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For boomer men, fashion tips on staying hip

By Carol Hymowitz
The Wall Street Journal
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 01.06.2006
With the first of the 78 million baby boomers now turning 60, a once-hip generation of men has a problem: looking younger and with-it — but not foolish — as they begin to use senior discounts. The women in their lives cover gray hair with dye and wrinkles with makeup, but those tactics are too girly for most guys.
What today's men have going for them is that many are fitter and more youthful-looking than their fathers were at their age, thanks to hours of working out or doing sports from mountain biking to scuba diving. Still, they know they will look silly in fashions aimed at college kids and aren't sure how to update their wardrobes. Heavier men have even more of a problem.
Here's a look at how to stay stylish:
Fit — Clothing that is too large may feel comfortable but makes you look heavier.
Better way: Shirts that fit trimly across your chest and back but can be easily buttoned should be worn with jackets that narrow at the waist rather than looking boxy. You'll look taller and more youthful. Similarly, flat-front trousers with straight legs are more slimming and flattering on most men than pleated pants.
Fabric — Leather pants may work for Mick Jagger, but they're too young for most boomer men — and show every bulge you have.
Better way: Leather jackets add pizzazz, especially if they're tailored and cut like blazers instead of motorcycle jackets. They can be worn over jeans or trousers.
Eyeglasses — Large lenses (24- or 26-millimeter size) were in vogue several years ago but cover most of your face and create a droopy appearance.
Better way: Smaller, 18-millimeter lenses can instantly erase 10 years from your face. And thanks to new technology, smaller frames now can be fitted with bifocals. Try rimless styles or lightweight frames in thin titanium or even a modish color such as red. "You don't want anything too wide, which can accentuate your nose, or too narrow, which doesn't cover your eyes," says Jeff Press of Morganthal Frederick's, a New York eyeglass retailer.
Shoes — Penny loafers or oxfords with tassels on the ties can date you. "After people look at your eyes, they look at your feet, and if you're wearing the same style shoes that you've worn for 10 years, you're out of it," says Drew Sisselman, an Atlanta style consultant.
Better way: A contemporary slip-on or tie style can "freshen everything else you're wearing," Sisselman says. And Kenneth Cole and Nike's Cole Haan unit have trendy styles with comfortable, cushioned heels. Boomer men also can wear low-heeled leather boots or Western boots with jeans. A pair of black leather shoes, with leather soles, is essential, as is a pair in brown, which can be worn with navy, gray and khaki.
Color — Black sweaters are hip whatever your age, but black suits can look funereal on anyone over 35.
Better way: Navy and charcoal gray are more flattering on most men, but experiment with textured fabrics and unusual color combinations — gray with a subtle stripe, paired with a maroon, dark blue, green or lavender shirt.
Hair — If you've got a full head of hair, flaunt it. But if you're going bald, don't try combing over your bald spot.
Better way: The thinner your hair gets, the shorter you should cut it. Short hair accentuates your features.
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