, see that they skim the body to maximize vertical profile as they minimize the morphing of the body shape. Shirts, whether casual or work wear, should always be body appropriate. Just because your age has a new digit in front of it, do not let it dictate a shapeless grocery sack shape. Your tailor is just as important to your wardrobe as your doctor, lawyer, or accountant is to you. Have a bit of fun with shoes, socks, or belts.

  

Create points of heightened interest. Try a unique color of shoes/belt in cobalt blue, forest green, or deep red. Yes, even with the navy or grey suit, go out on the town or to a business meeting. Utilize textures in your wardrobe to add interest. Menswear has finally begun to branch out of just herringbones, stripes, or plaids. The major fabric mills have launched into woven honeycomb, micro basket weaves, and random plaids in jackets and pants. Some mills have added a mix of angora or vicuna to wools to up the ante of the “hand” tactile feeling of the fabric. Have fun with it…you have earned the right to break some of the “accepted norms of fashion” due to that you have not only survived the test of time but won!

Have fun with it…you have earned the right to break some of the ‘accepted norms of fashion’ due to that you have not only survived the test of time but won!

If this seems alien to you, try this on in a more social setting first. If you get a bit of good-natured teasing from someone, you can borrow one of my reasons: “Because I can!”

Any one of these factors or a combination of them can be an adjustment to the “life” you are accustomed to. Embrace where you are and be ready to make the necessary changes as the options make themselves visible. This is in direct parallel to your wardrobe. Be attuned to where you are mentally, physically, and financially. I know this sounds far too logical but not many cut to the core issues present. Be mindful that the “age factor” of our years has retreated 20 years! The age clock has been set back in your favor. Our parents’ 50 to 60 genre is now 30 to 40.

Most important of all, be good to yourself and others, and have fun in all aspects of your life!

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