8 Ways to Help Update Your Man's Look

Sylvie  Branch
A limited budget does not have to limit your man's style. A few simple wardrobe tweaks and he can look trendy and stylish without breaking your budget. Keep these tips in mind while you are out and you may be able to score a great deal on a sale rack. It doesn't take much to help your man look up-to-date.

1. Be ruthless. Go through the closet and toss the ratty old t-shirts, unflattering jeans and shoes that have seen better days. Rotating a few nice items, goes a long way in updating your look. Although he doesn't need ugly shirts, be sure to get his permission before delegating any of his old favorites to the charity bag or cleaning rag basket. You don't want to be the one who gave away his favorite college t-shirt, even if it was holey and stained.

2. Choose color. Your guy's wardrobe may be mainly black and tan, but one nice red t-shirt, or universally flattering periwinkle blue shirt will freshen up his look. Encourage him to wear a bright t-shirt under his regular black shirt, or sweater. Every so often, infuse his look with a shot of color. Coax him by telling him how the right shade highlights his eyes, or provides a great contrast for his tan.

3. Buy smart. Be strategic when you are updating his wardrobe. Men especially can benefit from a good classic piece that will get a lot of use. Check sale racks and even thrift stores for a unique sport coat or well-made leather jacket. Spend a bit more on a pair of stylish jeans, or purchase a button-down silk shirt, or fitted dress shirt, that will make a statement when you go out.

4. Update the shades. Sunglasses are an inexpensive way to follow trends. Take the time to find a pair that looks perfect on his face. Even with the simplest outfit, the right pair of glasses can take his look up a notch. If he normally wears glasses, dedicate a chunk of change, or more time, to finding the most stylish pair. It is worth the extra effort.

5. Look down. Are his shoes sending the wrong message? If they are a tattered mess, or just plain filthy, they are. You do not have to spend a ton on a pair of Italian leather shoes, simply encourage him to keep what he has looking their best. Dedicate a pair to dirty work, so that he can have a nice pair ready for everything else.

6. Accessorize. No, I am not suggesting piling on the gold chains. But certain accessories can really make a difference in a man's wardrobe. Try a nice belt, or cool watch. You don't have to spend a lot to make an impact. Details do make a difference though and a few extra dollars or a lucky find on a sale rack or thrift store can boost his overall look immensely.

7. Organize. Take a few minutes to arrange his clothes into sections; dress clothes, work clothes and play clothes can be placed on different colored hangers, or just put in different sections. This can streamline getting ready and it helps when scanning the closet to see what he is lacking.

8. Plan a photo shoot. Coax your guy into letting you play dress up with him. Take shots of different outfits, or if this isn't going to happen, take pics when he is out looking his best. Hanging these shots in the closet can help him choose an outfit quickly when he needs to find just the right look for that casual dinner at the bosses house.

More by Sylvie Branch:

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Men's Shoes: 10 Tips

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Published by Sylvie Branch - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

Creative professional with a triple whammy of job titles; freelance writer, artist, educator. Sylvie was a Rising Star for Y!CN in 2009, was part of the Top 1000 in 2010 and won the Lifestyle award in 2011....  View profile

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