Welcome to MANLY Magazine’s ultimate guide to stylish TV shows for middle-aged men. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore a curated selection of television series that not only entertain but also serve as a source of style inspiration. From timeless classics to contemporary favorites, these shows offer a wealth of fashion tips and ideas for men in their prime. So, grab your remote and get ready to binge-watch your way to sartorial success!
- 1. Mad Men: Classic Elegance in the 1960s and 1970s
- 2. Sherlock: Sleek and Modern British Style
- 3. Suits: Timeless Tailoring for the Modern Man
- 4. Downton Abbey: Regal Style and British Aristocracy
- 5. Archer: Animated Espionage and Effortless Style
- 6. Peaky Blinders: Vintage Cool and Monochromatic Style
- 7. Miami Vice: Vibrant '80s Style and Pastel Colors
- 8. Boston Legal: Classic Office Attire with a Twist
- 9. Lucifer: Dark and Stylish Devilish Charm
- 10. How I Met Your Mother: Relatable Everyday Style
- 11. White Collar: The Art of Tailoring and Elegance
- 12. 30 Rock: Quirky Comedy and Timeless Fashion
- Conclusion: Stylish TV Shows for Middle-Aged Men
1. Mad Men: Classic Elegance in the 1960s and 1970s
Genre: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 7 seasons
Set in the fast-paced world of advertising in the 1960s and 1970s, “Mad Men” is a timeless classic that showcases an array of stylish suits and sophisticated ensembles. The show revolves around the lives of the employees at Sterling Cooper advertising agency, led by the charismatic Don Draper, played by Jon Hamm.
Key Style Lessons:
- Embrace the power of a well-tailored suit: Don Draper’s two-piece suits exude confidence and elegance. Opt for clean lines and classic silhouettes.
- Experiment with different suit colors and patterns: From subtle pinstripes to bold checks, “Mad Men” shows that a suit doesn’t have to be plain black or navy to make a statement.
- Pay attention to accessories: Complete your look with pocket squares, tie bars, and classic wristwatches for a touch of sophistication.
2. Sherlock: Sleek and Modern British Style
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Country: UK
Duration: 4 seasons
Based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic detective stories, “Sherlock” introduces us to a modern-day Sherlock Holmes, portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch. The show’s contemporary setting provides a fresh take on classic British style, with Sherlock’s signature overcoat and scarves becoming style staples for fans.
Key Style Lessons:
- Invest in a quality overcoat: Sherlock’s long, tailored overcoat adds a touch of sophistication to his ensembles. Look for a well-fitted coat in a versatile color like charcoal or navy.
- Don’t be afraid to accessorize: Experiment with scarves and hats to elevate your outfit. Opt for patterns and textures that add visual interest.
- Embrace a minimalist color palette: Sherlock’s wardrobe predominantly features dark and neutral colors, creating a sleek and stylish look.
3. Suits: Timeless Tailoring for the Modern Man
Genre: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 9 seasons
“Suits” follows the lives of talented lawyers at a prestigious New York law firm. The show’s standout character, Harvey Specter, portrayed by Gabriel Macht, epitomizes sartorial elegance with his perfectly tailored suits and impeccable style.
Key Style Lessons:
- Master the art of the two-piece suit: Harvey Specter’s wardrobe is dominated by well-tailored two-piece suits. Choose suits with peak lapels and a single vent for a classic and timeless look.
- Experiment with suit colors and patterns: Harvey isn’t afraid to step out of the traditional black and navy suit mold. Incorporate subtle patterns like pinstripes or windowpanes into your wardrobe for a touch of individuality.
- Pay attention to fit and details: A well-fitted suit with the right proportions is key. Invest in tailoring to ensure your suits flatter your body shape. Also, consider adding personalized details like monogrammed cufflinks or a pocket square to elevate your look.
4. Downton Abbey: Regal Style and British Aristocracy
Genre: Drama
Country: UK
Duration: 6 seasons
Transporting us to the early 20th century, “Downton Abbey” offers a glimpse into the lives of the Crawley family and their staff. The show’s elegant costumes reflect the fashion of the time, with impeccably tailored suits, formal wear, and classic headwear.
