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Easy Spring Wardrobe Updates for Men Over 50
Decade-by-decade picks show how to build a comfortable, versatile wardrobe
(From left) Discover clothing and cuts that work best for your 50s, 60s and 70s, including pieces like the Michael Kors Men’s Modern Raincoat in Khaki; Lands’ End Men’s Classic Fit Lightweight Twill Deck Pant in Desert Tan; L.L.Bean Wrinkle-Free Kennebunk Sport Shirt in Bering Blue; Bonobos Everyday Shirt in Dusty Rose Gingham; Sperry 7 Seas Sneaker in Blue; and Lands’ End Long Sleeve Serious Sweats Quarter Zip Sweatshirt in Tourmaline.
AARP (Macy’s; Sperry; Lands’ End, 2; L.L.Bean; Bonobos; Getty Images)
Key takeaways
- Men’s spring style from ages 50 to 70 favors versatility, comfort and classic pieces with subtle updates.
- Each decade gets tailored picks, from lighter jackets and shirts to knits, trousers and shoes.
- Fit, ease of wear and adaptable layers matter more than strict age rules.
They say the years creep up on you, and as a man turns 50 it may seem like life just ambles along as he reaches his 60s and 70s. But when it comes to men’s fashion, the journey from 50 to 70 and beyond is not always a one-style-fits-all situation. Sure, plenty of pieces work at any age. Today show style contributor and The Weitz Effect founder Andrew Weitz, 52, recently said he’d just sent his 80-ish dad a look he would wear himself — a quarter-zip pullover and a pair of joggers. But the truth is, other items may miss the mark.
The upshot? While there are no hard-and-fast rules, we’re looking at the late spring wardrobe season by making smart choices that suit each decade and further enhance a man’s appearance for years to come.
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(From left) Michael Kors Men’s Modern Raincoat in Khaki; Quince Organic Waxed Canvas Trucker Jacket in Dark Forest Green.
AARP (Macy’s, Quince)
Jaunty jackets
May’s turn to warmer weather can still bring occasional cool days or sudden showers, so a lightweight yet weatherproof jacket is essential. The byword is versatility when choosing outerwear to put on repeat. Grounded in the classics but with a subtle, clean-lined update, these storm chasers also double as style chasers.
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For the 50-something man who’s balancing a busy life of work and family duties, Quince’s Organic Waxed Canvas Trucker Jacket is a smart-casual go-to, here in a neutral but distinctive forest green ($150, quince.com). For the 60-year-old, the Michael Kors Men’s Modern Raincoat is a no-nonsense yet elevated option, available in a flattering hip length, with a stand-up collar and a covered zip-front in a wear-anywhere khaki shade ($110, macys.com). Rain or shine, Cole Haan’s Stand Collar Rain Jacket ($150, colehaan.com) is an easy, mid-length, button-front style in navy with gunmetal hardware that complements the silver-haired man in his 70s.
(From left) L.L.Bean Wrinkle-Free Kennebunk Sport Shirt in Bering Blue; Bonobos Everyday Shirt in Dusty Rose Gingham; Gap Organic Cotton Poplin Classic Shirt in Brown Stripe.
AARP (L.L.Bean, Bonobos, Gap)
Buttoned-down style
In spring, a man’s fancy turns to a fresh new shirt or two. Banish the winter blahs with a button-down to give the old wardrobe a proverbial shot in the arm. For this seasonal ritual, we’ve homed in on a trio of choices that keep a man looking his best in every decade.
A robust but refined pick for the 50-year-old, the Gap Organic Cotton Poplin Classic Shirt ($47, gap.com) features a trim, straight fit and soft brown stripes for a sartorial pick-me-up. The 60-something man will appreciate the combination of added stretch for comfort, and a shot of color for visual élan, in this Bonobos Everyday Shirt ($89, bonobos.com) in a sprightly but subtle dusty rose check. Featuring a universally flattering Mediterranean-blue check, L.L.Bean’s Wrinkle-Free Kennebunk Sport Shirt ($70, llbean.com) has a roomy, traditional fit and the natural comfort of pure cotton, with added moisture-wicking technology for warmer days: perfect for a fellow’s seventh decade.
Lands’ End Bedford Rib Quarter Zip Pullover Sweater in Oasis Blue.
