Waving at Jean here. One of my stepsons is a terrific stylish dresser! He lives in Montreal, lucky boy.
My husband is a really interesting mix. In his younger days (before I knew him) I think he dressed very nattily. In old photos, I have seen Dior jackets, Burberry coats and some very interesting 70s silhouettes!
But by the time I met him he had settled on a uniform of (baggy) jeans, V neck sweaters, colourful button downs. And he did not own any dressier items.
He still wears that uniform, more often than not, but within its confines he has stepped up his style quotient enormously in the past 9 months...NOT coincidentally, since I joined YLF! He lost weight and is buying much more flattering cuts, some wilder shirts, and he even bought a SUIT and a JACKET not too long ago. Plus a non-gear type coat. He looks fab!
As for his taste, it is a quirky mix. Sometimes he veers conservative; there are certain trends he just doesn't like, even if they suit me. But there are other trends he adores and would encourage me to try, even if they might potentially be tougher for me to wear (e.g patterned pants). On shopping expeditions, he sometimes encourages me to try items I might otherwise give a pass. I remember (from the early 90s) one blue leather bomber jacket; GORGEOUS shade of blue for me. In the end, the style wasn't a fave of mine, but wow, he picked the colour right! He has also encouraged me to buy some dresses that were stellar.
At the same time, sometimes his recommendations haven't worked out for me; turned out I "liked" the item well enough but it didn't really fit into my style persona and I ended up not wearing it a lot. Mostly because it was too bohemian or youthful in a sort of crazy way for my taste. Here I am thinking mainly of a Betsy Johnson outfit. Picture this—again, early 90s: Pink rayon with a small black and white floral pattern. Narrow cropped trousers, topped wtih a trapeze style T-neck top, tied with one tie in the top at in back. I was (of course) younger at the time and could "get away" with it but I felt like mutton dressed as lamb, and besides, it was uncomfortable to walk down the street and have your top blow all around in front!
He always asks my advice about his clothing purchases. And he enjoys shopping with me occasionally and will give me advice as well (whether I ask for it or not!) Usually I listen to him. I don't always agree, but I think his opinions are usually based on something legitimate, even if he can't fully articulate it.
He did feel scared when I first started posting to YLF and spending more money on clothes. He has also raised his eyebrows at a few of my purchases. But usually when he sees the clothes on me he "gets" it and he has been complimenting me much more often in the last months. Thanks, YLF!
