Living in LA, one thing I've definitely noticed is that a man's impression in his 40s is not determined by his face or body.

It starts with the clothes.

Honestly, no matter how much you sweat working out, the moment you put on a T-shirt from Costco, that effort goes unnoticed.

But most men in their 40s think, "As long as it's clean, it's fine, haha."

So they wear a Costco or Sam's Club T-shirt, a pair of sale jeans, and New Balance running shoes.

They keep wearing this for years.

But the reality is a bit harsh. This combination isn't just comfortable clothing; it's simply "dad fashion."

Is there a pattern to the outfits that women absolutely hate on men in their 40s?

First, there's no fit.

It's either too big, the shoulder seams are drooping, or it's overall baggy.

It feels like the clothes are covering the person rather than the person wearing the clothes.

Is it too much to say it feels like walking around in a tent?

Second, there's no color.

Dark navy, gray, and black. These three colors are repeated endlessly.

It's not like you're going to a funeral, so why wear mourning colors every day?

Third,

there's the full-body functional set. Functional T-shirt with functional pants and functional sneakers.

But this isn't everyday wear; it's work clothes for going to Home Depot on the weekend.

It gives off the vibe of "I'm on my way to work."

Let's change the standards instead of just buying expensive clothes.

Here's the important point. I'm not saying to buy expensive clothes. Just change the standards.

First, size. About 70% of fashion in your 40s is determined by fit.

The shoulder seams should fit perfectly, and the sleeves and pants shouldn't be too long. Nowadays, you don't even have to go for slim fit. Just wearing regular fit properly can really improve your impression. Here's a tip: when buying clothes, don't just habitually grab an L; try on an M once. The difference is bigger than you think.

Second, add one bright color.

Don't just wear black and gray; mix in white, beige, olive, or light blue. It changes the vibe.

Especially in LA, if you're all in dark tones under the sun, it can look stifling. There's a reason people around you dress brightly.

Third, change the stores.

Costco and Sam's Club aren't bad, but the problem is the limited selection.

There are better places for men in their 40s to buy basic items in the U.S.

J.Crew or Banana Republic strike a good balance between work and casual wear.

For weekend casual, GAP or American Eagle are also sufficient.

If you have a little extra, try picking out one or two pieces from Nordstrom. That alone can change the overall vibe.

Fourth, shoes.

Do you know what the killer of dad fashion is? Worn-out running shoes.

Those sneakers you've been wearing for years. No matter how well you dress up top, if your shoes look like that, it just ruins the whole look.

For everyday use, basic lines from Nike or Adidas are enough, and if you can, go for a minimalist design like Common Projects.

Finally, it's about the combinations.

Instead of a T-shirt with a big logo, go for a plain tee. Instead of baggy cargo pants, opt for slim chinos.

Swap out a thick functional jacket for a lightweight shirt jacket. Just changing these can transform you from "someone who doesn't care" to "someone who pays attention."

So, my thought is that in LA, a man's competitiveness in his 40s comes from a well-organized appearance.

It's much more important to look neat and well-fitted than to look expensive.

Style isn't something you're born with. It's created through choices.

And men's fashion in their 40s is not about style but attitude, so the moment you decide not to dress carelessly, I believe you'll already see a change in your appearance.