Key Style Lessons:
- Embrace traditional formal wear: Take cues from the aristocracy with tailored tuxedos, waistcoats, and bowties for formal occasions. Opt for timeless black or midnight blue options.
- Incorporate tweed into your casual wardrobe: Downton Abbey showcases the versatility of tweed with its country-inspired looks. Invest in a well-tailored tweed jacket or waistcoat for a touch of vintage charm.
- Pay attention to grooming: The characters in Downton Abbey exude impeccable grooming and attention to detail. Maintain a well-groomed appearance with regular visits to the barber and a skincare routine tailored to your needs.
5. Archer: Animated Espionage and Effortless Style
Genre: Animation, Action, Comedy
Country: USA
Duration: 11 seasons
“Archer” combines espionage and comedy in a stylish animated series. The show’s protagonist, Sterling Archer, voiced by H. Jon Benjamin, effortlessly rocks a grey two-piece suit as his daily uniform, showcasing how simplicity and confidence can make a statement.
Key Style Lessons:
- Embrace a consistent daily uniform: Archer’s grey two-piece suit serves as his signature style. Adopting a daily uniform minimizes decision fatigue and ensures you always look put together.
- Opt for timeless simplicity: Archer’s style is defined by clean lines and minimal embellishments. Choose suits with classic cuts and neutral colors for a versatile and sophisticated look.
- Pay attention to grooming and accessories: Archer’s slicked-back hair and well-groomed appearance add to his overall polished look. Consider investing in quality grooming products and subtle accessories to enhance your style.
6. Peaky Blinders: Vintage Cool and Monochromatic Style
Genre: Crime, Drama
Country: UK
Duration: 5 seasons
Set in post-World War I Birmingham, “Peaky Blinders” follows the Shelby crime family and their stylish yet rugged attire. Tom Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy, commands attention with his monochromatic outfits and the show offers a masterclass in pulling off newsboy caps.
Key Style Lessons:
- Embrace monochromatic outfits: Peaky Blinders showcases the power of dressing in a single color palette. Experiment with shades of gray, navy, or brown for a sleek and bold look.
- Play with textures: Incorporate different textures like tweed, wool, or leather into your outfits to add depth and visual interest.
- Don’t forget the headwear: The show popularized the newsboy cap, which has made a comeback in recent years. Pair it with a tailored suit or a rugged ensemble to elevate your style.
7. Miami Vice: Vibrant ’80s Style and Pastel Colors
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 5 seasons
“Miami Vice” defined the style of the 1980s with its vibrant colors and sleek designs. The show’s lead characters, Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs, portrayed by Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas respectively, showcased the epitome of ’80s fashion.
Key Style Lessons:
- Embrace pastel colors: Miami Vice popularized the use of pastel colors in men’s fashion. Incorporate shades of pink, mint green, or baby blue into your wardrobe for a retro twist.
- Experiment with double-breasted jackets: Ricardo Tubbs often sported double-breasted jackets, adding a touch of sophistication and style to his outfits. Consider adding a well-fitted double-breasted blazer or suit to your collection.
- Accessorize with confidence: Miami Vice characters were known for their bold accessories, from statement sunglasses to chunky gold jewelry. Don’t be afraid to experiment with accessories that reflect your personality and add flair to your outfits.
8. Boston Legal: Classic Office Attire with a Twist
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 5 seasons
“Boston Legal” takes us into the world of high-stakes law firms, showcasing a variety of office attire. The show’s characters, including the charismatic Alan Shore portrayed by James Spader, demonstrate the essence of conservative yet stylish workplace fashion.
Key Style Lessons:
- Master the art of business formal: “Boston Legal” provides a masterclass in conservative office attire. Invest in well-tailored suits in classic colors like navy, charcoal, or gray.
- Pay attention to fit and details: Ensure your suits fit perfectly and are tailored to your body shape. Opt for subtle details like pocket squares or tie clips to elevate your look and showcase your attention to detail.
- Embrace a timeless color palette: Stick to classic colors and avoid overly bold or trendy patterns. Simplicity and sophistication are key in the workplace.
