Okay, guys, I’m letting you in on a secret. In recent months, I’ve been asked by a number of wives and girlfriends the following question: How can I get my husband/partner/boyfriend to spruce up his image?
Telling a loved one that he is looking like an unmade bed or that he is stuck somewhere in the 70’s can be a little perilous. As a woman, it’s very likely you’ve been told or made to feel this very same thing – either by your significant other or by society in general – and then you do something about it. But, when it comes to men, ‘doing something about it’ doesn’t always come so easily. I have been dressing men for twenty years and have some ideas that may help you be successful in helping your man.
[Solo guys who feel stuck on your own, this is for you, too…]
The first thing to do is assess what needs improvement. Keep the information to yourself at first. Don’t immediately needle your man with all the fine points where he can improve because this will surely overwhelm him. The full-blown approach calls for the support of a professional and should come from an objective third party.
Prioritize the top two or three solutions that would most significantly improve his image. Keep an eye to the simple and easy things. Are his clothes always wrinkled beyond belief? Suggest he take his typically wrinkled clothing items to the dry cleaners instead so that his improved clothing condition improves how he looks. Does he tend to wear his shirts untucked all the time? There’s a time and a place for this. Suggest he tuck in his shirts for a more polished look for work or for social occasions when looking like a beach bum just don’t do. He may think the untucked look hides a paunch, but the truth is that untucked shirts make men look even bulkier. Is he long overdue for a haircut? It’s just amazing what a fresh haircut does for a guy’s disposition. Just be sure he goes to a reputable place so he’s in a good mood afterward! Try to stay clear of cheap franchise “chop shops.”
Look for the least invasive options. Don’t immediately suggest plastic surgeries! Like the abovementioned, these are easy, free-to-low cost solutions that can yield big rewards, especially when you are there telling your man, “Honey, look how improved you look just because you pressed your pants, tucked in your shirt, and got your hair cut.”
The next level of assessment goes deeper. Is his personal look as current as his vehicle? If not, he’s definitely got an opportunity for improvement. Often, men who don’t maintain an updated wardrobe, eyeglasses, or accessories don’t do so out of laziness or because of a perceived lack of movement in men’s fashion styles.
Chances are your man relies on you to tell him when something is out of style. Showing him solutions is often why many women aren’t able to be as dedicated to helping their man because it’s a job – and most women all ready have one in addition to being a mother and a wife, and a life full of too many responsibilities. That’s where I can help both you and your man in my role as an image consultant.
Aside from getting an updated look, don’t forget about the great image boosting activities you can both enjoy together. Eating healthy together and exercising together is fantastically rewarding because you support each other by having healthier habits and routines. These activities are known to improve attitude, energy, behavior, focus, shininess of hair, glow of skin, and best of all an overall improvement to general health, well-being, and image.
So to the guys who read my blog but never comment, there are a million reasons to fall in love, though getting nagged on isn’t one of them. But if you look sharp you’ll not be concerned with such things!
Designing and managing your image is the secret science of your success.
Joseph Rosenfeld helps professional men and corporate workgroups create effective visual brands. Visit JosephRosenfeld.com for details.