Middle-aged man, I want update image/clothing, where do I start?.

[JuanTwoThree]

When I see something I just have to ask myself: What would John say? John is John Simons

John Simons

Obviously his stuff is incredibly expensive but as a guide to what is effortlessly Ivy and cool he's sound and then you can go looking for less eye-watering alternatives: Some of the Maine New England stuff from Debenhams is ok, and I quite like Orvis, though it's pricey too, except in sales and at its outlets. You wouldn't want to be in Orvis from head to toe, you'd look like a knob but again it gives some ideas of how to be a careful dresser.

 

[existentialist]

Naa, they are fine, especially when you have put some polish on them to dim the white stitching.

I'd be tempted to paint them all over in bitumen paint. Then, perhaps, shave down the extravagant treads on the bottom, snip out those lateral shoelaces and fill the holes, maybe find some kind of rubber compound to fill in the top of the shoe.

Then, maybe, I wouldn't be so ashamed at the prospect of someone finding them in my rubbish bin.

 

[Spymaster]

 

[Nice one]

there's a few menswear brands out there that are specifically gearing themselves to the erm older boy-about-town. Mostly expensive (if cost is an issue) but it's worth having a look through their collections to pick up ideas about what would suit you, how you want to look etc.

Plus they all do a jeans range so they kind of make their clothes to fit a look, rather than selling an 'identity' - which essentially the raison d'etre of your denim wanker.

Classics:

• Universal Works
• Engineered Garments

Utility and practicality:

• Norse Projects
• Our Legacy
  
• Albam
• Folk

Also manchester's best clothes shop for the britpop generation who've grown up to appreciate trip-hop, craft ales, all seater stadiums and a gnarly ollie into quarter pipe. Bound to be something that'll spark the imagination..

• Oi Polloi

 

[Nice one]

I like some of these Norman Walsh trainers - made in Bolton too.

Casual Heritage| Casual| Walsh

lovely trainers, absolutely timeless, been wearing these for most of this year

 

[twentythreedom]

This 'Thread' thing looks pretty useful so I have also signed up

My personal stylist is Tahmid, who looks like a decent sort. He's going to get back to me later.

In the meantime my initial selection of items led to this summary:

The outfits you’ve chosen show you know the power of a cleverly designed basic worn well

And yet you’re not averse to switching things up with a snappy coat or pair of minimal trainers. Based on these photos, your stylist will focus on clothes that are as reliable as they are timeless, and throw in some interesting pieces to breathe new life into your staples.

"Switching things up" grates slightly but other than that so far so good.

I'll report back later

 

[Maharani]

Ask danski .

 

[killer b]

Men's clothes are very conservative aren't they? I've been looking through a few online shops the last few days, and they're all selling variations on a few very narrow themes. The same themes that have dominated for at least the last 5 years as far as I'm aware. In some ways that's good - you can take inspiration from one of the top end stores and buy very similar items on the high street. I wish there was a bit more courage though.

 

[killer b]

I'm getting some jeans from these guys next week btw: a co-op making clothes in Blackburn. The rest of their range looks real nice too - very solid, plain basics, and not too pricey considering they're made here.

Products | Community Clothing

 

[twentythreedom]

The only older guy I've seen pulling younger person's jeans off is David Coulthard

Didn't have him down as that sort. He did used to work for the BBC though I suppose.

 

[weltweit]

I will just leave this here

 

[existentialist]

I will just leave this here

 

[Winot]

there's a few menswear brands out there that are specifically gearing themselves to the erm older boy-about-town. Mostly expensive (if cost is an issue) but it's worth having a look through their collections to pick up ideas about what would suit you, how you want to look etc.

Plus they all do a jeans range so they kind of make their clothes to fit a look, rather than selling an 'identity' - which essentially the raison d'etre of your denim wanker.

Classics:

• Universal Works
• Engineered Garments

Utility and practicality:

• Norse Projects
• Our Legacy
  
• Albam
• Folk

Also manchester's best clothes shop for the britpop generation who've grown up to appreciate trip-hop, craft ales, all seater stadiums and a gnarly ollie into quarter pipe. Bound to be something that'll spark the imagination..

• Oi Polloi

Some good stuff there. I'd also add Oliver Spencer | Designer Clothing, Shoes & Accessories - Oliver Spencer (although they aren't great for the larger gentleman).