9. Lucifer: Dark and Stylish Devilish Charm
Genre: Crime, Drama, Fantasy
Country: USA
Duration: 6 seasons
In “Lucifer,” Tom Ellis portrays the devil himself, who decides to take a vacation from Hell and settles in Los Angeles. Lucifer’s style is characterized by dark colors, sleek tailoring, and a touch of devilish charm.
Key Style Lessons:
- Embrace darker colors: Lucifer’s wardrobe predominantly features dark hues like black, navy, and deep burgundy. Experiment with different shades of dark colors to add depth and sophistication to your outfits.
- Opt for slim-fit silhouettes: Tailoring plays a crucial role in Lucifer’s style. Invest in well-fitted suits and shirts that flatter your body shape and create a sleek and streamlined silhouette.
- Incorporate statement pieces: From bold accessories like statement rings to luxurious leather jackets, Lucifer’s style is all about adding an edgy and charismatic touch to his outfits.
10. How I Met Your Mother: Relatable Everyday Style
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Country: USA
Duration: 9 seasons
“How I Met Your Mother” follows the lives of a group of friends navigating love and life in New York City. The show’s character Barney Stinson, portrayed by Neil Patrick Harris, serves as a style inspiration with his legendary wardrobe and fashion advice.
Key Style Lessons:
- Embrace versatility: Barney Stinson’s wardrobe is full of versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched effortlessly. Invest in timeless essentials like well-fitted suits, classic shirts, and quality footwear.
- Experiment with patterns and colors: Don’t shy away from bold patterns and vibrant colors. Barney’s outfits often feature stripes, checks, and vibrant hues that add personality and charm.
- Pay attention to grooming: Alongside his impeccable style, Barney’s grooming routine is on point. Take care of your hair, nails, and overall grooming to complete your look and exude confidence.
11. White Collar: The Art of Tailoring and Elegance
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Country: USA
Duration: 6 seasons
“White Collar” revolves around the partnership between the brilliant con artist Neal Caffrey, played by Matthew Bomer, and an FBI agent. The show’s focus on white-collar crime is matched by its emphasis on sophisticated style and impeccable tailoring.
Key Style Lessons:
- Invest in high-quality tailoring: Neal Caffrey’s wardrobe is a testament to the power of well-tailored clothing. Choose suits and shirts that fit you perfectly and accentuate your best features.
- Play with textures and patterns: Incorporate different textures like tweed or velvet into your outfits to add visual interest and depth. Don’t shy away from subtle patterns like pinstripes or windowpanes.
- Accessorize with confidence: Neal’s style is elevated by his attention to detail. Experiment with accessories like pocket squares, tie clips, and statement watches to add personality and flair to your outfits.
12. 30 Rock: Quirky Comedy and Timeless Fashion
Genre: Comedy
Country: USA
Duration: 7 seasons
“30 Rock” is a hilarious sitcom that takes us behind the scenes of a fictional sketch comedy show. The show’s lead character, Liz Lemon, portrayed by Tina Fey, showcases a relatable and practical approach to style, with a touch of quirkiness.
Key Style Lessons:
- Embrace comfortable yet stylish attire: Liz Lemon’s wardrobe is characterized by comfy sweaters, blazers, and practical footwear. Opt for versatile pieces that allow you to express your personality while staying comfortable.
- Play with patterns and colors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with patterns and vibrant colors. Liz Lemon often incorporates patterns like stripes, polka dots, or florals into her outfits for a fun and playful look.
- Don’t forget the accessories: Liz’s style is completed with accessories like statement glasses, scarves, and quirky jewelry. Look for pieces that reflect your personality and add a touch of whimsy to your outfits.
Conclusion: Stylish TV Shows for Middle-Aged Men
From the timeless elegance of “Mad Men” to the vibrant ’80s style of “Miami Vice,” these stylish TV shows offer a wealth of inspiration for middle-aged men. Whether you’re looking for guidance on classic office attire or seeking to experiment with bold patterns and colors, these shows provide a range of options to suit your personal style.
Remember, fashion is about expressing your individuality and feeling confident in what you wear. Take inspiration from these shows, adapt the ideas to your own taste, and make each outfit your own. With these stylish TV shows as your guide, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of middle-aged fashion.
So, grab your remote, start streaming, and let the fashion journey begin!
