Keeping it Dapper at Home

Ask A Woman: Impressing the wife while in your weekend duds.

If you’ve got a question that needs the female treatment, chances are you’re not the only one who wants to ask it. Beth is our source for the answers. From opinions on men’s style to decoding the sometimes mysterious ways of women, she’ll take on a different question every Thursday. She also might provide an answer without waiting to be asked. That happens from time to time too. Click here to get to know Beth, then get in touch with her by sending your question to: askawoman@dappered.com .

 

 

Hi Aaron,

Thanks so much for writing in. And other guys in Aaron’s situation–happily married–please feel free to write in with relationship questions, too. While I’m always glad to give dating advice, maintaining steady relationships is just as tricky, so shoot me an email. We tackle it all here at Beth’s House o’ Wisdom.

As you note, Aaron, it’s important to put some effort into your appearance with your longtime love. As relationships progress, we tend to give the outside world our best self, whatever that is–neatly groomed, positive attitude, polite behavior–while reserving our lesser selves for who we are at home around the person who we feel most comfortable with. In a way, that’s sort of great–it shows confidence in our relationship, and that our home is a sanctuary where we don’t have to pretend. But that also means that our partners get the worst of us…and that’s not fair.

You can step up your game with very little effort. If you’re someone who worships at the lounge-wear altar and you are not wearing a pair of jeans or collared shirt at home for anything in the world, you can still look better than you do now. How? Go through your comfortable clothing. Do you have t-shirts with pit stains? Do you have sweatpants with holes in the groin? Do you have socks without heels? Do you have slippers that smell like rotten eggs? Into the garbage can, my friend. Your at-home clothing doesn’t have to be pristine, but if Goodwill wouldn’t take the clothing you have in your dresser, it’s time to pitch it. You can easily replace your filthy duds without spending a lot of money. Check out these attractive, affordable hoodies (yes fearless leader, I said hoodies) from Old Navy:

Colorblock zip-front – $16.90; Striped zip-front – $16.90; Lightweight colorblock – $13 all w/ GIFTS

Now, if you’re willing to make a little more effort, dig out or buy a pair of really comfortable pants that aren’t sweats. Some people like jeans, some prefer chinos. Whatever you decide on, make sure it’s a pair of pants you can lounge in–nothing that cuts into the waist when you sit on the couch, nothing with material so stiff it won’t let you bend at the knee to wipe a spill off the kitchen floor. Even just wearing real pants with a sweatshirt and slippers makes a huge difference in your appearance. Check out the soft, slightly stretchy Travel Jeans from Bonobos. Yes, they cost $98, but think about it this way. If you’re wearing these every weekend, and changing into them most nights when you get home from work, it’s worth the money. And since it’s Bonobos, you can get them on sale if you’re patient.

Ready to step it up even more? Pair your jeans or khakis with a simple sweater. Look at the material before purchasing–avoid polyester (or other synthetic materials). We’re still going for at-home comfort and that means breathable, soft cotton or cotton-blends, or lighter weight wool like Merino. Many sweaters are just as comfortable as sweatshirts, but they make such a difference in your appearance. These 100% cotton sweaters from Gap are easy to style and so soft:

Heathered striped crew – $32.47; Striped Half-Zip – $32.47; Marled Shawl sweater – $35.72
all w/ GIFTS

Other ways to look handsome yet still comfortable at home: forgo those beat-up running shoes and wear vintage-styled sneakers. If you really want to wow her…check out Betabrand Pinstripe Dress Pant Sweatpants. Yeah, you read that right. It’s the male version of pajama jeans. Boom.

-Beth

Got a question for Beth? Send it to: askawoman@dappered.com