A Happy New Year to everyone! What have I learned about men's middle-aged style?

Grey Fox has existed for just over a year and a new year is a time for reviewing progress of my search for style in middle age. Here are a few tentative thoughts, positive and negative.

1. Much of the high street fashion industry (with notable exceptions, some noted on this blog) has little interest in dressing men of 40 plus. The financial advantages of this affluent demographic do not seem to penetrate this youth-oriented myopia. Being older is not cool.

2. Many high-end and bespoke suppliers see the possibilities in this economically-strong market and cater to it. This is a good thing, but means that older men have to be affluent to be able to easily dress well and appropriately; that is not a good thing.

3. Older men must be inventive, original and have time to spend if they are to source affordable clothes which suit them. We can't dive into a high street shop and come out laden with clothes, as can the younger man. This need for care can be a good thing, but is time-consuming.

Fashion is harking back to design classics, traditional garments and country wear. For the younger market, much of this involves skinny fits, ugly interpretations of the classics (look at some new brogue styles) and poor materials. However, it throws up opportunities which careful searching will uncover.

4. Being older brings confidence and maturity that enables us to experiment, take risks and be more unselfconsciously stylish than a younger man.

5. Relying on good quality and classics is the way to go for the middle-aged man of style.

6. Buy locally if you can. For me that means buying British-made or designed products when possible. It simply makes sense.

Please keep in touch and let me know how you approach your search for style. Happy New Year to you all - have a wonderful 2013!