Janie Grace Posted June 2, 2012 Share Posted June 2, 2012 My dh would really like me to help him choose clothes and dress better. I feel clueless in this area. I have a hard enough time figuring out my own style/outfits! But I really do want to bless him this way. So, here's the deal... he's 40 and doesn't want to dress like he's trying to be 20 (ie, no graphic Ts -- which I think are cool but he equates with "trying too hard"). Right now he wears jeans (he has one pair, they are Lucky brand that he got at Sam's) and golf shirts or short-sleeved cotton button downs. I'm not sure how to help him be more current, where to shop, what styles would flatter him, etc. If it helps, he's built like a football player -- tall and muscular. Trying to lose some weight around the middle but overall, a hunky big guy. ;) I need ideas! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer in MI Posted June 2, 2012 Share Posted June 2, 2012 I sent my dh (who is built like your dh) to Men's Warehouse with my ds16!!! They got some GREAT stuff!!!! Nice sweaters. Great jeans. In our area, that store is absolutely wonderful!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigMamaBird Posted June 2, 2012 Share Posted June 2, 2012 This may sound selfish, but here it goes. If he's giving you permission to dress him, what styles of men's clothing are especially attractive to you? I L.O.V.E. the look of a man in those snazzy vests and driver's caps and if dh gave me the opportunity I'd have him in those in a heartbeat! Ooh! And suspenders, grr-ow! If he'll go along, lucky you! Maybe try looking at catalogs for current styles and see what is appealing to both of you. Or Pinterest? How about men's magazines? You said he's athletically built, maybe try looking at photos of football players off the fleld. Narrow down your style and what looks are especially suited to his body type. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaithManor Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 I sent my dh (who is built like your dh) to Men's Warehouse with my ds16!!! They got some GREAT stuff!!!! Nice sweaters. Great jeans. In our area, that store is absolutely wonderful!!! Jennifer, kudos to you! If I did this, it would be a disaster. Ds, 15, is a total nerd. I cannot possibly think about what he would choose for Dh. OP, I looked at a lot of magazines of just sharp looking guys that wore clothing that I liked and that I knew dh would agree to and then watched the sales and tried to pull together outfits. Of course, I have to now insist that he wear x with y and I have to make sure he doesn't wear anything nice to stack wood, change the oil on the car, or work on science projects with the kids. But, it really was looking at just a lot of business type magazines and photos online that helped me pull together some things for him. Still, I must admit that I think he looks the best when he dons his lab coat! :lol: Faith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trilliums Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 DH is late 40s and he now primarily wears LL Bean cotton polos (no ironing!). I buy a bunch when they are on clearance. He wears Levi's since he likes the fit. I tend to get them at Khols. He occasionally wears nice solid Ts and will even wear these with a jacket. For presentations or meetings he has a few dress shirts and slacks from Dillard's. Last time we went to Dillard's we had a great sales lady who helped us find good deals and nice coordinating items. The most recent LL bean catalog (of their special items) is rather hilarious as No One is smiling. Every single model looks pouty, severe or pensive. We don't buy from that line though, just the polos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trilliums Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 Jennifer, kudos to you! If I did this, it would be a disaster. Ds, 15, is a total nerd. I cannot possibly think about what he would choose for Dh. Of course, I have to now insist that he wear x with y and I have to make sure he doesn't wear anything nice to stack wood, change the oil on the car, or work on science projects with the kids. Faith :iagree: :lol: I cannot get my 15 yo son into a clothing store for his own clothes. Shoes are a real struggle too! My husband also has a problem wearing his new shirts while BBQing, gluing stuff, cutting down trees, etc etc. sigh. Actually, I kind of have the same problem! It's all just clothing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 (edited) I try to keep my guy in flat front chinos, dark Ts, Gap shorts (in summer) and plain button- downs. He cannot handle anything more. He has suits and nice ties. Navy blazer is mandatory as is a black t, white button down, and dark blue jeans. My dh really can't have a lot of options. He can't handle it. Edited June 3, 2012 by