By the time you've reached your 40s, it's safe to assume you've learned a few things. And aside from perfecting the art of ditching a meeting that could've been an email, nailing your braised ribs recipe, or finally understanding how all those tools in your garage really work, having a good idea of your own sense of style as a man over 40 should probably be near the top of your list. But just because you're now into your fifth decade on this planet doesn't mean curating your closet has gotten much easier. Luckily, when you know which labels will elevate your style game, creating a signature look is a breeze. So before you buy another piece of clothing that lands in the donation bin a year later, make sure you know these amazing men's style brands for those over 40.

Best Life's editors have scoured the internet to bring you the best products out there, and we're hoping you'll love them as much as we do. Full disclosure: we may earn a commission for anything you purchase through links on this page, but that doesn't mean you'll pay more for them (we'd never do that to you!). Pricing and availability are accurate as of the piece's initial publication date, but it's the internet and we can't guarantee that these sweet, sweet deals will last forever, so scoop them up before someone else does!

They've dressed presidents. They've dressed movie stars. They've also dressed your colleagues on every rung of the career ladder. In short, if you're not wearing Brooks Brothers dress shirts by now, you're not doing it right. Pro tip: keep an eye out for holiday weekend sales, where you can generally pick up standard-issue button-downs for half off.

Uniqlo clothing is about as basic as it gets… And therein lies the appeal. Their wares—from plain tees to graphic button-downs—are always budget-friendly, but well-made in a way most clothes at their price point are decidedly not. Take special note that clothing runs a little slim, but once you've found the size that fits your frame just fine, you likely find yourself ordering essentials—like this simple crewneck—in bulk.

Part of aging with grace means being able to add subtly playful accents to your outfits without going over the top. This is where the perfect cufflinks can come into play—and few brands can pull off cheeky fashion quite like Paul Smith does. These avocado cufflinks are peak Paul, offering an easy addition of whimsy to even your nicest suit, but they're just the tip of the iceberg for this brand. Consider them for everything from unique ties to age-appropriate-yet-still-interesting button-ups.

Even though the past decade has seen an unprecedented boom in direct-to-consumer clothing options that keep pricing low thanks to in-house manufacturing, the results on actual quality and overall style have been decidedly mixed. That's not the case for Everlane, however, which has quickly become one of the most reliably priced options for great-fitting and effortlessly chic men's clothing on the market. While we love them for their well-priced cashmere sweaters and button-ups, it's things like these wool pants, which can be dressed up with a suit jacket or played casually with a simple tee, that make them a cut above the rest.

There comes a point in every man's life when he realizes that rainy days don't have to mean donning a waterproof coat that tanks an entire look. Fortunately, Rains has developed a line of sleek, minimalistic rain jackets whose cuts and colors can complement practically any man's style, won't make you feel overheated, and—shocker—actually keep you dry!

If a cumbersome billfold has ever given you grief, it might be time to opt for a slim card case instead. But just because you're going small in size doesn't mean you'll get minimal style: Get creative with a vivaciously colored option from the always-vibrant lineup of Marc Jacobs, a fashion house seemingly determined to make use of all 365 million colors visible to the human eye. This tasteful, tiny accessory could be the touch of excitement you never knew you needed.

You name it: No matter if you're looking for polos, cufflinks, gala-worthy tuxes, or double-breasted camel-hued suede bombers, Ralph Lauren has it. But if you want to experience the best of what they have to offer, look to the preppy roots that helped immortalize the brand. And for that, let the classic rugby—a potent mix of sporty style and polished academic charm—be your starting point.

While Levi's reigns supreme for most guys on the daily denim front, it's important to know there is a solid alternative: The Gap. Whatever the fit or hue you prefer, you'll be able to find it in their diverse lineup. But what clinches it is "GapFlex" fabric, which allows for extra give throughout the jean. What may sound like a cheesy branding term actually means you're getting a leaner look and a more comfortable fit at the end of the day. The fact that The Gap offers B.O.G.O. sales practically every other week also just makes them a fantastic deal.

Whether you're hiking up a mountain or just walking across the street in winter, it's important to have high-performance outdoor apparel in your wardrobe that actually looks great. That's where Filson comes in: From flannels to footwear, their frontier-meets-Fifth-Avenue look is only made better by the fact that their gear is as functional and durable as advertised. If you need an easy place to start, grab one of their solid beanies before dipping into their wide range of gear, which includes everything from basic t-shirts and pants to fishing vests. And if your cold weather gear could use a refresh, check out The 20 Best Winter Coats for Men.

It has to be said: Being stuck with a rotation of two or three suits can make it very hard to make your style stand out, and dropping $1,500 on a whim doesn't make sense for most people. Luckily, Suitsupply has come along to provide stylish suits that finally prove that you don't have to decimate your savings to avoid looking cheap. The secret lies in their in-house tailoring that turns a wide off-the-rack selection of cuts and colors into a suit that looks custom-made—all at a fraction of the cost of major brands.

