5 Ways to Help Your Man Look His Best

In the first couple of months after I first met my hubby-to-be, I must have thrown out donated 70% of the items in his closet. It wasn’t an easy task getting him into the store and convincing him that the Euro look is the way to go. He was used to wearing slightly ill-fitting American-style wide pants and he hates shopping with a passion, so most of his closet was a decade old. I had to (almost literally) drag him into stores, ignore his complaints, and act as his personal shopper.

If your sweetheart prefers t-shirts over ties and doesn’t own a single pocket square, you’re not alone. Believe me, I’ve been there. Thankfully my hubby has made a fashion 180. However, the scenario is so common that a survey found that 85 percent of men who’ve been shopping recently said they dress primarily for comfort. However, the men that were surveyed go on to say if they were better educated about what looks best on them or how to create a distinct look, they would be willing to step out of their clothing comfort zone. That’s where you come in. There are several ways to get your man to improve his fashion sense without cramping his style.

Choose Your Words Carefully

Let’s get to the root of the problem first. Most men wear the same thing over and over again, not because they’re lazy but because they’re stuck in a rut. Approach the subject when it’s convenient for both of you. In other words, don’t plan on having a conversation about clothing while he’s watching the game. Start with something positive. Mention why it’s important to you that he dresses appropriately for certain events and say something like, “It makes me feel valued when you spend extra time getting ready for our dinner dates.” In my case, I pitched it as a way for him to appear more professional at work.

Meet in the Middle

Compromise is key in any relationship. What we wear is, ultimately, a personal choice. Allow his personality to shine through by looking at his current wardrobe and buying a few pieces that are better, higher-quality and more well-fitted. For example, I know my hubby typically wears darker colors (think black, gray and navy), so I’ll buy him classier pieces in the same shades. That way, he doesn’t stray too far from his comfort zone when updating his look.

Go Shopping Together

Most men dislike shopping; it’s a fact of life. Next time you’re running errands, casually suggest you make a quick stop at a men’s clothing store. Once you’re both inside pick out a casual yet dressy piece you think would look good on him, like a button up casual shirt, and ask him “just to try it on and see.” Once he gets in the fitting room, you’re halfway through the battle.

Remember to Compliment

Always remember to pay a heartfelt compliment when your significant other wears something you picked out. Every man wants to hear he looks handsome and some loving words might just be the motivation he needs to add some more style to his wardrobe. He’ll feel better about wearing something new when he knows you appreciate the gesture.

Be a Stylish Example

You can’t expect your husband to dress up every now and then if you don’t. Take pride in yourself by staying up-to-date with the latest trends and wearing clothing that is well-suited for your shape. A joint update may sound pretty appealing since it shows your boyfriend or husband that it’s not just about him, but about your presence as a couple.

Most of all remember this: it’s not life-or-death. It’s just fashion. Have fun with it!