LibraryLover Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluegoat Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 My dh has terrible fashion sense. I remember him once wearing an orange hunting t-shirt, shorts, work boots, and socks pulled up to mid-calf. This was to carry stuff around, but the socks really were beyond the pale. Luckily I found this cute and endearing. What I've tried to do when I shop for him is take his personality and basic tastes and refine them to come up with something better. He's an outdoorsy guy, he works in an office for the government but with a lot of field workers so it tends to be casual clothes and even jeans. So I've tried to get him to wear better fitting jeans (not wranglers that make his butt look odd!), and I've introduced some chinos and more tailored cargo pants. I make sure I buy him flat front pants which isn't what he would get. And for shirts I go with button downs, ideally ones not meant to be tucked in (this was very hard to convince him of). I tend to go with madras plaid in summer and wool or flannel in winter. Nice boots or shoes. I've had a lot of luck at Eddie Baur and also from the LL Bean hunting catalogue. Ultimately there actually are not a lot of different kinds of choices for most men, especially if they don't have a job they get to dress up for. I'd love to update my dh's awful formal clothes that all came from the early 90's and have a sort of mafioso vibe to them, but I really can't justify it since he doesn't wear them. One think that is sort of cool but not as "young" as a graphic T is a bowling shirt. You can get some neat retro ones that are still not too loud, either two-tone ones or maybe ones with small logos on them. Or for a t-shirt, instead of a graphic t you could look for ones with cool bands that your dh actually likes. A cool jacket also makes a difference. For my dh I've got him an oilskin shooting coat, but if I wanted something cool I might go for a sort of modern looking motorcycles jacket (think Dr House) or maybe even a corduroy blazer style jacket. (No way I could ever get my dh into the latter though.) Shoes really are a big deal for men I think. They can really make or break an outfit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OrganicAnn Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 I buy my DH some clothes occasionally (but he doesn't like clothes as gifts or too many). He is easy to dress also because he is med/tall and slender so most clothes look good on him. I would try to get basics that you can add to. A couple good pairs a newish jeans, a pair a khaki or tan pants, a pair of black or a dark color khaki pants will work with lots of things. I would figure out one or two colors you think he looks good in and buy a couple of polo/golf shirt and a couple of shirts preferably in solid colors that look good on him. Don't forget to make sure he has a belt that works with the pants and shoes. If he has these basics, then you can get a little more adventurous in what every way you are inclined - color, style, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helena Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 My husband is in his 40s and wears a lot of Ben Sherman. I think of it as old punk rocker all grown up and dialed in. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wabi Sabi Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 My dh does pretty well with flat front khaki pants (corduroy in the winter, NEVER pleated!), solid t-shirts in a variety of colors, and a button-up shirt over it all. The shirt is always untucked, sleeves rolled up. He wears a driving cap all the time; Keens are his usual footwear. Most of his shirts are either Gap or Old Navy, but he also finds lots of things that really suit him well at stores like REI too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janie Grace Posted June 3, 2012 Author Share Posted June 3, 2012 My dh does pretty well with flat front khaki pants (corduroy in the winter, NEVER pleated!), solid t-shirts in a variety of colors, and a button-up shirt over it all. The shirt is always untucked, sleeves rolled up. He wears a driving cap all the time; Keens are his usual footwear. Most of his shirts are either Gap or Old Navy, but he also finds lots of things that really suit him well at stores like REI too. Button-up shirt buttoned or open? This sounds like how my dh likes to dress and what he looks good in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janie Grace Posted June 3, 2012 Author Share Posted June 3, 2012 Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! Keep 'em coming... this is really helpful. Favorite brands, please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snickerdoodle Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 Land's end is garanimals for adults. Garanimals was founded on a simple