While you may instantly recognize L.L. Bean for their iconic boots (which tend to sell out every year by early winter, so move fast), know that the company has much, much more to offer. This handsome canvas briefcase, for example, effortlessly combines form and function with a padded laptop sleeve and easy-access outside pockets—and plenty of style, to boot.

If you're looking for the best bang for your buck—and, frankly, there's never a reason not to—look no further than Allen Edmonds footwear. For starters, every pair is handmade (from a 128-step process, no less) with indestructibility in mind. Even if something happens to go wrong, the company will restore the shoes to like-new condition for a nominal fee. It also doesn't hurt that each and every pair are timeless lookers. In short: a pair of Allen Edmonds shoes can literally last you a lifetime.

While getting older does involve some closet culling, hitting your 40s doesn't mean you should pare down to just solid color tees and dad jeans. Scotch & Soda offers the kind of cuts and patterns that maintain a youthfully stylish look while injecting a composed maturity. This striped shirt is just one example of their versatile options that will keep you out of the demure clothing doldrums.

That backpack you've been using to get around town might have some fond memories attached to it, but by 40, it's high time to step up your laptop case game to something a little more stylish. Go Forth Goods offers one of the best ways to upgrade your look to leather, with each piece handmade to order and at a fraction of the cost of designer totes. The solid brass hardware and rivets will make this a long-lasting investment to boot.

Online-only store Bonobos specializes in clothing that, put simply, is automatically tailored. Once you pinpoint your size and fit by heading into one of their many "guideshops" around the country—where trained stylists can help you figure out what works best on your body—you can start ordering suits and shirts at the click of a button. You'll never have to embark on a trip to the tailor again! The best part? All orders have free shipping.

We get it: kickstarting a timepiece collection, especially if you're buying online, is a daunting proposition. A few poor choices and you're thousands of dollars in the hole. That's where Seiko can save the day: Of all the many watch brands on the planet, none can match their sheer range and approachably priced options. So, if you want to test-drive a timepiece that's a little bit edgier than your usual style—like, say, a chronograph with funky rose-gold hands, a topographical face, and oversized numerals—you can do so at a relatively low-risk cost. When you're ready to upgrade to a Rolex-grade version, you can check out the company's Grand Seiko look book, where you'll find top-notch watches (and four- or five-figure price tags to match).

Fact: every guy needs a leather jacket in his closet. But once you hit 40, the bells and whistles of the biker look championed by artsy post-grads will cause you to veer into mid-life crisis territory. Instead, stick with something more reserved and understated without sacrificing material quality. That's where All Saints comes in with this simple, sophisticated cut.

Depending on your day-to-day, your investment in ties may realistically hover in the sub-$100 range. And while there's nothing wrong with a steady stable of solid silk pieces to have on hand, investing a bit more for special, high-quality ties from fashion houses like Salvatore Ferragamo can take even a mediocre suit to new levels of chic. Their subtly playful patterns can be a great way to add personality to your look without veering into "loud and obnoxious" territory.

The modern fits and splashy patterns of Ted Baker are a shot of adrenaline for a flatlined wardrobe. But thanks to a reserved, debonair aesthetic, you won't run the risk of coming off as if you're trying too hard. Wade into their wares with a cotton geo-print button-up, which scores high marks for its modern minimalist vibe. Soon after, when  you're ready to shirk the blue-shirts-and-chinos look for good, you can dive headlong into the rest of their catalog.

Yes, Burberry coats may be expensive. But they're also the type of heirloom-quality apparel—timeless style, indestructible construction—that you'll have for your entire life. Consider the fact that as an investment, there are few choices you can make that top a good, warm coat: Any item you'll be wearing every day between late November and early April will more than make it worth the splurge.

By 40, most men have settled in on a good set of reliable roller luggage for longer getaways. But when it comes to smaller bags for carry-on luggage or a tote for quick trips, finding the right weekender can help set you apart from the rest. Dooney & Bourke has mastered the art of the stylish-yet-practical duffle, with comfortable handles, an interior organization system that keeps everything in line, and a handsome look that will make you feel like a jetsetter even when you're only heading up to your family's place for a holiday weekend.

True style means that every part of you—even the parts most people won't see—is 100 percent on point. This means that fragrance isn't excluded from your daily routine—and practically no one puts out better scents than Dolce & Gabbana. Case in point: Light Blue, which, as its name suggests, is a balanced, fresh cologne that runs zero risk of overpowering the room.

$80 and up at Bloomingdale's

Stylish eyewear demands the versatility of looking great on a shorts-and-a-t-shirt beach day while still being able to work with your suit at an outdoor wedding. Springing for a pair of sunglasses from Maui Jim is well worth the investment, thanks to the durability that ensures they'll last for years, the versatile frames that can be both casual and sleek, and the high-performance lenses that will actually protect your eyes.

It's not uncommon for many men to have owned a pair of Red Wing Boots before they've hit 40. These days, their cuts run the gamut from sheerly functional to chic and stylish, all providing the same high-performance durability that has kept them relevant for decades. With the proper upkeep, boots like these Merchants can suit practically any wardrobe for years on end while actually giving your feet the support they need.

