How to: Marks & Spencer party menswear with Grey Fox and Garcon Jon

I was delighted to work with Jonathan Pryce and Marks & Spencer on a guide to party and occasional menswear. The photographer was Scott Simpson, whose Scott Fraser range of menswear I've talked about before. Visit M&S to see the Guide. Here are some images (all Marks & Spencer) taken during the photo-shoot.

I explained why I'm very happy to be involved in such photo-shoots in Thursday's blog post (see below). We're given little chance to see what menswear products look like on older men, so if I can step into that gap, I'll do so. Many thanks to M&S for appreciating that older men are interested in style.

Websites

Marks & Spencer 

GarconJon 

Scott Fraser

T. Lipop SS14

I first came across the menswear brand T Lipop early last year and am ashamed it's taken me so long to write about them. They hit the spot for me for several reasons -

• They manufacture some of the collection in Britain
• They're beautifully made
• They're beautifully designed
• They're different
• They use an older and very cool model to advertise this spring/summer 2014 collection

These images don't show the quality of these clothes. More information below.

See T. Lipop or Facebook for more information.

Ageless style in The Guardian - are attitudes changing? When will the fashion industry sell to the older man?

In an excellent article on 22nd February, The Guardian's Anne Karpf wrote about the rise of older fashion models and accompanied this online with a gallery, Ageless Style - In Pictures. While it was gratifying to see my image included in the gallery, I was more impressed that there is at least discussion about the topic. It's been a strong theme of this blog that the fashion industry needs to sit up and take notice of older men and women - a burgeoning and affluent demographic. 

While there is a long way to go, grey style now has its foot firmly in fashion's door. So, I fail to understand how hard-nosed commercial organisations can ignore a large market like the grey pound. As I'm reporting here on Grey Fox, the products are there, but the willingness to sell them to us, using older models and sophisticated sales campaigns, is absent.

Here are the links:

Ageless Style - In Pictures

Older models: the women in their 60s, 70s and 80s who are shaking up fashion

Dashing Tweeds open a shop near Savile Row

Dashing Tweeds, purveyors of just that, designed and made in the UK, has opened a bricks and mortar shop. It's at 26, Sackville Street, within spitting distance (not that anyone expectorates around there) of London's Savile Row. Here's a shot I took of DT's co-founder, Guy Hills, posing in the rain in the doorway - clad head to toe in Dashing Tweeds' products.

Although I dropped in without any warning I was warmly greeted and shown the shop and collection by Guy and his colleague, Holly. The shop positively crackles with creativity and it's an exciting experience being shown the rolls of tweed and the ready to wear clothes. 

Musettes, showing a wonderful range of Dashing Tweed colours and designs

Guy and his business partner, Kirsty McDougall, tweed designer extraordinaire, have created tweeds that are so different in feel, design, colour and texture that it's fair to say that they have revolutionised the humble cloth. There are tweeds made with merino that is so soft that they feel supremely comfortable when worn. Other tweeds have reflective threads woven into them, ideal for the cyclist or night stalker. Most have designs and colours new to the tweed world.

I'm hoping to visit Kirsty in the next few weeks to find out how she designs new tweeds; I'll report back in due course.

Dashing Tweeds caps - tweed colours and checks that you won't have seen before

I tried on a merino-based Donegal tweed pea coat. This is the sort of garment that is idea for an older chap looking for a bit of style. It's not outrageous, but it's different - a skilfully-designed take on the traditional nautical pea coat. Double-breasted, but not, it has subtly-hidden pockets along the front seams, poppers instead of cuff buttons and the sort of soft, draping, comfortable cut and cloth that makes it feel as though the coat is bespoke.

There was also a sublime Donegal tweed Raglan-sleeve overcoat that made me weep because I don't own it. For that and more Dashing Tweeds goodies see their website or visit 26, Sackville Street, London.

I tried to sneak off with this lovely pea coat, but Guy noticed unfortunately

Pea coat cuffs - showing the rich colours in the merino-mix tweed

Nautical influence - pea coat and duffel bag - the originals would have been humbler in design and materials

A look that inspires 3 - the well-dressed older man

This elegant gentleman is dressed in a way I like very much.

A plain, well-cut and fitting linen jacket with brass buttons, striped shirt, jeans that fit perfectly and look as though they have worn naturally (I dislike artificially-distressed jeans) and good quality loafers and socks. Above all, he looks relaxed and comfortable in his clothes.

Simple, stylish and effective.

Image from The Styleograph

Ageless Style - Looking good without dressing in high fashion

Photo Telegraph

What is ageless style?

