Written by Rakelle Maurici in Tips & Advice on the 24th October 2016

We live in a world where we can all dress as we please and we should feel comfortable to be able to break the rules occasionally. However, once you’ve reached a refined and mature age there are a selection of garments you need to think twice about keeping or even purchasing for that matter. Read on to be sure you’re not making these ultimate dad style sins.

A Hoodie 

Unless this garment is used for sports purposes you should try to avoid wearing a hoody for daily occasions e.g. picking the kids up from school or food shopping. It gives a sense of laziness and is a juvenile code of dressing. Alternatively, choose a button up sweater, cardigan or pull over in either wool or cashmere.

A Baseball Cap 

A baseball cap on forwards could well be pushing the boundaries and wearing it backwards is just 100% wrong for your age. However, if you’re the kind of guy who likes to dress in jeans and a t-shirt, then throwing on a cap on those bad hair days won’t make you look too out of place. We recommend ditching the baseball cap altogether and opting for a flat cap for a more sophisticated piece of headwear.

Some Jeans  

Jeans are probably the one fashion item which reveals our age. There are certain styles you can get away with wearing during your twenties and thirties but unfortunately will need to go once you've reached your fourties. Ripped jeans are the biggest culprit - rips in your jeans are a fast youthful trend and people will wonder if you see yourself as an adult. The same rule applies for skinny jeans too - don’t try fitting yourself into clothing which is just too tight - instead opt for a slim/straight fit which will finish nicely over a smart brogue shoe.

Leather 

Well, unless you’re a member of the Hell’s Angels it’s hard for anyone to get away with a pair of leather pants and leather jacket, especially if you’re over 40. Just like the tight fitting skinny jeans, you need to think about dressing smart enough for your age, especially if you don’t want to be mocked by your friends and work colleagues daily.

Daring Trainers 

God forbid you fall into the ‘Sneans’ category and wear bad sneakers with your jeans. Yeezy trainers for example should be kept for the youngsters. Avoid choosing trainers which are bulky and opt for something sleeker and minimal in colour. Nothing screams ‘wanting to be younger than you are’ moreso than trying to pull off a pair of red high top trainers aged 40.

Logo Tees 

Simplicity becomes key at this age, so avoiding visible brand names is one thing to certainly live by. You can still have statement items in your wardrobe but unless you want to be taken seriously, large logos should be avoided. It’s important to buy good quality fabrics in a great fit rather than buying into a trendy name because no one likes a show off.

We list the ulitimate style sins and faux pas' of dad style in this guide to Clothing You Should Stop Wearing Aged 40 plus.