Casual Clothing for Adult Professionals Who are 40...

When you’re over 40, and you’re dressing casually, what do you need to know?

First, embrace the adult you are. You are no longer the teenager fighting for independence, and yet ironically, looking exactly like your friends. Embrace the fact that you don’t really care what other people think. Not in a disrespectful or self absorbed way, but because you know who you are and what you’re trying to accomplish. Clothing should be a friend to this idea and not an obstacle.

Second, it’s okay if you want to be comfortable. And I’m saying literally comfortable in the clothing you are wearing as well as figuratively in the style and look of the clothing. By now if you don’t like wearing certain colors or patterns or cuts, safe to say, you never will.  

Third, let your casual clothing reflect YOU. Why? Because when you are over 40 you know who you are. Clothes can help remind you.

What I bet you’ll find is a desire for casual clothing that is comfortable, tailored the way you like, and easy to wear.

As we speak you need some good basic short sleeve polos, quality t-shirts to wear with shorts or jeans, sport shirts that speak to your personality, a few well cut chinos, jeans, shorts and for heaven’s sake, decent shoes with belts to match.

You can try to figure this out on your own for the weekend, “no one is going to see me,” moments. But if you’ll be sauntering into the office or interacting with people you may want some help. I do this for a living and hate dealing with it, so I can’t imagine figuring it out on my own or depending on my wife...whom I love dearly.

What’s the key to all this?

Doubling down on you. Let the casual clothing reflect it. Start there.