Menswear has seen a move towards ageless style - a look that suits men of all ages, from young to old. This isn’t the same as all ages wearing exactly the same clothes, although it could be. Take the example of a young man who wears his dad’s evening suit. He may (if it fits him) find that the trousers are baggy and have turn-ups, the jacket may be double-breasted with large lapels; all depending when the suit was made. 

However, if he wore a suit with a more modern cut, probably slimmer-cut trousers, with a single-breasted jacket and narrow lapels, the overall impression given wouldn’t be much different, although he’d probably prefer it. For both he would wear a white dress shirt, black bow tie and suitable shoes. 

The overall style is the same, even if the cut of the suits varies slightly. This is ageless style. Men (unlike women) don’t want to be buying a new outfit every time they go to a black tie event; so, for evening wear, they have evolved timeless style.

Ageless style in everyday menswear

I took this photo of a retired cavalry officer at Somerset House during London Fashion Week. He wears a beautifully-tailored coat with velvet collar and a striped shirt and red silk tie. Under the coat (it was chilly) he wears a green quilted waistcoat (maybe vintage Barbour?) [edit - I'm grateful to a reader for telling me that it's probably a British Army issued cold weather quilted liner; a 'Mao' suit].

While not high fashion, it is an extremely stylish outfit that wouldn't be out of place at the fashion shows of Milan, Paris or London. This man has been wearing this style for decades (he had the coat made when he joined the army), so it’s classic and traditional.

Ageless style on the catwalks

In January’s London Collections: Men, the capital’s new and important men’s fashion show, we saw ageless style on the catwalks. Hackett and Richard James’s collections were full of gorgeous tweeds, traditional knitwear, colourful chinos and classic brogues – styles until recently unfashionable, but always stylish. At a Savile Row event at Spencer House (below) young men modelled clothes their fathers would be very comfortable wearing. Quite apart from the obvious question, why were there no grey-haired models, it was good for young men to see how effective a timeless, classic style can be.

Classic menswear style

I’ve used the words classical and traditional several times; it’s those characteristics that make a style ageless. Even those uninterested in clothes look well-dressed and elegant, because the styles have passed the test of time. 

Fashion and style - are they the same?

So, there is also no need to buy the latest clothes  be well-dressed. Fashion is not the same as style. If you dress with style you will look good. This isn’t necessarily the case if you dress fashionably.

Ageless style lasts forever. For me, starting a search for style as an older man, it holds the answer to the vexed question, how should I dress once I’ve reached 40?

What to wear in Spring and Summer? Inspiration for older men of style

As Spring advances and the tweeds and thick jumpers are stowed away, our thoughts turn to dressing for milder weather. I'll be looking at specific ideas over the next few months, but, to inspire you, I've started a Pinterest board here on ideas for Spring/Summer wear for men of style.

Please visit and let me know your thoughts.

The Sartorialist

The Sartorialist

In Camera - London Fashion Week February 2013 Part 1

I hadn't intended going to London Fashion Week to pursue my new street photography career; but it was a beautiful sunny day and I couldn't resist.

I was on the lookout for images of older men of style - grey foxes. Here's a mixture, not all fashion world types. More to come!

There's no such thing as an ugly man...style for older and middle-aged men

'There's no such thing as an ugly woman, only a lazy one', is one of those phrases that has been attributed to almost anyone you can think of; Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Ali Mahdavi, Helena Rubinstein. Even Ovid said something similar (but in Latin, of course). Thus proving that nobody (except perhaps Winston Churchill) ever had an original word to say about anything.

Whoever said this could have equally applied it to men. There's much more to attractiveness than physical beauty. As a man, I am attracted far less to the sterile good looks of female models and celebrities than to those women whose character and experience show in their faces and bearing. I suspect that the same principle applies to most women when they are attracted to a man. The cocky trying-too-hard young stud is not necessarily going to win the lady's heart over the man who, while not classically good looking, has an obvious aura of style and confidence.

If I'm right, there is hope for us all. But how can we show our character, age, demeanour in ways that have an impact? It takes work; laziness will not achieve a result. I'm totally unable to identify what makes an attractive man, but I'm beginning to see how the older and middle-aged man can use personal style to stand out, whatever his looks.

To illustrate my point, here are a few images I've used on the blog over the last year. What is it that makes these men stand out in a crowd? You can decide and adopt any inspiration you find. But don't try too hard, that becomes self-defeating.

The Sartorialist

The Sartorialist

The Sartorialist

The Sartorialist

The Sartorialist

The Sartorialist

The Sartorialist

Rose Callahan

The older man's guide to staying cool at Christmas parties

With grey hair comes a need for refinement and style when partying with friends or office colleagues during the festive season. So, what advice can Grey Fox give to the older man of style, reaching middle age, who wishes to retain sprezzatura during this endless round of celebration? The following tips may or may not be based on many years of experience.