Snobby fashionistas may sneer at Theory for copping runway looks but not quite attaining the runway pedigree, but ironically, therein lies their most attractive quality. With their lineup, you absolutely can get high-fashion looks without the snobby experience—or price tag, for that matter. Consider this sweater, which elevates a traditional piece of attire like the simple polo with soft wool and tapered cuts on the sleeves. Think of it as the future of fashion, just for way less.

Recently, J. Crew overhauled their entire brand with a mission to make everything at the same high-quality benchmark they're known for but at a fraction of the price. Thankfully, as this poplin button-down proves, the mission has been accomplished, considering that shirts like this used to cost about 25 percent more only a few years ago. This should make them a go-to option for refilling or changing elements of your wardrobe for everything from socks to suits.

Few extravagances on the planet can beat really good selvedge denim. It's tough-as-nails, contours to your body, and—unlike normal, tear- and fade-prone denim—only gets better looking as the years go by. And if you're looking for the best selvedge, look no further than A.P.C.'s line. Made from Japanese dry selvedge (that's the ne plus ultra of the variety), it's truly as good as it gets.

Jack Erwin is minimalistic fashion taken to its maximum potential. You won't find any groundbreaking trends here: Instead, you'll find a curated selection of streamlined classics, like cap-toe Oxfords, double-monk straps, and penny loafers. A true star, though, is their Chelsea boot, which is cut slightly more narrow than similar styles, creating a more elegant, dashing look.

Even if you're someone who's waged a war against a George Costanza-style overpacked wallet through their 30s, it's never too late to finally cut through the clutter and get yourself a clean, efficient option as a daily carry. This streamlined leather wallet from Ekster not only presents all of your credit cards with the push of a button, but can also be upgraded to include a Bluetooth-enabled tracker that makes it near impossible to misplace. You may only be paying a $50 bar tab, but you'll look like a million bucks every time you take this piece out of your pocket.

All good things come to those who wait, right? Well, since it takes two months to make every pair of Church's shoes, so you can rest assured you're getting top-notch quality.

When it comes to choosing your next pair of wingtips—the shoe that's anchored men's style for decades, and will for decades to come—spring for the best of the best with a pair of these.

Fact: every guy wants to be a rock star. And while John Varvatos won't exactly make those dreams come true, at least their clothes will help you look like you're on your way to a recording session with Rick Rubin. Here, you'll find all the garden variety rocker gear—think t-shirts, vests, and belts with an emphasis on vintage looks—but what truly sets John Varvatos apart from other rock-inspired brands is the courage to wade away from the studded leather jackets and beat-to-death skinny jeans to offer power-chord swagger in other forms. This striking lapel jacket, for instance, looks as ready for an after party as it does a meeting with accounting.

Just because you're into your 40s doesn't mean you have to sacrifice edginess in your wardrobe. Since you can never have too many shoe options, pick up these black leather derbies to familiarize yourself with The Kooples brand. They're oozing sophisticated urban style that can dress up a t-shirt or send your best suit to the next level.

With a line of watches, bags, keychains, and even bicycles, it's clear that Shinola is one of menswear's greatest—and most diverse—accessory makers. It's the company's handmade-in-Detroit wallets, though, that really stand out in their impressive lineup. Made of patented Horween leather, they're every bit as durable as they are stylish.

Perfecting your facial hair and grooming routine is every bit as important to your overall style as the clothes you're putting on in the morning. So why are you still using the same products at 40 as you were when you were 22? The Art of Shaving will ensure that smooth finish you demand without irritation, whether you're clean shaven or just touching up around your growth.

Tommy Hilfiger, the maestro of Americana chic, offers university-style preppy looks for practically every price range. But if you want to hew to tradition—like, say, with a cozy navy cable knit sweater—there are ample options sure to meet your needs.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

In a strange twist of fate, the most important thing you put on the morning is usually the one thing that pretty much no one else can see—at least if everything is going to plan. By 40, your underwear shouldn't be just good: It should be great, both in the way it looks and how it functions. SAXX offers a special "ball park" design that optimizes comfort no matter how much you're moving around, as well as designs that run from traditional solid colors to off-the-wall prints featuring everything from snowmen and surfing sumo wrestlers.

Yes, $195 is steep for a tie. But at this age, and especially for when the occasion calls for it—think job interviews, graduations, anniversaries, or weddings—a guy should have a few of the most powerful power ties at his beck and call. Hermès is that breath of life your wardrobe needs.

It doesn't matter if you're an avid outdoorsman or just someone who feels bogged down by nature running to your car in the morning: Having a versatile jacket that stands up to the elements can make all the difference in the world. Fortunately, Barbour has devised a line of coats that not only do their duty, but also happen to look absolutely fantastic. After all, any line good enough for James Bond is good enough for us.

No matter how fashionable you are, your clothes won't mean anything if they get drenched. That's why you should consider Davek, a company that make uber-stylish, idiot-proof umbrellas that open and close at the push of a button. No more having to fumble with awkward clasp systems in a busy foyer or crowded subway car ever again!

Why? Because 40 is well past the age where it's okay to rent a tux… And because Tom Ford is Tom Ford.