By Susan Kim – Guest Blogger (Reposted), How to get your career mojo back after 40

Last week, I focused on the 12 ways for women not to become invisible after 40.  This week, it’s a version of that for the men.

Channeling your inner Don Draper is easier than you think.

I say version because as men get older they don’t become invisible. In fact, they start to stand out for the overly comfortable way they dress. The New York Times had a great article about this, referencing the play, Superior Donuts.  In it, middle-aged Arthur says, “I haven’t dated in a long time.” The much younger Franco deadpans, “That’s hard to believe, the way you dress and everything.” Arthur retorts, “I like to be comfortable.” Franco smirks: “You might be comfortable naked, but that don’t mean it looks good.”

40+ men, it does not have to be this way. Because compared to women,  it is sooo ridiculously easy for you to mojo up your style.

Why I wish I were a man
It’s not just that men get the vast majority of the income, executive positions, and political power.  I wish I were a man because by doing just one thing that takes 5 seconds, they can go from being a 4 to a 7.  Or a 6 to a 9.

Men, you are complete idiots if  you don’t do this one thing
Get a tailored blue blazer. Just toss on your blazer over a white shirt and jeans and — shazam!  Your whole look changes. If you put it over a patterned shirt and nicer pants, it is an even bigger transformation. And, if you want to go all Don Draper, add a pocket square (a colorful little bit of silk you put in the outside pocket). Do not skip the tailored step. No matter what type of shape you’re in, you’ll look slimmer and taller if it’s tailored.

You’re also idiots if you omit these 6 tips

1. Smile.  Men don’t smile nearly as much as women, so when they do, everyone (especially women) really notices.  It’s totally unfair that men get so much attention for something that is almost the default expression for women.
2. Update your glasses. Whether prescription or sunglasses, it’s not enough for them just to be functional.  Unless they are are the cool retro type, you need to update your frames.  Men over 40 often neglect to do this because they hate change and it seems too foo-foo.
3. Get a haircut, become friends with a hair product, and embrace your baldness.Oh my gosh — the one area where men finally are at a disadvantage.  If you have hair, make the most of it with a great cut and hair products. Always, get a good hair stylist that focuses on men.  If you’re balding, go with it. Once again, talk to a stylist who can help you.
4. Diversify your friendships. If you’re straight, you need to expand your circle and include some gay men and straight women friends. Gays, you already have women friends and some straight acquaintances;  you need to become closer friends with some key straight guys.  And to round out the whole kumbaya circle, everyone should be friends with lesbians. You will become much more interesting — and everyone finds that’s sexy.
5. Ask a woman questions, then shut up and really listen. Did you know that most women will keep a running score of how many questions you’ve asked compared to how many she’s asked?  Most men don’t ask that many questions.  When you ask and really listen to the answer, everyone thinks you’re much better looking and charming than when you were just talking about yourself.
6. Lift weights.   I’m ending this the same way I ended the women’s list.  Lift weights because it will get you in shape faster than cardio (although do that, too) and everything looks better on a nicely muscled frame.  Plus, when you feel in shape and strong, you move with so much more confidence.  And what’s more stylish than that?

At least half of you reading this right now are women.  I know it’s unfair that men have these uber-easy short cuts but the good news is that it’s much more straightforward for you to get your guy to make these changes.  And the bonus — if a woman is with a good looking man, she is perceived to be better looking herself.

Thanks to David McKnight of DAMstyle for contributing to the style tips.

Photo credit:  NBC Photos Dana Edelson

Smart Casual conjures up many a depiction of dress trousers, buttoned shirts (with or without ties) and what not.

Today, the aesthetic has evolved to encompass quite the array of choices that loosely fit the expression. As a broad brushstroke, Smart Casual stems from a point of view that brings together a sense of professional polish, with a touch of informality and a streak of self-expression—thus redefining office uniform as being functional, unique and still professional.

Simply, dress pants, a collared shirt and dress shoes equate Smart Casual. Trimmings such as belts, ties or cardigans, particularly the latter are your opportunity for a modus operandi—an opportunity to shine if you will.

Some other ideas to consider:

1. Mix things up and opt for loafers and go sock less on Fridays, in warm weather only
2. Anchor your neckwear with a tie bar
3. Artfully break up the monotony of what may be overtly professional and add a zip of color by opting for bold colored socks
4. Wear a plaid or check shirt layered with a vest or blazer, another opportunity to be unique but still maintaining a professional demeanor (one of my personal favorite looks)
5. For a rakish look wear jeans (if they’re allowed), but make sure they’re dark and crisp. Pair with a collared shirt and the dressiest of shoes

Photos: GQ.com and JHilburn.com

Summer is a time when layers decrease and clothes shed. But how do you balance that with dressing for the office?  In this podcast, David discusses what you should and should not do when it comes to professional summer attire.  Are sleeveless blouses on women acceptable?  Is it okay for a man not to wear a t-shirt under his dress shirt? Tune in and hear what David has to say about these and other topics.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Its no secret that the economy is still on a tough upward journey towards complete recovery. Professional image is now more important than ever.  Image is critical not only to landing a job, but also to keeping the job.  In this episode David shares a few important tips to help you navigate increasingly complex path towards an improved professional image.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Not too starched and certainly not too stuffy. Post economic hemorrhaging, today’s creative account executive needs to shake off all the illusions and pretensions of the doo-dah days and keep it amiable.

It’s still important to stick to a silhouette that complements your physique and a style that adds credibility to your expertise and clarifies your authority. Keep the most part of your ensemble somber but confidently play with sparing pops of color and layer with an interesting sport coat, like this Jersey Blazer.

Vintage Tuxedo Shirt from Martin + Osa ($79.50), Skinny Fit Trousers from Topman ($80), Jersey Blazer from Topman ($138),Perforated Penny Driver from Prada ($460) and Trooper Bag ($215) from J.Fold.

In spirit of optimism, some form of obscure notion of job stability and perhaps an economy piqued, I’m compiling looks for the working man, the job seeker or professional poseur.

Whichever man you are, here’s a work-look to don for those of you in the creative field. Designers, writers, artists, photographers and those of you in-betweeners, here’s how to really look like you’re basking in artistic expression and professional acumen.

Broken-In-Button-Down from Martin + Osa ($59.50), Dylan In Boone, Slouch Tapered denim from J Brand($165), Classic Pointed Lace Ups from Topman ($76) and Rugged Twill Tote from Martin + Osa ($99.50).

We all know the criticality of looking our best when going on an interview.   When you’ve purchased the perfect suit, polished the new shoes, and freshly printed the resume, your  job isn’t quite over.  Below are a five quick tips that you can perform in 30-seconds to ensure that your efforts aren’t cancelled by a silly mistake:

1. Teeth – Check your teeth in the mirror to make sure there’s no residue of your breakfast or lunch.  Ladies, be sure your lipstick is only on your lips, where it should be.

2. Nose – Check your nose, especially if you have a cold or sinus infection, or if you’ve just come in from the freezing cold.  Nose dribble is unattractive.

3. Dandruff – If you’re wearing a black or navy blue jacket, double check your back in a mirror to make sure there’s no unsightly “snowflakes” falling down.

4. XYZB – Examine Your Zippers and Buttons!  You don’t want anything popping out during the interview, so check carefully.  The interviewer isn’t looking for a peep show.

5. Posture – Make sure you’re standing nice and tall with a confident smile.  Since most of the interview will be seated, be sure that you’re sitting tall, and not slouching, with a slight lean forward.

Once you’ve covered these basic tips then you can relax and really focus on your answers, and not worry about whether you have something between your teeth.  You don’t get a second chance to impress.