Can You Reform a Guy Who Doesn't Know How to Dress?

ZZ Top warned the guys, "Every girl's crazy about a sharp dressed man." Even still, not all men understand style or really care about fashion the way we girls do. So what's a girl to do if she's found a great guy who's clueless about how he dresses?

Some Guys are Hopeless Dressers.

First of all let's all agree that there are some guys that can't be reformed. They are easy to spot - they show up inappropriately dressed, or in unkempt, dreary-clothing that immediately turns you off. A worn T-shirt might be fine at the gym, but when worn to a party, that shirt screams, "I don't give a damn what you think, I'll wear what I want."

My BFFs and I have bumped into guys who hit the town wearing shirts that were so wrinkled you'd bet they had been at the bottom of a week-old laundry basket or a button-down shirt with basketball shorts and flip flops. These men might have a heart of gold, but for me, no amount of charm could override the fact that their party dress code was homeless chic. Any woman who cares about her appearance, finds it almost impossible to consider a guy who cares so little for his.

Guys with Potential Style:

While it's understandable that you might not want to walk arm-in-arm with a hopeless dresser, don't pass up a man who has potential. Potential is so much more palatable when we are young, though, isn't it? A girl can guide her college boyfriend how to dress. But once a guy becomes a man, things are more complicated. He's fallen into his own sense of style and wants to be accepted for who he is. But most men will accept non-critical fashion advice from his lady, when offered with love.

How to Offer Fashion Advice to a Man:

When giving style suggestions to a man, present your advice without criticizing or belittling him. Additionally, only address one thing at a time; don't heap a barrage of advice on him, no matter how well intentioned it is. Consider first why he might be dressing the way he is. Is he just not a slave to fashion? Could he be short of cash because of paying child support or college tuition for his kids? Is he a guy who has nice clothes but just needs an update? Could he be a tad bit lazy and puts on the first thing he finds clean?

For some men, they don't notice when styles change and as long as their clothes fit, they'll wear them. They might have a closet full of expensive suits and look great in the office, but have no idea what to wear to a trendy night spot. A blue collar guy might be understandably a novice in choosing clothes for a corporate banquet. But if a guy is typically clean and neat, you can tweak his GQ IQ! Here are four techniques:

1) Don't dress down. Don't worry how he'll dress, just dress appropriately for the situation. When he sees you he may say, "You look nice", while he is thinking, I am underdressed. If you go to a restaurant that has a dress code and you are turned away, his embarrassment may prompt him to start asking for advice before he shows up.

2. Comment on clothing other males are wearing. By doing this, you'll be providing information he can absorb without embarrassment. You might say:"I really like those shirts on guys. Do you know what brand they are?" or "I can't believe that guy is wearing that those flood pants" or "Looks like Khakis are back in. I'm glad." Said enough times, he'll hear your voice when he checks his reflection in the mirror.

3) Offer clothing suggestions and your help. "A plain white dress shirt would work for the party tonight." or "I hope you wear that blue shirt, it brings out your sexy eyes" or "Let's be comfortable and wear jeans to the party", or simply, "Are you familiar with their dress code?" If your guy has been having any trepidation about how to dress, he'll be thankful.

4) Ask logical questions. If you act like you are learning along with him, he may not notice that you are really in teaching mode. Ask, "What is the dress code?" or "How do you think we should dress tonight?" Brainstorm as a couple until you get the right answer. If he says, "Jeans will work", you can respond , "Oh I don't know, that restaurant's pretty fancy. I'm thinking about wearing a dress, you might even need a sports jacket.

The Importance of Timing.

Timing is just as important as the message about how a guy dresses. First of all, don't say anything until you know you want to pursue a relationship with this guy. Secondly, never criticise his selection of clothes in front of others; keep it between the two of you. Third, seize opportune moments to give advice. Fourth, be prepared for him to say something that segue-ways into your advice. Finally, when the timing is right, be kind in what you say and how you say it.

If you find a guy who seems perfect for you in many ways, but doesn't know how to dress, take a breath and think it through. Is he a hopeless dresser or does he have potential? Is his fashion sense so bizarre that there is no reeling him in? Is his style casual, but he dresses neatly and can afford a few fancy duds if needed?

A guy's fashion sense can improve with a little nudge from an understanding woman. Ladies, nudge gently and give those guys with potential a chance. After all, most of the best dressed guys out there may have been dressed by their wives or girlfriends!

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