Where do your fashionable mid-40’s men shop?

[AmoozedBooze]

After 20 years in the same company my husband will be starting job in a new company soon. The clothes he currently has are either too formal (business suits) or too casual (faded jeans and T shirts/hoodies). He hasn’t shopped for donkeys years so will be looking to spend around 50-£100 per item.

My fashion sense is non existent so help please! Which brands are trendy for his age?

I don't think one wants to be "trendy" at this age. He needs to find quality brands with good fabrics that are cut to suit his shape... less is more! A trip to Jermyn street in london or similar or failing that a good John Lewis may help.

My dh shops at Mr Porter, Zara, Paul Smith and ASOS. He’s annoyingly stylish and has worked in fashion for years.

Maybe trendy is the wrong word. He wants to be comfortable in this new environment, it’s a different sector than the one he is used to. There are good mix of all ages and everyone he saw were smart casual. Not a single stuffy suit in sight.

He wore his business suits for the interviews and he said he didn’t realise how much he hated them until then He had become used to them and now wants a change.

Massimo Dutti. Cos. John Lewis for a wide choice of brands. Local independent mens shops. They always have the best shirts. Also (whisper it: M&S still make well cut trousers. DH prefers a slim leg now and their wool ones are perfect. Gant are also good and Barbour for the country.

Perhaps try out Stitch Fix?

Mike tends to buy trousers in M&S or Next as they fit him well but shirts are Lewins and other things Paul smith, Ralph Lauren, massimo Dutti. I think he dresses really well.

Octobre edition - sister brand to sezane, Boss, Paul Smith, various outdoor brands.

My DH (45) has been using stitch fix for a year, getting a box each quarter, and it has really shown him some new styles and it feels like I’ve got a new fella he can control the budget or ask for something specific. They do little outfit ideas too so he can see if he’s already got something else in his wardrobe to wear stuff with.

@LizzoBorden

My dh shops at Mr Porter, Zara, Paul Smith and ASOS. He’s annoyingly stylish and has worked in fashion for years.

Yes, any of these.

Plus Reiss is excellent for men's clothing.

I'll also throw in Asket here. (Not Arket, totally different thing.) Asket does quality basics, all unbranded. It's really high quality. Not cheap, but cheaper than designer. And it lasts.

Eton for shirts (they're not cheap, but they're beautifully made and will last a long time)

Hugo Boss has some nice semi-formal/smart casual stuff although he'd have to steer away from the heavily branded BOSS logo-d up stuff, which is aimed at a younger and more insecure audience.

Why don't you book him in at John Lewis with a personal shopper session. It's free and they should be able to get him started.

www.johnlewis.com/our-services/personal-styling

Independent shops and recently I've had a few things from Joe Browns. I've had a fair few good things from the local charity shops too.

He had already looked at some of the brands mentioned but the models look young enough to be his children so he disregarded them I think he’s going to have to go to physical stores to try on the clothes instead of just looking online and he’s also liking the idea of stitch fix.

Thanks all!

There is also thread.com there us a questionnaire and you select styles you like and you put in your size info and you get suggestions from a stylist.

My husband buys trousers from Spoke, an online/catalogue retailer. He gets jeans, shirts and knitwear from Paul Smith, All Saints, Massimo Dutti and Barbour mostly (but still has a few Boden and M&S staples). I think he looks pretty good for a 50 year old.

My DH is way older than yours OP. Take no notice of model ages. It’s the cut that matters. Does he want narrower trousers but not skinny? Does he still like straight ones? What about shirts? DH has tailored. Doesn’t want baggy. Always goes for decent fabrics and slightly more interesting florals and patterns. I’ve weaned him off table cloth checks. Jackets are well cut and make him look taller. John Lewis have lots of options. Always have a pea coat and a Barbour quilted type jacket.

A second vote for Spoke. My husband is a very untrendy guy in his mid 40s (as in he is not at all I interested in being trendy!) and he’s had some nice shirts and trousers from Spoke.

@AmoozedBooze

He had already looked at some of the brands mentioned but the models look young enough to be his children so he disregarded them I think he’s going to have to go to physical stores to try on the clothes instead of just looking online and he’s also liking the idea of stitch fix.

Thanks all!

He has to disregard this… they all do!

DH uses Mr Porter as they sell a great variety of brands you just don’t get in our local city - but only for special pieces.
Majority of his wardrobe is a mix of Zara, Kin, JL, H&M, Reid’s, All Saints and occasionally M&S and Fatface for trousers.

A pretty untrendy brand though. If you want to be fashionable (within reason) it’s a pretty dull brand. DH bins their catalogue. It feels like it’s for cyclists!

[quote babyboyHarrison]Why don't you book him in at John Lewis with a personal shopper session. It's free and they should be able to get him started.

www.johnlewis.com/our-services/personal-styling[/quote]
I really recommend this. My DH went as a 49th birthday present. He got some great stuff which is fashionable and age appropriate. He gets positive comments in the office all the time.

The stylists work to your budget and there's no pressure to buy anything.

Charles Tyrwhitt.
My DH has some nice long sleeved polo type shirts from there and they also do casual tailored shirts which might be good for your DH’s work wear with some chinos.

uniqlo for chinos/ trousers and shirts and jumpers.

Also - add Orlebar Brown, Sunspel and Oliver Spencer to the list :)

I was going to recommend Sunspel too @EquiLady. DH has some stuff from Orelbar Brown too. Colourful Standard is good for basics including knitwear, and Nudie jeans are nice. He likes a local independent store to us - Meet Bernard, which also sells online and has a good selection of brands.

Massimo Dutti interspersed with Paul Smith, Reiss, Ted Baker and barbour.

Ooh some interesting brands we’ve never heard of!

Fit wise definitely not baggy. He’s 5’8 and medium, no fat (bastard!!) so can get away with slim fit (but not tight) cuts.

We have a couple days off during the week so may venture to Westfield.