Dress Him 10 Years Younger

Dressing younger is not about dressing trendy. Ironically, that strategy usually makes us look older. Instead, the secret to dressing well with age is creating an optical illusion—drawing the eye to strengths rather than weaknesses. Since the years add pounds to most people, dressing younger predominantly means learning how to dress thinner and fitter. Of course, you already know this, but most guys don’t. They’re content in baggy NFL Game-Day Wear and the ties they got for Christmas during the Clinton administration. But as your man gets older and a bit softer, he needs your help. Here’s how to create a trophy husband in eight steps or less.

Get rid of his crew. Crewneck sweaters round the face and make it appear like you’re out on the town with an aging Charlie Brown. V-neck sweaters are much more flattering. They make plumper men appear taller and leaner while taking attention away from budding jowls.

Untuck his shirt. For smart-casual affairs, an untucked dress shirt helps hide heft and looks hip. One rule, though: Make sure the shirt is flat-bottomed. Jeans go especially well with this look, but they should be worn at the hips, not an inch above the navel like Gramps.

Don’t allow him to get collared. To make a pudgy face appear less so, choose dress shirts with button-down or straight collars. Avoid ones with shorter, squatter spread collars. And if his neck tends to hang over the collar when he’s wearing a tie, delicately suggest he go up a collar size.

Create a “waistland.” If your hubby is losing the battle of the belly, don’t let him call attention to it by wearing contrasting shirts and pants, belts with large buckles or, in formal situations, a bright cummerbund with his tuxedo. All these things draw the eye directly to his weakest point. A monochromatic look is chic and more flattering.

Don’t go overboard with the overcoat. Most men wear overcoats that are too big and sloppy. Buy one that’s a single size larger than his suit, and skip the shoulder pads.

Buy really, really nice shoes. Great dress shoes that are well cared for are the easiest way to instantly make any man look more stylish. They draw attention downward and leave everyone remarking on his attention to detail. Invest the most money here.

Unpack the trunks. With his Speedo dreams dashed, make sure he at least doesn’t trigger a Killer Whale Alert at the beach this summer. If he has a belly, steer him away from oversize trunks or board shorts. Instead, suggest a “volley” style. These are similar to boxer shorts, with about a 16-inch inseam and a drawstring waist. A dark color also helps create a slimming effect.

And most important… Never tell him these things directly. That’s like him saying, “You look like your mother in that.” Instead, gradually remake his wardrobe via gifts and subtle suggestions. Then compliment him on how much younger and fitter he looks. Before long, he’ll be thinking he has such good taste he’ll be inviting you to better restaurants.