but unique concept: to help parents affordably dress their young children in comfortable clothing that is easy to mix and match. Each Garanimals line may be mixed and matched as separates, and the color and style mix and match with any piece within that line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumto2 Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 My dh really likes Dockers brand trousers. Usually buys them at COSTCO or Kohl's. Polo shirts are good. Recently he has been getting stuff at Gap--more a case of finding a bargain and being there for ds. The outlets have really good sales if you live near one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 (edited) It doesn't sound like he's a suit guy, so jeans that fit well are a good start. Different brands fit better on some men than others. Levis low-rise look best on my dh, but so does Guess low-rise. Try a few brands and styles to see what enhances your dh's assets best. If your dh will wear chinos, that's great. Just make sure they fit well and NO PLEATED PANTS EVER! for anyone! It gives you poochy belly even if you've got washboard abs. If he's got a trim waist, get things a little more fitted and tuck in shirts. If he doesn't, get longer shirts or leave a button down unbuttoned over a tee that's not tucked in and it will hide a modest gut. Look for colour. So many men stick to dark non-colours -- blue, grey, black, brown -- dull, dull, dull, and not the most flattering for every guy (some yes, but not nearly as many as think it is). If he's colour shy, start with richer tones like a deep green or burgundy and work from there. If he's willing to let you, then make him try on everything you think might look good and then only buy the stuff that makes you say "wow" when he steps out of the dressing room. Is he broad-shouldered? A well fitting v-neck sweater in the right colour looks soooooo good on a guy with broad shoulders. Consider a good quality black or dark brown leather jacket. There are all kinds of styles. Not every leather jacket is a biker jacket. Find one that suits his lifestyle, personality and of course, body. If you can find one that has a zip-out lining, it is a great investment that can be worn nearly year-round and which makes almost anything he's wearing look that much better. Lastly, shoes.... for the love of whatever gods... get the man decent shoes. It is like pulling teeth to get my dh to get out of those fugly trainers that are permanently attached to his feet when work boots aren't on them. I'm still fighting that battle. I wish you better luck on that front. Edited June 3, 2012 by Audrey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 I try to keep my guy in flat front chinos, dark Ts, Gap shorts (in summer) and plain button- downs. He cannot handle anything more. He has suits and nice ties. Navy blazer is mandatory as is a black t, white button down, and dark blue jeans. My dh really can't have a lot of options. He can't handle it. I could be this guy :D Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PentecostalMom Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 (edited) My dh is a big, hunky, football player looking guy as well. Big, thick, broad shoulders, massive chest...just huge. He wears mostly jeans with polos, he like the dri-fit kind, and t-shirts with "dad" sayings and such. We like the thicker ones. JCPenney has some with "adult" (not pornographic) sayings and pictures. He also likes them a little longer so he can tuck them if desired, but leaves them out mostly. No sweater vests or sweaters, he looks well....weird in sweaters. His massiveness is too much for cute sweaters. Athletic shorts on occasion, and athletic pants as well. Again he likes the dri-fit/weave for all of these. Love Nike stuff, Adidas and Under Armour. My dh is "once a soldier, always a soldier" so he wears ACU pants a lot as well. ETA: For church he mostly wears khakis and either a long-sleeved button down or a polo. Mostly long-sleeves. He never wear short-sleeved button down's. Edited June 3, 2012 by PentecostalMom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janie Grace Posted June 3, 2012 Author Share Posted June 3, 2012 It doesn't sound like he's a suit guy, so jeans that fit well are a good start. Different brands fit better on some men than others. Levis low-rise look best on my dh, but so does Guess low-rise. Try a few brands and styles to see what enhances your dh's assets best. If your dh will wear chinos, that's great. Just make sure they fit well and NO PLEATED PANTS EVER! for anyone! It gives you poochy belly even if you've got washboard abs. If he's got a trim waist, get things a little more fitted and tuck in shirts. If he doesn't, get longer shirts or leave a button down unbuttoned over a tee that's not tucked in and it will hide a modest gut. Look for colour. So many