How to Get Your Boyfriend to Dress Better
You love your boyfriend to pieces, but his wardrobe? That’s a different story. If you’d like to revamp your boyfriend’s style, try these tips to layer him in pieces he’ll love while still giving him a say in his outfit options.
His reasoning
So we’ve established that you’re not a fan of your boyfriend’s style, or lack thereof. But why is it that he dresses this way? Before you try to change his look, you need to find out his reasoning. If he makes well thought-out decisions and chooses pieces he likes, then you’re trying to mess with his personal style and it won’t work out. However, if his lack of style comes from laziness or a tendency to choose something comfortable, then you’ve got some room to work with him.
Make sure it’s a team project; he’s not a Ken doll you can dress in whatever you like, but he can be directed toward the items that make him look his best. We all fall into comfortable habits once we’ve been with someone for a long time, and maybe his current look is a result of being too comfortable around you, so much so that he doesn’t feel the need to dress up or try like you both did on your first date. A conversation about style can make you understand his choices and help you figure out the best way to revamp his fashion.
Guide his shopping
Don’t head to the mall with him. It’s often a fight waiting to happen, and you don’t want to put yourself into a mommy role. If you’re looking to lead him in the right direction, send him a link to a website that offers clothing you think he would look good in. Try out a brand that is similar to his current style, but with more flattering and better-fitting pieces. For example, J. Crew offers a variety of cool and trendy shirts, pants, shoes and more, and will make it easy for him to find something that looks dapper and ups his fashion ante.
Baby steps
You won’t overhaul his look overnight, so get rid of that thought before it starts. Help him live up to his debonair potential by guiding his wardrobe choices in small steps. We all know buying gifts for guys can be more of a headache than a pleasure, so use that to your advantage and gift him with pieces you love and know he will look good in. Sites like TouchofModern.com offer gifts for the modern man, so you can pick out some dapper clothing to give him instead of aggressively telling him he needs a style makeover. By slowly incorporating gift pieces into his wardrobe, you can subtly transform his look. With a fuller closet, he’ll be more inclined to get rid of some of those old, worn pieces that you may absolutely loathe.
Make him feel good
Girls aren’t the only ones who love compliments. If your guy is putting in the effort to transform his look, or even if he’s merely giving into wearing the pieces you buy for him, let him know that you notice. Tell him how great he looks, compliment good fashion choices and never criticize him for wearing things he likes. Use positive reinforcement when he wears things you think he looks great in, but don’t make him feel bad about things you’re not a fan of. Flatter him and encourage great dressing habits with a few simple words.
Size matters
If he’s wearing a shirt that’s three times too big, it’s time to step in. He may not realize the fit isn’t appropriate, and maybe he’s one of those that assumes (so wrongly) that he is the same size in every brand and every store. Help him understand that even if a shirt is of great quality, throwing it on doesn’t magically make him look great. Finding the right size will immediately enhance his look, and he’ll most likely find it more comfortable, which benefits you both.
Get formal
Want to see him dressed to the nines? Then give him a reason to be. Plan a formal date or invite him as your date to a wedding or other formal occasion. Let him know the dress code in advance so he has time to buy nicer pieces in the likely event he doesn’t already own them. When he does put in the effort, let him know how appreciated it is.
Accessories aid
A lot of guys don’t seem to understand that accessories aren’t intended solely for women. In many instances, it’s easy to update a basic style with the addition of some well-selected accessories. A solid watch, some James Dean-inspired sunglasses or a dapper belt can really pull an outfit together and give your boyfriend the look you’re searching for.
Help guide your boyfriend to better fashion choices in baby steps, and make him feel great when he makes changes. You’ll both be happy with his new look, guaranteed!
Article by Kimberly Scott
Editor-in-Chief Mark Heckathorn is a journalist, movie buff and foodie. He oversees DC on Heels editorial operations as well as strategic planning and staff development. Reach him with story ideas or suggestions at dcoheditor (at) gmail (dot) com.