 

[brixtonblade]

I read the thread title and thought "that's me" so signed up with thread (Alexander... Likes a minimal look) and got recommended some clothes that I thought looked nice. Picked a few and put them in my basket.... And I decided not to bother. It seemed like quite a lot of money and I don't think I give enough of a shit what I look like to prioritise spending money on clothes. And I don't think I want to get in the habit either.
I hope I don't look like a bozo (jeans and t shirts...) but if I do I guess I'm pretty relaxed about it.

 

[izz]

I will just leave this here

couldn't you have put a spoiler around that - and the original 'shoe' picture ? I hate to tell you this, but they're really not nice.

sorry.

e2a oh but if you won't be swayed, you can sometimes get them in Aldi. So at least they'd be cheap.

 

[twentythreedom]

Still waiting for Tahmid but in the meantime their algorithm reckons this

You should try on

Minimum

Minimum is a favourite Danish brand that nods to minimal, Scandinavian style—at a very reasonable price. Thread's stylists love that the clothes are easy to mix and match into a wide range of outfits.

Anyone know anything of Minimum? I know nothing about them.

 

[killer b]

they crop up a lot in TKMaxx. I've never liked any of it enough to buy tbh.

 

[kebabking]

I will just leave this here

surely this would be a better place to leave them...

 

[Smick]

Can we get any sort of chat out of the thread.com people? I sent quite a detailed message, telling her about my new job etc and all she did was send back some links to M&S. I was hoping for a bit of interaction.

 

[killer b]

Post your needs here. I bet we'd be better.

 

[bimble]

That's not great Smick . "Mr bimble" (who does something to do with algorithms there) asked me the other day if 'those people on your internet' have tried sending messages to the stylists, he was saying that's a helpful thing to do. Seems you got a bit of an impersonal-feeling response. But then, she did respond with specific suggestions just not with chat, which I guess is just her doing her job.

 

[Monkeygrinder's Organ]

Post your needs here. I bet we'd be better.

Start with weltweit's shoes.

 

[Yuwipi Woman]

I'm still confused as to the idea that cardigans are associated with old men, I see young men wearing them all the time

Yes, it amuses me that a lot of young men dress exactly like my grandfather did in 1968.

 

[twentythreedom]

Tahmid has got back to me with some suggestions, and I'm quite impressed. Will post some up when I've had a proper look. So far, good work Tahmid

 

[lefteri]

I just struggle to find jeans that fit. I have short but muscular legs, as far as I can tell all the "cool" brands seem to think the only people who buy their offerings have skinny legs and/or no arse.

I have footballers type legs and find uniqlo regular fit selvedge fit me absolutely fine and are under 40 quid

 

[ViolentPanda]

Decent pair of jeans. A couple of nice tailored shirts. Pair of quality brogues.

Sorted.

That's pretty much me, except Chelsea Boots rather than brogues - hard to tie lace-ups when the fingers of one hand don't co-operate.

 

[ViolentPanda]

This is really good advice but I'm definitely not following it myself. Young women's jeans at the moment seem to be made of 98% lycra, stop a few inches above the ankle with a frayed edge and have those stupid slashed knee-holes again. There is no way on earth I'm going to feel compelled to join in with that, which is the upside of middle age i suppose.

I had a bit of a giggle on Saturday up Tulse Hill. Woman with perma-tan look yomping through the Co-op wearing those slashy jeans, showing her lily-white knees and lower thighs. I'm going to Hell.

 

[Dr. Furface]

Can we get any sort of chat out of the thread.com people? I sent quite a detailed message, telling her about my new job etc and all she did was send back some links to M&S. I was hoping for a bit of interaction.

I'm sorry but that's the funniest post I've read on Urban for ages - thanks man!

 

[ViolentPanda]

I must admit that my jeans buying is probably handicapped by my primary consideration, which is "are they less than £30?".

I note that Nudie jeans miss that by a country mile. This offers some clue as to the challenges I face when buying clothes

I too sort of balk at pricey clothes, but I'll save up and spend on something I know to be good quality. My current shirts are about £40 each, but they fit so well that they're worth it. I buy one every couple of months. I also buy "Fruit of the Loom" Heavy-grade t-shirts because they're more robust than most other low-cost brands I've tried, even though they're almost double the price of the cheapest.

 

[ViolentPanda]

I buy most of my clothes second hand off Ebay these days bimble. Can be a bit hit and miss - I think you have to accept that you're going to have to sell some stuff on - but I often get really decent shirts for 15 quid or so. 3/4 length Hugo Boss wool/cashmere coat for 18 quid remains my biggest steal.

Ah, your SS coat!