men stick to dark non-colours -- blue, grey, black, brown -- dull, dull, dull, and not the most flattering for every guy (some yes, but not nearly as many as think it is). If he's colour shy, start with richer tones like a deep green or burgundy and work from there. If he's willing to let you, then make him try on everything you think might look good and then only buy the stuff that makes you say "wow" when he steps out of the dressing room. Is he broad-shouldered? A well fitting v-neck sweater in the right colour looks soooooo good on a guy with broad shoulders. Consider a good quality black or dark brown leather jacket. There are all kinds of styles. Not every leather jacket is a biker jacket. Find one that suits his lifestyle, personality and of course, body. If you can find one that has a zip-out lining, it is a great investment that can be worn nearly year-round and which makes almost anything he's wearing look that much better. Lastly, shoes.... for the love of whatever gods... get the man decent shoes. It is like pulling teeth to get my dh to get out of those fugly trainers that are permanently attached to his feet when work boots aren't on them. I'm still fighting that battle. I wish you better luck on that front. No, not a suit guy. He can wear jeans most days, khakis if he has a meeting. And YES, he is broad-shouldered and looks great in a thin v-neck sweater (like a cashmere cotton blend). Nothing bulky. Love your color ideas. He's fair (light brown hair, blue eyes) and tans easily, so he actually looks great in brighter, lighter colors. I just have to figure out which ones. Any shade of blue is nice, and so is yellow. He'd look great in pink but I'm not sure we're ready for that. ;) Love the leather jacket idea, too! I think we need to go jeans shopping. It's too hard for me to choose stuff without having him try it on. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janie Grace Posted June 3, 2012 Author Share Posted June 3, 2012 My dh is a big, hunky, football player looking guy as well. Big, thick, broad shoulders, massive chest...just huge. He wears mostly jeans with polos, he like the dri-fit kind, and t-shirts with "dad" sayings and such. We like the thicker ones. JCPenney has some with "adult" (not pornographic) sayings and pictures. He also likes them a little longer so he can tuck them if desired, but leaves them out mostly. No sweater vests or sweaters, he looks well....weird in sweaters. His massiveness is too much for cute sweaters. Athletic shorts on occasion, and athletic pants as well. Again he likes the dri-fit/weave for all of these. Love Nike stuff, Adidas and Under Armour. My dh is "once a soldier, always a soldier" so he wears ACU pants a lot as well. ETA: For church he mostly wears khakis and either a long-sleeved button down or a polo. Mostly long-sleeves. He never wear short-sleeved button down's. Thanks! I'll check out Penney's for Ts. No idea what dri-fit is, off to google... :auto: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mytwomonkeys Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 (edited) my husband gets his jeans from kohl's. they have fairly stylish ones that he likes a lot. for shoes, his go-to is still converse and vans sneakers. his job is laid back though with dress code & that's the norm in the office. he wears tshirt's and short sleeve snap button shirts a lot, most of them are plaid. i find his things at kohl's and target mainly....well, actually, my mom does most of his shopping, lol. we live in a small town & she lives in atlanta and shops for him often because she's really sweet like that:). imho, he looks like a man & not a man trying to be a hip boy. he looks stylish but still his age. oh. my husband is 6'3 and 235 pounds. Edited June 3, 2012 by mytwomonkeys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 Don't forget to update the shoes. My dh wears a lot of khaki casual shorts in the summer, usually paired with a polo shirt. Boat shoes are back in style. We use old Navy for basics, I even got him to wear a pair of shorts with palm trees printed on them. They're very cool. He's 51. He usually pairs something more trendy with a basic polo. He bought a few brightly colored Tommy Hilfiger polos at an outlet a few years ago. One is yellow the other a bright melon color. They're updated and bold without being obnoxious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 I try to keep my guy in flat front chinos, dark Ts, Gap shorts (in summer) and plain button- downs. He cannot handle anything more. He has suits and nice ties. Navy blazer is mandatory as is a black t, white button down, and dark blue jeans. My dh really can't have a lot of options. He can't handle it. :lol: My dh has dressed like this forever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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