The Ultimate Guide for Dressing Your Age – He Spoke Style

DRESS YOUR BEST AT ANY AGE

Dressing your age is a hot topic–no way around it. However, when it comes down to it, style is all about confidence. You want to look and feel good, no matter your age or what you’re wearing. Still, people change as they mature. Their accomplishments rack up and their identities evolve. Chances are, the person you were in your 20s won’t be the same person you are in your 30s, 40s or 50s and beyond. And as you change, so too should your wardrobe.

What does Dressing Your Age Mean?

So, what does dressing your age even mean?

For starters, it means dressing how you want others to perceive you. It also means having a wardrobe that makes you stand out (in a good way). Whether you want to exude success and authority, or effortlessly sophisticated and charming, your clothes say a lot about you.

If you’re a 45-year-old man at the height of your career, you probably won’t be wearing the same graphic T-shirt and jeans from college. At the same time, if you’re in your early 20s and just starting out, you probably don’t need a three-piece suit.

(Though, there are certainly exceptions to every rule.)

There might not be one “right” way to dress, but there are things you should consider as you mature. That way, as you get older and things change in your life, you’ll be prepared to meet them in style.

Does Dressing Your Age Matter?

In short, yes.

People often say that first impressions are everything, and they’re not wrong. There’s no reason to stop caring about your appearance just because you’re getting older. In fact, the whole point is to present yourself to others in the best light and convey confidence in who you are as a person.

How you choose to dress tells others whether they should be taking you seriously or not. Not only that but there are benefits to dressing for your age.

If, for example, you dress for success, you’re showing other people that you have self-respect, that you’re ready for anything, and that you have a strong character. The right wardrobe, along with a good skincare and grooming regimen, will inspire others to stop and listen to you when you speak.

Now, this doesn’t mean you should toss out all of your favorite clothes from your 20s the moment you turn 30 – in fact, you probably shouldn’t. Nor does it mean you should overdo it and try to look older than you are. You want to be noticed in a good way, so not dressing appropriately for your age could easily backfire.

Besides that, it’s not just mindset that shifts with age. Body proportions do as well. There are bound to be changes from decade to decade in the way you look. You might have a slim torso, youthful face, and broad shoulders through your 40s. But in your 50s and beyond, some of that muscle might have disappeared or you might have a slight belly. Conversely, you could get more in shape as you get older.

Either way, your attire should emphasize and flatter your body type and facial features. Don’t wear oversized or too tight clothes just because you have them or they used to fit well. Wearing clothes that complement your age and proportions will leave a much better impression on people while making you feel more confident about yourself. And if you feel confident, it will show.

How to Dress Your Age in Your 20s

Your 20s are the time for experimentation. It’s when you’re discovering who you are now and are starting to think about who you want to become in the future.

However, many people in their 20s don’t think about the big picture when shopping for clothes. More often than not, they purchase clothes as separate pieces and add them to their wardrobe without thinking about how they might pair them into a more cohesive style. Unfortunately, this typically results in a messy wardrobe filled with individual items they’ll never wear again, or that only look good with one or two other pieces.

Although it’s normal to try out different styles at this age, you should also think long-term. Start by adding several more versatile items to your closet that you can combine to dress up or down. That way, you’ll have multiple options readily available for any occasion.

Casualwear in your 20s

Be as bold as you like, but make sure you’re laying the groundwork for the next decade. This means adding a few staples to your wardrobe for easy mixing and matching.

At this age, you should have several pairs of well-fitted, dark jeans. These go with nearly anything and are relaxed enough for casual or social events. While you’re at it, get one or two pairs of bright-colored trousers to spice things up a little. Get a matching belt to wear with any pants that have belt loops, too. If you need more variety but don’t want multiple belts, choose a reversible one.

For the top, feel free to diversify. Whether that means graphic T-shirts or solid prints, you can wear whatever matches your personality. However, it’s a good idea to also have a couple of sport coats to wear with whatever base layer you’ve chosen. A classic navy blazer or mid-grey flannel is a great place to start. And then you can add in something with a subtle pattern once you get comfortable.