
Just the other day, we talked about clothes and whether they work for Christmas gifts. Well, that got me thinking about a female friend of mine who has always contended that the easiest thing to change about a man is his wardrobe.
I've found that's somewhat true — and that, in fact, plenty of men are really appreciative of any fashion advice they get from their girlfriends. But there are a few caveats:
1. He can't be too invested in a personal style or manner of dress before you meet him. If he's a hipster who wears nothing but skinny jeans, pointy half-boots, and button-downs that are too tight — and you're hoping to make him into more of a Banana Republic poster-child (or vice-versa), you'll have a tough time. And perhaps rightfully so. Personal style — and even lack thereof — is, to some extent, a reflection of personality. If he's trying to say I'm a wacky, unconventional guy! with his outfits, and that's a message that makes you uncomfortable, you might be better off with someone who's happy in business casual — or a simple pair of 501s. While it's possible to make suggestions about sneakers that might be just as comfortable as his New Balances but slightly more stylish — or about how nice a merino wool sweater might look on him (while also keeping him warm) — there's a difference between helping him look his best (or at least better) and trying to transform him completely.
2. Don't do it right away. Wait until you've been dating him a few months, and you have a nice rapport.
3. Do it gently and kindly. Make your sartorial suggestions in a supportive manner, in an effort to make a person you care about a little cuter (or possibly a little more professional-looking, particularly if he feels like he's not being taken seriously at work). Don't say, "Do you realize how horrible those old pants are?" Say, "I have no interest in helping other girls clue in to how hot you are, but I think these jeans could be really great on you."
4. Take it slowly. One step at a time. If you demand too much all at once, you could come off as too bossy. (And new clothes are expensive!)
But, I think my friend is right. If you meet a guy you like who doesn't pay too much attention to his clothes, it's no reason to write him off ... because that is something you can work on with him. Eventually.
-
Princess Diana’s Personal Trainer Spent Four Years Unaware She Was Required to Curtsy to Her
The Princess of Wales’ response? “That’s why I love you.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
The Queen Was Starting to Get Fed Up with This Royal Duty in Recent Years
Who wouldn’t be annoyed?
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince Charles is “Deeply Ashamed” of Infamous Camilla Phone Call
The 1990s headlines are almost too bizarre to be believed.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
The 50 Best Vibrators, According to Sex Toy Experts
The most trusted source in feelin' yourself.
By Alanna Greco
-
The 16 Best Sex Games to Spice Up Date Night With
Game night, but make it hot.
By The Editors
-
COVID Forced My Polyamorous Marriage to Become Monogamous
For Melanie LaForce, pandemic-induced social distancing guidelines meant she could no longer see men outside of her marriage. But monogamy didn't just change her relationship with her husband—it changed her relationship with herself.
By Melanie LaForce
-
Four Flirting Fun Facts--With Research to Back Them Up!
My pal Judy Dutton just wrote an excellent new book: How We Do It: How the Science of Sex Can Make You a Better Lover. She's chatted with me about the psychological studies that show how best to flirt; what kind of pick-up lines work best; and what you're really saying with your body language.
By Maura Kelly
-
100 Sex Songs That Won't Make You Cringe
Dim the lights and hit play on this sex songs — the perfect playlist of songs to have sex to.
By The Editors
-
75 Movie Sex Scenes That Are 100 Percent Real
These actors aren't faking anything.
By Mehera Bonner
-
33 Unexpected Valentine's Day 2022 Date Ideas
A.k.a. not dinner and roses.
By The Editors
-
Cult Status Satisfyer Vibrators Are Under $40 for Prime Day
4 stars, 16k reviews...yeah, this vibe's got a massive fan club (for good reason).
By Carina Hsieh