Ask Angie: need help with stylish men wear for summer! - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Ask Angie: need help with stylish men wear for summer!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I am getting out our summer clothes from winter storage and kind of dismayed on what my hubby has for summer wear. I feel I need to revamp his wardrobe but find this ver daunting.
Here is some background: he is much more conservative in his wear than I am. It has some positive aspect to it because he prefers button downs to knit tops and polo shirts (t-shirts are for gym, sleeping and underwear for him) and likes to wear jackets. I got him into more slim cut jeans now and he has nice fitting wool trousers so cool season is more or less fine. Summer work wear is the problem though. He prefers short sleeve shirts in summer and light trousers and I feel they look a bit dowdy on him (can you use this word for a man?)
Here is his current stock - sorry for un-ironed look:
pic #1
light grey cotton trousers, mushroom tropical weight wool trousers and light beige cotton trousers.
pic #2
short sleeve: RL blue/white shirt and Levi's green/white stripe shirt
pic #3
short sleeve: earthy colored striped shirt and Levi's blue white check shirt
pic $4
long sleeve: blue and pale green shirts and spring green shirt I brought to him from Italy
pic #5
his only pair of summer shoes for work (he also has a pair of sandals but he does not wear them to work)

That's it. How I am to revamp his summer look? One thing I am doing is to get his clothes to be more tailored. He is 6 ft. tall, has a very slim build but broad shouldered, wears 32/32 in trousers and jeans and looks better in slim fit shirts.
I would appreciate any help. I know some of your partners are pretty stylish - any tips?
This is what is currently on my shop list for him:
- denim jacket (I hope I can get him to wear one). What would you suggest for the wash - dark, medium, faded?
- a couple of pairs of shoes. Again any styles you may suggest?
-any other suggestions?
I would also appreciate if you point me to any inspirational sites...
Angie, if you ever do a couple of outfit formulas for guys it wold be a lifesaver! Guys may not read this blog that much but we do and we want them to be stylish - and some of them require help in this.
Thanks!

This post has 5 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Dressing

19 replies

Latest reply was from Jonesy

rae

(website)

Veteran

I am clearly not Angie, but the first thing that popped into my mind is a chambray shirt with sleeves that roll up. They are light weight and leave the arms bare like a short sleeve shirt but somehow feel more stylish to me.
http://www.google.com/search?q.....gs_l=img.3..0.11750.14500.0.14672.18.11.0.7.7.1.234.1235.0j6j2.8.0...0.0.zy8h6Ils9FQ

For summer work shoes, what about woven loafers?
http://www.bing.com/images/sea.....ORM=HDRSC2

christieanne

Veteran

Your DH build is very similar to mine. He really needs a 30/31 waist but balks that it isn't as comfortable. I bought him a new dark wash denim jacket last year and he loves it (when DS isn't borrowing).
What about a tropical weight slack in charcoal or indigo blue to get away from the khaki? My DH rarely wears slacks but I did get him into a slimmer cut Levi in dark wash that is a nice change from his mid wash 501's. He had to admit that it made him look taller and even at 6" he liked that.
Express is one of the places I look for clothes for DH - he thinks it is too young for him when I take him to the store but if I give it to him, he likes it.

Shoes are my losing battle - it's Cons, cowboy boots or nothing for mine. I figure I can't win them all.

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Also, clearly not Angie here, and I love Rae's links on the shirts and shoes. I, too, like the rolled-up sleeves look. I recently took a look at the J. Crew Catalogue and ripped out a few pages and gently slid them into his bathroom. Sadly, there was no comment and he threw them away! ;( I know he does like his Hugo Boss and Armani black short-sleeved polos.

