Should We Dress Our Age?

To conform is to yield for this writer

There is no authority but yourself (my own photo)

There was once a lively debate in an online forum I used to frequent, on whether or not it was appropriate for a man in his fifties to wear white trainers (or sneakers if you’re across the pond). I came down firmly on the side of those who said that it is up to the individual to choose what kind of footwear they prefer, no matter what their age.

Indeed, the whole dress your age debate crops up on social media occasionally, and, thankfully, it seems the consensus is that we should do as we please, and to hell with the mores of society. I have a particular reason for refusing to comply with the elderly dress code, but what is dressing your age anyway?

Elderly Dress Code

At a local social club I occasionally visit, the clientele in the bar comprises a sizeable proportion of elderly regulars. I recently made an observation as to their dress code, and I would say that a typical customer would be attired, from the bottom up, thus:

Shoes are soft, casual sneakers, some slip-ons, and others fitted with Velcro straps, lest the old arthritis plays up. Trousers are invariably slacks, usually grey. The shirt is plain, perhaps mauve, and this is worn with a tie of random colour and pattern. The ensemble is finished off with a woollen…