To broach the subject of buying gifts for the men in your life, let me tell a funny story about a present my mom and I bought for my older brother. We were in a larger city that day, where we occasionally shopped in one of my favorite department stores. We went to the men’s department and started looking at sweaters. All men like sweaters, right? We bought a perfect sweater – we thought – with reindeers jumping on the front. Excitedly, we had it gift-wrapped and mailed to him. Later, we heard that my brother said, “What a nice sweater, but next time don’t buy one with an animal on it!” It’s not easy at all to buy for the men in your life. I have been married 25 years now and have learned some of my husband’s thoughts about Indianapolis Men’s Styling and shopping.
Indianapolis Men’s Styling Shopping Observations
Most men don’t like to shop for clothes. They like the divide and conquer approach: Go to the store, find the item, try on the size that’s closest to yours, and then leave as fast as possible. Never return anything. I was always amazed when my husband told me that he buys the size that’s in the store. Later, when we would shop together, we learned he was not a 42 in a blazer, but actually a 38 long. Big difference.
Some guys are different on this point, but many say they do not want to stand out in their style choices. They want to blend in.
I have also found that most guys prefer quality clothing more than women and do not hesitate to pay more for quality pieces. Good for you! This is a principle I like to teach, but it often falls on deaf ears with women who like a bargain and see shopping as a fun event. I like to challenge clients who buy quantity over quality to keep a list for a month of all the purchases made and the cost. Add it up. It might be shocking. Often, people discover they can afford better quality clothing that lasts.
Men look at other men’s shoes. I heard this once, and I think it’s true. I always encourage my male clients to buy the highest quality shoes they can afford. Case in point: I was just looking at men’s shoes the other night at Edmund Allen, a company based in the United States. Their quality beats all of our department store shoes hands down. The quality is unmistakable. They are selling a brand new Chelsea boot in black, suede, and burgundy. It is absolutely beautiful.
Photo by Kim Stiver
Tips for Successful Shopping in Indianapolis Men’s Styling
So if you need to buy a holiday gift for the man in your life, consider these Indianapolis Men’s Styling tips.
- Buy him quality. He will appreciate it over time.
- Consider giving him my style quiz. Make it fun!
- Cashmere or wool sweaters in his best colors are always good purchases.
- If you shop together, don’t plan on spending more than an hour, and then wrap up the day by eating at his favorite restaurant!
Keep it sassy, Indy.
Beth Divine, MA, AICI-CIC, Personal Image Consultant