Johnston-Murphy has a great line of shoes (and now I see, clothes, too!):

http://www.johnstonmurphy.com/category.aspx?s=men

Check out J. Crew for styling tips, which I think have some really nice pieces for men.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Thanks ladies, it was very helpful.
Christieanne, he prefers light slacks but I see what we can do
Rae, chambray shirt sounds good! Unfortunately with loafers every time I gently nudge him towards loafers in the store he says he does not like them. I know. they are classic but he is conservative in his own ways
Vicky, LOL! They NEVER get subtle hints, didn't they? I usually point directly to what I want him to do! Thanks for the tip, I will check J Crew.

Jjsloane

Veteran

My DH complains (but is secretly happy) that everything he wears I bought for him. I have great luck with men's shirts at Gap, LL Bean Signature (there is usually a better selection in the Sale section of LLBean) and Lands End Canvas (both a bit hipper than the regular lines and more palatable pricewise than JCrew (although a good sale and extra % off and I've gotten things there as well. Of course I just searched and found little of interest - but it changes all the time.

Calvin Klein carries nice slimmer cuts but usually in very light muted colors.
http://www.calvinklein.com/fam.....Id=3242216
There just isn't a lot of expression with men's pants so whatever fits him well, maybe in some more interesting than khaki colors?
My DH has slip on Rockport loafers, deck shoes and Doc Martens http://www.6pm.com/dr-martens-.....rk-grizzly
in addition to sandals for summer)

For shoes I like these - aren't they cool? (but could not get my DH in them even if they came in his size 14 -
http://www.6pm.com/product/8016110/color/300184
http://www.6pm.com/product/8030734/color/294190
I also think Cole Haan makes some of the most stylish looking shoes for men.
http://www.6pm.com/cole-haan-mens-shoes~1y

rae

(website)

Veteran

If he prefers light pants, what about structured linen? Or maybe a slightly darker khaki (more of a tan)?
http://www.google.com/search?h.....038;tab=wi

Hm, if he won't give up his sneakers, at least a someting a little different to switch out?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0068.....=487546781
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064.....=487546862
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com.....6a98a1388c
http://www.shopstyle.com/brows.....8;pos=28_0

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Also, don't forget Bonobos, which is now at Nordstrom:

http://www.bonobos.com/indexf

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Hubbys needs killer jeans! And shorts. Not feeling the khakis at all I'm afraid. How about linen pants? Or light pinstripes? Moto cross pants? Dark lightweight shirts. Mules.

There's a start

Abie

Veteran

My husband is pretty stylish. He dresses mostly casual and has a small list of formulas that he wears.

1. Jeans + Long Sleeve button up in a modern print, with rolled up sleeves and fashion sneakers.

2. Jeans + graphic tee (Usually from threadless) + unbuttoned shirt with rolled up sleeves

3. Cargo type shorts with graphic tee and either fashion sneakers or sandals.

He has a couple of nice Ben Sherman suits and will occasionally wear a nice crisp pair of jeans and button up with cufflinks if he needs to look more dressy.

He mostly gets his button ups from American Eagle, Nordstrom Rack, and Southern Thread. I think Southern Thread is mostly local but they have an online store. http://sothread.com/shop/pc/sh.....arentCat=2

Abie

Veteran

For shoes, my husband really likes Keens, and some styles of the Onitsuka Tigers. Like this

http://www.asicsamerica.com/on.....224N-9001/

http://www.asicsamerica.com/on.....235N-6161/

http://www.keenfootwear.com/us.....o!stockpot

http://www.keenfootwear.com/us.....k%20shadow

lyn67

Veteran

Agree with Angie, DH needs killer jeans-and shoes(why not some cognac loafers) for summer work outfits-- then you can still keep the blue checked shirt from left on the photo nr. 2 and the one from right on the nr. 3-these seems to be more current to my eyes.

BlondeAmbition

I agree with Angie, I don't care for the khakis. And I agree with you, although the shirts are fine they probably will look better when they are slimmer and more tailored. With mens clothes it's all about the tailoring and the finishing touches. A nice shoe and a good belt will elevate any look.