1. Treat yourself with some respect, don't start chatting up young women at the office party. You may think it's like this -

But, regrettably, it's going to look like this -

2. With grey hair comes a decreased tolerance for alcohol. If you have to drink a  lot, drink plenty of water and eat something to line your stomach. You'll feel slightly better the next morning. Retain some self-control and self-respect while the younger guys make fools of themselves.

3. Be careful with that Christmas jumper. For seasonal knitwear with style consult the Grey Fox Ginormous Guide to Christmas Jumpers, coming later this week.

4. What's the dress code for the party? Dress appropriately. Black tie means just that; not flashing plastic bow tie or Paisley tie with brown suit. Smart casual means just that; open neck shirt and well-fitting clothes, not the gardening jumper and battered Converse sneakers. Smart means a tie with suit or blazer.

Don't dress younger than you are, it never works.

5. Dancing; well this is a difficult one. Once a man reaches 40 he has to take care on the dance floor (and see tip 1 above). If you're hopelessly unco-ordinated a sedate waltz will do the trick and can look quite cool with Queen's Radio Gaga.

Telegraph

6. Don't be a bore. Move around and meet people, your maturity will give you the confidence to meet and greet. Ask people about themselves, avoid talking too much about yourself and your achievements.

7. Enjoy your seasonal celebrations.

100,000 page views since Grey Fox started

Grey Fox has reached 100,000 page views since starting last December. I'd like to thank everyone for visiting and for contacting me by e-mail and by leaving comments.

I started the blog to describe my influences and experiences as an older man who has decided to stop the decline into fashion mediocrity that seems to occur once past 40 to 45. This seems to have struck a chord and, over the last two or three months, Grey Fox has been written about by The Times, Daily Mail Online, The Huffington Post, Easy Living and by several other periodicals here in the UK and abroad. The highlight was several pages in The Times Style Magazine in July (the original article is online, but needs a subscription to access here).

Recently another blog discussing the issues of older men and their views on style and fashion been started and I see a movement starting here. There seems to be much interest developing among both men of a certain age and their partners (who often despair of their men clinging to their printed T-shirts and trainers).

Meanwhile, the fashion industry remains largely oblivious to this affluent demographic. There are some honourable exceptions, but, even here, I detect a fear that marketing to an older market will somehow taint their credibility. This must change with the increasing numbers and economic power of middle-age men.

The essentials of a classic wardrobe - Part 1 - the jacket or blazer

Nine months into my search for style, what items form the basis of my wardrobe, the classics that are useful for any eventuality? The following are staples - jackets/blazers, chinos, brogues, jumpers, deck shoes, shirts, suits, jeans. I haven't yet sorted out outerwear, so I'll exclude that for the time being.

Let's start with the jacket or blazer. I go for a fairly classical shape (not too short or long, conventional-shape lapels etc) and wear it for all occasions, formal or not. Coming in a wide variety of styles and materials, it can be the most versatile and useful item in the wardrobe. Make sure it fits well, particularly across the shoulders; avoid a baggy fit and over-long sleeves.

I can't remember where I found this picture!

You may want to start with a traditional blue blazer, which will come in any material or weight to suit your use. The most formal have a conventional cut and are lined. The less formal may be unlined and unstructured. A blazer is infinitely adaptable, as it can be worn with formal trousers, jeans or chinos. Try a lightweight wool one (maybe cashmere) which will be wearable in all but the warmest weathers. Later on you could buy a linen blazer for summer use (see below). Wear with brogues, suede shoes, deck shoes, Converse (if you must) etc. Match with a formal shirt with or without a tie, polo shirt (I like this combination) or even a t-shirt if the jacket is of a less-formal cut.

Canali wool blazer, Mr Porter

Paul Weller wears a blazer in anger

Next we have the humble tweed jacket. Definitely cooler weather wear this one - I love the infinite colours of tweed and the popularity of the material means that jackets can, if needed, be bought with modern slim cuts. Otherwise go vintage or borrow your dad's jacket. Wear with any trousers or jeans; best with brogues.

Richard James Donegal tweed blazer, Mr Porter

Mr Mort

Finally, for summer, I love linen. There's something about the crushed look that brings out the relaxed rebel in a man. Often  mixed with cotton or silk, its open weave makes the fabric wearable in the hottest weather.

Oliver Spencer linen suit jacket, Mr Porter

Crumpled linen.

And some blazers in action - photos The Sartorialist and others unknown - you may recognise some of these pictures from elsewhere on the blog.