Lands’ End
Layering sweaters
When the weather’s looking good but feels a touch chilly, and wearing a polo or a woven shirt on its own won’t suffice, a lightweight summer sweater adds an easy layer of warmth and confident polish. A svelter style leans to the 50-ish age range, while an elevated take on the quarter-zip pullover suits the middle years. Even the venerable cardigan gets a sleeker take.
It’s all about ease with J.Crew Factory’s Cotton Crewneck Sweater-Tee ($30, factory.jcrew.com), in a universally appealing shade of heathered stone that sharpens any look. The Lands’ End Bedford Rib Quarter Zip Pullover Sweater ($40, landsend.com) spiffs up a sporty style in a softly brushed, washable cotton-blend knit with contrasting collar. Breathable and lightweight, Charles Tyrwhitt’s Pure Merino Cardigan ($89, charlestyrwhitt.com) features clean lines and a high-V-neck that lies flat for a streamlined look.
(From left) Banana Republic Factory Athletic-Fit Summerweight Chinos in Salted Pretzel; Lands’ End Men’s Classic Fit Lightweight Twill Deck Pant in Desert Tan.
AARP (Banana Republic Factory, Lands’ End)
Trousers on deck
When the livin’ gets easy, a pair of relaxed-fitting trousers is a warm-weather must-have. Lucky for you, the new breed of men’s khakis and lightweight pants boast expandable waist treatments and are made of comfy cottons with a welcome soupçon of stretch to get you through a busy day of making the rounds — or just a lazy afternoon of lounging.
Banana Republic Factory’s Athletic-Fit Summerweight Chinos ($48, bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com) combine an elastic waistband (with belt loops for camouflage) and a relaxed silhouette with medium stretch that will take over-50 fellows from the office to off-hours. Bearbottom’s Stretch Easy Pant ($70, bearbottomclothing.com), in garment-dyed cotton, has a forgiving fit and a clean look in four-way stretch, making it a mainstay in any 60-something’s closet. For the 70-year-old dude, the Lands’ End Men’s Classic Fit Lightweight Twill Deck Pant ($70, landsend.com) features an adjustable elastic drawstring waist and extra ease through the hip and thigh.
(From left) Lands’ End Long Sleeve Serious Sweats Quarter Zip Sweatshirt in Tourmaline; Banana Republic Factory Lightweight Mock-Neck Jacket in Dried Palm; Hope & Henry Quilted Half-Zip Pullover in Camel Heather Quilted.
AARP (Lands’ End, Banana Republic Factory, Macy’s)
Golden-hour fleeces
When the evening chill braces or winds kick up, a woven warm-up is a trusty outerwear sidekick that spans all ages. Whether it’s a zip-front style or a roomy half-zip pullover, the reliable topper pairs just as easily with track pants for hitting the health club, or with chinos for a casual daytime look.
A truly versatile warm-up for the 50-year-old, the Banana Republic Factory Lightweight Mock-Neck Jacket ($60, bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com) features front pockets and a high zip-up collar for a fresh take. Lands’ End Long Sleeve Serious Sweats Quarter Zip Sweatshirt ($40, landsend.com) stands out in a mellow tourmaline shade that’s flattering to a graying 60-ish guy, with an easygoing fit and enough structure to keep its shape, and sports a stand collar and two zip pockets. For a polished air befitting a 70s-age fellow, the Hope & Henry Quilted Half-Zip Pullover ($53, macys.com), in heathered camel, is just the ticket. It’s crafted from a lofty organic cotton-blend quilted fabric with a rib-knit mock neck and faux suede detail.
Sperry 7 Seas Sneaker in Blue.
Sperry
Stylish kicks
Borrowing from the winning informality and well-cushioned construction of sneakers, summertime footwear selections come in many a guise for men in their 50s, 60s and 70s. Whether they trend more informal or duplicate the look of a dressier option, long-wearing comfort is built into every stride.
Skewed to the versatility sought by the 50s-ager, Reef’s Swellsole Neptune ($80, reef.com) improves on the redoubtable low-top style with a soft memory-foam insole and cushioned footbed, while its lightweight upper offers breezy comfort and a fold-down suede heel for a quick step-in. Sperry’s 7 Seas Sneaker ($40, sperry.com) is a quick-drying boat shoe variation that takes to dry land as well. Featuring a cushioned insole for added comfort and a substantial outsole, it’s a shipshape choice for men in their 60s. Cole Haan’s Original Grand CitySpectre Venetian Loafers ($80, colehaan.com) meld comfort with finesse through a nubuck upper and an engineered midsole with a sculpted heel that cushions every step.
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