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!
I dress for comfort so I’m not the one to say that my partner dresses horribly. ☹️
My man would be extremely offended if I comment about how he dresses. But then sometimes I just hate how his sandals look whenever we would go out. He has shoes in his closet but he hates wearing them because he hates wearing socks and shoes because he claims it makes his feet feel sweaty. But then it’s not like he has the greatest hygiene in cleaning his feet or nails. I know, that’s disgusting but I thought it was something that can be changed over time since it’s just feet. But oh god I hate his crunchy heels.? Like, damn I didn’t even know it before since he wore shoes before I dated him. But out of comfort he just managed to dress down as we dated longer.
This is so funny but I feel you. Maybe you should just tell your man to use certain products to soften his heels? Or maybe trick him into having a foot spa right at the comfort of your own home?
Ladies, don’t take his taste too personally. Yes, it’s just fashion. Do’t overreact.
My brother is very particular with his looks and I think it’s pretty normal. Nothing to extreme but he likes looking good all the time. No excessive shopping or whatsoever, but enough to keep his wardrobe updated and his appearance in good shape. I think men should think it’s normal to look clean.
Men aren’t always good with fashion. Other people would even call them gay if they’re too particular about how they dress. Dressing for comfort is highly addicting, even for women it can be. I’m not exactly a fan of how my partner dresses up either, but I do try to alter it whenever there’s an occasion that he agrees to shop with me, I’d definitely go for it. Men won’t always hate it when you make suggestions, but you have to make sure that you’re respecting your boundaries as well. Do it carefully, like if he enjoys shirts a lot, maybe try telling him to switch to polo shirts before transitioning to ties! Men aren’t as explorative as we are in terms of fashion so we have to respect that.
As long as my significant other dresses appropriately on certain occasions, I wouldn’t mind his taste in clothing. As long as he’s not wearing rubber shoes to a formal dinner, I can learn to live with it.
Evan, my boyfriend usually shops at the same store, which I hate a lot. He’s pretty independent with shopping and is usually on the safe side of fashion but the problem is that I don’t like the prints that brand has.
My man always had this habit of just pulling anything from our closet and wearing it whether it looks good or not. He always says “it’s my thing” “I look good in anything babe” and he doesn’t! He has no sense of style. Luckily for him, I’m here now. Change is coming! Fast!
Having worked in retail. I always make it a point to help male customers in picking their clothes. EVEN IF I KNOW THEY HAVE NO STYLE! I make it a point that I have at least BRUSHED off some style in their lives. Even if it’s unsolicited.
Always went shopping with my bf and I always let him pick his clothes first before I do my thing because: 1. I can pick what looks good on him and 2. it lifts his mood so I can shop with a real man, not with a boy who gets bored easily.