Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Debbie,

Sounds like a fashion emergency! I can't guarantee that a wardrobe makeover will win him a girlfriend, but it will definitely improve his overall self-image and appearance. First of all, make sure he is willing to accept fashion help. If he honestly feels comfortable and confident about his current clothing, there's not much you can do to change that. On the other hand, if he is open to style suggestion, you're good to go. Guys are usually thrilled to have a female offer time and advice in the wardrobe department, so I don't think you'll encounter objection from your brother. I suggest dedicating a weekend to his makeover. Make it fun and easy for him, and reassure him that the ultimate goal is to bring out his best qualities and have fun!

First, take some time to converse with your brother about his innate style. Ask him a series of questions. Whose style does he admire? If money was no object, how would he dress? What are some of his favorite male characters in movies, TV, and books? What does the best version of himself look like in his mind? What are his favorite colors? This will get you on the right path to creating a new look for him. It's important that you let him participate, take his concerns seriously, and not just dress him the way YOU see fit. You want him to stick with this! If your brother feels forced into a style that's not his, I can guarantee that his new look will disappear with the flash of the "after" photograph.

Now that you're armed with your brother's input, it's time to get started. Look through magazines that feature men's fashion. Maxim, GQ, Men's Journal, Gear, Details, and even men's clothing catalogs are perfect for finding visual inspiration. Flip through the magazines with your brother and have him point out the styles he loves and hates.

Before you head out to shop, determine two things: his size and his budget. Get out a measuring tape and use a men's size chart to pin down his shirt, trouser, and shoe sizes. Discount stores like Ross and Marshall's are great places to find men's designer labels for reduced prices. Also hit the mall for men's specialty stores and department stores. As you shop, try to build an overall wardrobe based on a list. Go for several pairs of casual pants; one pair of dressy slacks; several casual short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts; a nice lightweight casual jacket; a heavier weight semi-formal jacket; a sporty sweater; two pairs of shoes=8Bone casual, one dressy; and of course, extras like socks, belts, hats, sunglasses, cologne, and jewelry. Top off the makeover weekend with a haircut, manicure & pedicure (yes, guys need and enjoy them too!), and a facial treatment, if he's open to that. To really make his day, set him up on a blind date with a friend of yours! Be sure to take "before" and "after" pictures. Your brother will certainly have an awesome sister to thank for all this! Good luck.

Good luck!

Sincerely, Fashion Girl