With Make-Overs, Take It One Step at a Time
Dear Fashion Police: My beloved husband is a big guy (5 feet 11, 225 pounds), who looks more like a rural letter-bombing terrorist than the not- well- known- but- well- respected- writer- director that he is. Lately he’s been invited to a lot of events where folks frequently don’t want to let him in until they know who he is. I need to buy him some new things other than the really old black leather jacket and black jeans he usually wears, but easier said than done. It’s hard to shoehorn him into Hugo Boss, being the committed but unreconstructed hippie that he is. He also wants to avoid that aging rock star look that some people think is appropriate for guys with his basic hair situation. He’s a very visually sophisticated person who just wants to be comfortable and look like himself. Do you have any sartorial ideas for this oatmeal-loving, FBI-profiled, well-read, intense and respectful gentleman?
--DEVOTED WIFE
Dear Devoted: We’ve had challenges before, but nothing like being asked to take a guy who looks like a “rural letter-bombing terrorist” and turn him into Cary Grant. But Professor Higgins worked wonders with Miss Doolittle, so we’ll give it a shot.
First, we have to give you our standard spiel about make-overs: The person being made over must really want it. Otherwise, you’re in for a disaster. Not only will your husband be a nasty person to deal with, but he’ll resent your every effort to turn him into something he loathes. If he’s a willing subject, go for it. If not, learn to love those black jeans.
Most people think of make-overs as dramatic and abrupt changes; for instance, taking a drooling slob and turning him into GQ cover material in a day. This does not have to be the case. In fact, we think it’s better for make-overs to be done gradually, in stages. That way, the person being transformed can get used to things over time--he’s even likely to get compliments--and not have a big screaming freak-out.
You can also reassure your husband that a make-over doesn’t mean he’ll end up looking like Skip from the yachting club or Cliff the corporate clone. He’ll look like himself, only better.
Before you march your husband into a store, get a feel for what he is and isn’t comfortable with. Grab a bunch of magazines--In Style, GQ, Men’s Journal, Esquire--and show him pictures and ask him what he sees himself in. Men are very good at this, and I guarantee you it won’t take long.
Chances are he’ll choose things that aren’t that different from what he wears right now. That’s OK--as we said before, the key is doing this gradually. At the very least, you can start by getting him in clean, new versions of his current wardrobe.
Then, suggest a few new things--some pleated cotton or wool pants, a sport shirt with an interesting color or texture, a V-neck pullover sweater with a T-shirt underneath, maybe a new leather jacket.
Since your husband isn’t a banker, no one expects him to attend events in a pinstripe suit. However, even “creative types” should make an effort to look presentable. He doesn’t even need to wear a tie--a nice shirt and pants should do; a jacket would be great if you can get him into one. And he doesn’t have to wear a navy blazer; there are plenty of alternatives out there.
If department stores are too conservative for his taste, try menswear boutiques that offer more forward styles (only don’t use the word “boutique” around your husband--say “specialty store” or something like that).
Buy the best quality clothing you can afford. The clothes will look better and last longer.
Plan your shopping excursions carefully. Don’t try to do too much in one day; he’ll hate it and won’t want to go again. If you can find a good, attentive salesperson, grab him. And make sure you schedule a meal somewhere in there. It’s important to keep the blood sugar up. Best of luck.
From the Fashion Police Blotter: The above letter got us thinking. A lot of people have fantasies about making over their mates, significant others, siblings, children, parents or friends. We’d like to hear from those of you who have actually attempted it. Let us know why you did it, your strategy, and if the outcome was a success or failure. Write, fax or e-mail to the addresses and numbers below.
Write to Fashion Police, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, fax to (213) 237-4888, or send e-mail to socalliving@latimes.com.
Write to Fashion Police, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, fax to (213) 237-4888, or send e-mail to socalliving@latimes.com.
