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!
never really had trouble with style, the main reason is as a kid I always went shopping with my mom when he dressed my dad. so I know what looks good on us. so as the wise man named Barney Stinson said. “nothing suits me like a suit”. never have I ever seen a really versatile clothing for men than a suit. fit for any occasion. goes well with anything ladies ware, slick and fashionable.
I bet to agree. We are often reluctant to talk about our needs in intimate relationships. Whether social conditioning or an inability to communicate our needs are to blame, We (Men) are prone to silently suffering when our emotional needs aren’t being met by our partners. We also need to be love and pamper 🙂
This is key. When I was still a teenager, I was a pretty small guy and always got small sized clothing because I didn’t want to admit to myself that I was a size small. My girlfriend that time ordered a small t-shirt in a sale online because it was the only one still in stock and I’ve had a fair share of compliments wearing it, and I must admit it looks better. I wore small clothes proudly back then (not anymore though — not since I switched to a vegan diet and started lifting). I guess it is one of the good reason/example why women really can help men to look good. 🙂
I totally relate with the struggle of making your man wear other than his shirt and jeans. I love the idea of going shopping together and trying on the clothes. It could be a chance for your partner to also suggest something for you. It’s a nice way to bond. Also, I agree with complimenting your partner. 🙂 We girls know how good it feels to be appreciated when we look extra when wearing something nice. It doesn’t take much effort to do the same for your man.
I like the idea of shopping with your boyfriend. It allows us to spend more bonding time with him and help him boost his confidence. This post is very informative and on-point. I wouldn’t mind following all the advice here.
I would love to shop with him and for him!
This is so helpful! Ghaad! I need to convince him!
Revamping my man’s wardrobe makes me crazy ?? ? ?
I can’t even begin to think about my guy — my own wardribe needs so much work!! ?
I think this sounds like a recipe for frustration. Either love him the way he is or leave it alone.