They say that life begins at 40, which frankly is a little bit too Benjamin Button for comfort. It’s also not true, clearly. Even if you can reasonably expect to make it to 80, up from a short and not especially sweet 25 in medieval times, your fifth decade is middle age at best; you’re summiting the hill, if not over it. The only salad days you’re going to enjoy now are if you go on the 5:2 diet.

That means though that it’s all downhill from here – in a good way. You’ve established yourself and your personal style. You don’t have to follow fashion. And even though you’re at peak earning power, you don’t really need to buy anything, so you can conceivably fork out for fripperies like bespoke suits and high-end watches – especially if you’re no longer paying through the nostril for full-time childcare.

Life might not begin at 40, but as far as your style is concerned, it doesn’t have to end there either.

How Should A 40 Year Old Man Dress: Top Style Tips

Don’t Retire Too Early

“I’ve always believed that if you have confidence, you can wear whatever you want,” says Olie Arnold, style director at e-tailer Mr Porter. “But by 40 you should have a good idea of certain fits and styles that suit your body shape. If not, tailoring will always be a flattering and age-appropriate option.”

And you can still have some fun: “Experiment with pleated and carrot-top trousers, or different fabrications and textures in knitwear and jackets.”

Separate Yourself From The Herd

Play it too safe for work and you become another drone in a ten-a-penny two-piece. “A well-fitted suit will look understatedly stylish in a sea of ill-fitting tailoring,” says Arnold. “However, unstructured separates can provide a more relaxed look, either worn together or dressed down with knitwear and a grandad-collar shirt.”