i like a short back and sides, fades as you call them in the u.s,
iv never been to a hairdresser is eww 17 yrs,
iv allways beleived a fade can do wonders, or even a trim
just be carefull not to go to short, not because of matching, but you may end up with bald patches. rare but worth a mention,
allways use the gaurd on youre clippers, go longer first, as you cant stick it back on,
go long, then try a shorter gaurd,