Early 50's man. What to wear on a night out?

dug123

This is probably in the wrong forum but it can be moved.
A bit of background. I gave up work in 2009 to look after my wife who had cancer and sadly passed away last christmas, I have now found a job working in an office with three women and one other man who are all around the same age as me and next weekend I have been invited out for a few drinks in some pubs and then onto a nightclub (which is apparently full of people "our age" and playing music from "our era").
My problem is that I have no idea whatsoever what to wear.
When my wife was well we used to just go to the local pub and I would wear jeans and a t-shirt and trainers but I am sure that would be inappropriate for a club.
I have no other clothes apart from suits which would not really be appropriate in my opinion.
I am 6ft tall, a few extra pounds (not many), and I am clueless. I need to go shopping but have no idea where to go or what to buy.
I do not want to go out looking like mutton dressed as lamb but I do not want to be scruffy.
So what do I wear? Jeans/trousers? sweatshirt, shirt, jumper? jacket, blazer? shoes, trainers? I need advice from top to bottom please.
Any links to shops and clothes would be appreciated.
I will also mention that we are "Up North" so it is not exactly the London scene and I am not a millionaire.
Thank you from a useless bloke who's wife has bought clothes for him and dressed him for the past 30 years and is now at a loss.

Alikay

We are a similar age to you, live in a non-trendy Midlands city, and when we go on a night out like the one you're describing with friends most of the men wear something like smart chino-type trousers (maybe navy ones?) and a casual buttoned-collar shirt with tan brogues. Places like Next and M&S Blue Harbour collection are good places to look.

http://www.next.co.uk/x542460s8#687740x54
http://www.next.co.uk/g403286s3#143060G40
http://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-striped-shirt/p/p22332103
http://www.next.co.uk/x544530s2#691400x54

Well done with kick-starting your social life btw....must be scary after so long, and without your wife, but I'm sure you'll be fine - Good Luck

shebangs

Hi Dug

I am nowhere near 50 but do spend lots of time on nights out so see a variety of outfits
I agree with the poster above some dark blue or black jeans or chinos a nice shirt and tan or brown shoes with a nice casual jacket would suit. My hubby is just under 50 and carries a little extra weight I tend to steer him towards darker shirts also as they help to hide the little belly better. My advice would be just try stuff on even stuff you think you may not like you may suprise yourself.go for classic shops so m&s & next the department stores, if there is a jacamo shop near you the guys n girls in there are great at helping pick outfits .
Most door policies are no sportswear no trainers so no to trainers
Most of all enjoy yourself on your night out

Better_Days

Sorry to hear about your wife. This must have been a very difficult transition for you.

With regard to your query, my first thought was chino's and a button down shirt too.

Good combination of smart/casual. Darker colours look smarter I think. Certainly I'd go for darker trousers. I'd advise against trainers!

Debenhams also have a good range of chino's
http://www.debenhams.com/men/chinos

A pale blue button down shirt looks good with navy chino's I think.

Probably not worth buying a blazer for one night out, but do you have a reasonably smart coat you can wear with a matching scarf?

Buy yourself some new matching socks and some new pants too - you'll feel nicer for it when you go out.;)

Hope you have a lovely time.

[Deleted User]

Hello,

OK, got to be honest with you, but the jeans, trainers and t-shirt look is great for a man in their 20s, but can be really ageing for a bloke in their 50s.

My husband is a only a few years younger than you, but has swapped to wearing very smart well-cut jeans, walking shoes like these:

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/merrell-intercept-mens-shoe-p157182

or boots and a casual shirt. Still comfy to wear, but a bit smarter. Chinos, or cords with a thin jumper and boots is also a good look for more casual wear.

Like this:

http://retrodrive.tumblr.com/post/95838891914/casual-male-fashion

If you are not sure what to buy then "shop a look". Sorry, that is an awful phrase, but sums up what I mean. For example,

This is a good look for daytime, smartish wear:

http://retrodrive.tumblr.com/post/82823032484/casual-male-fashion-blog

However, adapt the look for youself. So ditch the cross over bag and go for a less patterned jumper. If an outfit looks good then try and buy similar items to wear together at the same time.

For a night out I would suggest a smart, shirt, open necked with no tie like this in blue worn tucked in:

http://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-tailored-fit-textured-shirt/p/p22317453

Then smart chino dark navy chinos as suggested before with a nice belt. Black chinos can fade quickly when washed which is why I suggest navy.

Then boots, boots, boots for the footwear. Something like these:

http://www.marksandspencer.com/l/men/boots

...however, not the first one, or the second to last pair.

I have just posted links to pictures from anywhere so some of the items shown are not cheap. However, most items will be sold in other shops for less if you do not want to spend too much.

Good luck with the night out. It must be very exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time.

dug123

Thank you all for your replies and I am getting the picture, Dark Chinos, nice shirt, brown brogues, but what is a "nice casual jacket" or "smart coat" please?
I am not too bothered about going and buying new because I have got to get myself a social life and so would hope to get more wear out of them than just one night!

McKneff

Why not ask the folk in your office you are going out with.

C_Mababejive

Dont worry about it Mr OP. It is a dilemma faced by many men of various ages where for example, they have to try and restart their lives and try to get back in circulation. It can seem daunting.

May i suggest that you pay a visit to Debenhams and as a start, browse their excellent website.

They have some excellent ranges of menswear at very reasonable prices and there is a bit of a sale on now.

The big secret is dont buy value or cheap stuff.. for example, dont go to M&S and buy the Blue Harbour range as it is poor.in fact, dont go to M&S for menswear at all.

All you need is a decent pair of pants (chinos?), a nice shirt, jacket and shoes.. Trust me, its all at Debenhams menswear !

They do mail order, buy in store or click and collect.

http://www.debenhams.com/men

Generally avoid the Maine New England range..

By the way, i too am oop north...

Alikay

Something like this
http://www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-rich-tailored-fit-moleskin-jacket/p/p22317760
or this
http://www.next.co.uk/x542414s2

would be nice and pretty versatile for nights out, going for lunch etc. If you're unsure just ask any bored-looking woman standing around with a similar-aged man for her opinion....it's the annual "Christmas-party-outfit-buying weekend" so there'll be loads of us haunting the menswear depts, and most of us would be happy to give our feedback if asked

shebangs

I agree with aikay re jackets you could go more blazer for spring summer but you want something warm now and once you are inside you can take it off. also most women will happily help I spent last saturday being the gok wan of the menswear world in M&S whilst waiting for hubby to try on something us girls are used to chatting in changing rooms so its normal to us to go no get the blue one not the green one etc

Better_Days

Navy boots, nubuck or the like are a good idea for footwear, and more vesatile than brown brogues. Don't buy pointy toed shoes or boots - you'll look like an estate agent

As to a coat - you don't want one with lots of outside clumpy pockets and shapeless which looks like you would walk the dog in!
This is what you dont want
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_065010301065+BT_-1

This is casual but smarter (the Kipford jacket in navy)
http://www.fatface.com/mens/jackets/icat/mensjackets

Or smarter still
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_094010312463+BT_-1

Do buy what you like and feel comfortable in - you won't enjoy yourself if what you are wearing doesn't feel 'you'.