Fashion For Men Over 40: How To Dress In Your 40s

Most men in their 40s feel the need to edit their personal style. And it's normal - our style changes with every new stage in our lives.

So you've outgrown your current style but you're not sure how to adapt your look to this new decade of your life. Indeed, it's hard to figure out what's appropriate to wear for a 40 year-old and what's not when the models you see in menswear ads and fashion magazines are mostly in their twenties. You don't see many men in their 40s and beyond, so there is very little inspiration for gentlemen over 40 who want to dress with style, but also according to their age.

In this style guide for men over 40, we'll try to give you some advice on how to dress in your forties.

What To Wear In Your 40s

Tailored suits

Sure, not everyone can afford (or wants to spend a fortune on) a bespoke suit from Savile Row, but we do recommend seeking the services of a good tailor to alter your clothes so that everything fits you like a glove. A good fit is one of the most important things when it comes to menswear, and even more so when you're in your 40s.

Classic wool overcoats

A properly fitting single or double breasted wool overcoat is a timeless style and your go-to outerwear once you start growing into your 40s and beyond. Indeed, what else can be worn by a 40-something professional over a suit? A classic wool overcoat is clearly the most befitting option.

Trench coats

Trench coats are timeless and can be worn at any age. If you want to update the camel trench you had in your thirties, why not go for olive green or navy?

Turtlenecks

What we love about turtlenecks is that they are casual enough for a night out, but also elegant enough for more formal looks. What we love about turtlenecks on men in their forties is that they are retro-inspired and classic enough for a seasoned, matured gentleman, but also modern enough to create a stylish look.

Waistcoats

Waistcoats are classic. They are also great for any men storing some extra pounds in their belly. If that's the case for you, consider a waistcoat. Take inspiration from these gents in their 40s and see how they incorporate the vest in their outfits.

Jeans

Many men fear that jeans are no longer acceptable once you hit 40. That's absolutely not true. You can still wear jeans in your 40s. Just go for straight leg rather than slim fit and avoid distressed denim, stonewash rinses and bootcuts.

T-shirts

T-shirts are a basic element in any wardrobe, there's no reason to stop wearing them in your 40s. However, keep things simple. Avoid bold prints and bright colors and opt for a minimal design. If you're going for a t-shirt and jeans combo, get the footwear right. Instead of sneakers, go for a smarter alternative - loafers, drivers, boat shoes or brogues, to get your outfit on the smart casual side.

Accessories

While it's better to steer clear of bright colors on your basics, you can use accessories (ties, pocket squares, socks) to add individuality and a pop of color to your look.

Men's Brown Plaid Three Piece Suit, White and Brown Gingham Dress Shirt, Orange Tie, Grey Pocket Square
This polished pairing of a brown plaid three piece suit and a white and brown gingham dress shirt is a favored choice among the dapper chaps.View Details

More accessories

Invest in a high-end watch, one that you can some day pass down to your kid.

Buy quality leather gloves. They will keep your hands warm and are a great finish touch to a classic outfit for a man over 40.

Sort by featured<!-- -->
  • Sort by price: high to low
  • Sort by price: low to high
Sort by featured<!-- -->
  • Sort by price: high to low
  • Sort by price: low to high

When the temperature drops, wear a nice cashmere scarf, and leave snoods and oversized ribbed scarves to the twenty year-olds.

Colors

Sliding into your forties and beyond doesn't mean you should avoid color and settle on dark, 'boring' hues. Consider deep classic colors, such as forest green, burgundy or camel. A blazer jacket in oxblood rather than traditional navy can make all the difference to the look and give it a stylish spin.

Quality / luxury pieces

Forties is the time to start treating yourself. Treat yourself to top-quality pieces even if it means you'll buy less frequently. Remember, if something costs more, most often it's for a reason. And most often that reason is better quality. That's why they are called investment pieces - these clothes are better quality, they fit better and they are going to last longer.

Clothes To Wear With Caution If You're Over 40

Sportswear

When you're in your 40s, wear your hoodies, track pants and running shoes when they should be worn, i.e. when you're actually doing sports or working out. And if you're really into the athleisure trend, limit yourself to incorporating a nice pair of sneakers in navy, dark green or burgundy into your downtime outfit.

Leather jackets, bombers and parkas

Such outerwear styles as leather jackets, bombers and parkas do exude a younger vibe. Some celebrities over 40 arguably pull them off. That said, celebrities are the ones who tend to cling to youth with a tighter grip than most of us.

Prints

While prints are surely still acceptable to wear when you're in your 40s, stick to small patterns on your accessories rather than statement prints or, God forbid, profanities on your basics.

What Not To Wear After 40

Say goodbye to novelty ties, baseball caps, flip flops, Speedos and anything ill-fitting (skinny or baggy). Apart from that, forties is a good time to revisit your wardrobe and get rid of the clothes you don't need (if you haven't worn something for a few years, believe us, you won't wear it).

In Conclusion

Dressing with style in your 40s can actually be easier than in your 20s or 30s. You probably have more money now than when you were younger, so you have more choice in what to buy. As a 40 year-old, you have more experience - you know more about fabrics, quality and the fit of clothing. Finally, now that you're older, you're more comfortable in your own skin and more confident, and that's the key to dressing well at any age!

Do you like the featured outfits? These are some of the most stylish and popular combinations out there. But you can also filter out the outfits you see to match your own clothes.

Add some of your clothes to your digital wardrobe on Lookastic, and we'll show you outfits you can put together. Click here to get started .

Read Next

How to Dress Like A Badass In Your 40s

How to Dress Like A Badass In Your 40s

How to break rules, look cool and other street style lessons for 40-somethings from the likes of Nick Wooster, Domenico Gianfrate, Alessandro Manfredini, George Cortina, Justin O'Shea and other seasoned style stars.

How To Wear: The Trench Coat

How To Wear: The Trench Coat

The trench coat is an integral part of an elegant gentleman’s wardrobe. It is a timeless outerwear style and a stylish essential for transitional seasons of spring and fall. Today we’re discussing the origins and the features of the trench coat and the many ways to style it.

The 3 Most Versatile Pairs Of Shoes A Man Can Own

The 3 Most Versatile Pairs Of Shoes A Man Can Own

Footwear is the foundation of any man’s wardrobe. And unless your budget is unlimited, you want to invest in shoes that are most versatile and that you’ll get the most wear out of. Here are the 3 most versatile pairs of shoes that you can own.