I know your dilemma! My husband has a uniform of old navy t-shirts, jeans and sneakers. He wears them to work, he wears them at play. It's so freakin annoying! He hates change. I used to try to go shopping with him but he nixes everything. Over the years I have found that the only way to change his wardrobe is by replacing his clothes and actually throwing out the things I don't like. T-shirts with stains just disappear and he never even notices hehe!!! It's been 5 yrs now that I've revamped his closet and without even noticing he is now wearing:

- slimmer jeans and trousers
- curdoroy pants in the winter
- slim fitting button downs
- short sleeved linen shirts
- longer more tailored shorts
- loafers
- flip flops for the beach (used to wear sneakers with socks yuck!)

This summer my goal is to get him into a white linen pant and a sandal.
In the fall I'll start searching for casual blazers and I vow to get rid of all his white athletic socks that he likes to wear every day, one by one!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for all the suggestions, ladies.
I have a question to you: what is considered khaki pants? Is it color? Cotton fabrication? Are all cotton pants khakis or can they be dressy and what is a difference?

Jonesy

Veteran

I think it's the color plus the fabric plus the cut that = khakis, but I know there have been a few threads about it sort of recently.

One thing I notice about his stuff is that the colors are all washed out. Could you convince him to wear some bolder colors? I'm not talking neon pink or bright lime green or anything, but what about a deep medium blue or red or something?

bj1111

Veteran

like most of the ladies, i would get new pants before new shirts, like a darker color chinos. light weight (brushed) cotton fabric like the ones he has, but in a more current color. olive or chocolate, mmmm. dark jeans, mmmm.

like jjsloane, i've taken to buying hubs new stuff that he then happily wears. even after the sturm und drang over "not my style". i tell him that he is beginning to look like his dad and the new stuff makes him look younger--which is the truth!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

He has a couple of pairs of jeans I like on him (well, I got them to him from Gap) but they are too hot to wear in summer so I am looking for a cooler pants.
Jonesy, you are so right about "washed out" colors! I just hid some of the shirts he bought for himself some years ago - grey, oatmeal, beige, bla... You know how they sometimes give fancy names to colors - well, one of this shirts was called "fatigue"...enough said! I was getting sick just from looking at it! Thankfully it is retired now...
How about these pants in pic 1? They are cotton from BR. I kind of like them but he looked at them and said: you want me to wear checkered pants?!"
There are also pants in pic2 - how about them? Theay are linen / cotton mix from BR as well. I guess I am trying to get some subtle pattern with light colors for more interest - will it work?
I am also puzzled by dressy vs. casual pants definition. Pants from pic 1 are in dress section and from pic 2 are in casual section. They look similar in style to me but I have not seen them IRL so maybe fabrication is very different?
If I think they may work I will risk ordering them for him to try out - after all he is wearing polka dot shirt now

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

BlondeAmbition

bj111, I have to try that trick "you're starting to dress just like your dad!" hehe!

Sveta, when it comes to patterns you might find more luck introducing it in tops rather than pants. If he's not too keen on altering his style try sticking with the clothes that he likes, but getting a more tailored fit. Make a gradual change, I've recently introduced patterns on some shorts. He looked at me crazy but he's going to go with it. It's only a matter of time before he'll break down.

Also, this is very important - enlist the help of others to compliment his new clothes. If he starts to feel like he's making a good impression or getting a little buzz he will be more willing to experiment with his style.

Isabel

Veteran

Sveta, my husband is actually very creative but in corporate job. So all he wears are button down shirts, some times with ties. Granted, he mostly wears long sleeves and rolls them up.

He really likes light weight shirts from Boden. And don't limit yourself to a shirt because it is long sleeve. He can always have the sleeves cut. My mom has done that for my husband. There are many great prints out there if he is willing to do that and stick to a button down.

Jonesy

Veteran

Sveta, I wonder if the difference in the BR pants is that the dressier ones are made in a wool blend or something like that, vs. a cotton? They look great!

You know, A. just ordered a bunch of button downs from asos.com--maybe check them out? They do free shipping both ways and have some fab, inexpensive men's stuff that is pretty cool.