One man's search for style

Grey Fox photo: Niall McDiarmid.

Today I'd like to introduce a fellow mid-life blogger, Mr Grey Fox. We first met virtually in the blogosphere and then eventually bumped into each other in the real world. At a Mr Porter party, where we bonded over sharp tailoring and very strong cocktails. I still think it's funny, in a good way, to be introduced to someone by your blog name. Anyhow, proving that it's not just women of a certain age who want to streamline their wardrobes and edit their style, here he is:





What am I doing writing a blog describing a middle age man’s search for style? It was the inexorable pull towards grey Velcro-strapped shoes and polyester slacks that drove me to examine where I was going clothes-wise. I started blogging some months ago - very tentatively, because I have no background in the fashion world.

What have been my influences? Where has my search has taken me so far?

I read about The Sartorialist and it was his photos of stylish older men that made me realise that there is a world out there to be explored. Their approach is to wear classic and well-made clothes. On the whole they avoid the badges of youth; low-slung jeans, white trainers and skatewear. They look for tailored blazers, chinos and classic footwear. These are set off with small but significant individual touches, a bright pocket square, colourful socks, a hat or a classic wristwatch.

Slowly I have started to transform my wardrobe, throwing out all the cheap tat that I rarely wore because it was so unflattering. This process continues, and I now see that quality need not necessarily mean expense. Quality lasts longer (and can be bought at good reductions in the sales!)

It’s early days for me and my search for style continues. Blogging on this subject is frustrating – few older men seem interested in dressing stylishly and even less so in reading blogs about it!

Finally, I offer a few of the pictures that influence my search for style. It helps to look at blogs, books and websites for ideas – adopt what you like, reject what you don’t; that way you establish and clarify your own sense of style. And above all, experiment!

Follow Grey Fox's mid-life style journey here.