Beyond boyfriend jeans, most likely there isn’t much meshing between your boyfriend and your fashion sense. That is not meant to belittle the innate style your boyfriend may have been blessed with, however, it’s fair to say shopping isn’t his forté. If you’ve dabbled in bringing your significant other along for the ride and hit a steep halt after your first stop, here are some tips to transform your time shopping with him from painful to pleasant.
Distractions
It is critical that you leave home well equipped. You want to ensure you have a device that can connect your man to the outside world while he is encompassed by a ladies’ wonderland of wearable fashions. The overwhelming feminine surroundings will fade into the background if your boyfriend is able to access the game, the news or whatever else he’d rather be doing. A smart phone is the perfect partner for blissful distraction while you scour the racks. He’s winning your heart while watching who’s winning the game.
Don’t ask his opinion if you don’t really care
Just don’t. He is coming along to prove his utmost devotion to you (and maybe exercise his natural born ability to carry multiple bags at once). He is not there to tell you if you look fat, boring or if a piece of clothing is unflattering. If you seek guidance, find your fashion guru elsewhere. Reserve asking him about every garment you encounter. The ambiance of vintage fabrics and chic styles don’t equate with a productive day for him. He’s there because he cares, don’t corner him with relentless inquiries about an item you’re already sold on. If you’ve found something that was made for you, we all know you could really care less if he can differentiate if it’s a dress or a shirt- don’t waste your time or his. Save his artful involvement and opinions on items that really call for backup.
Make it brief
Make a plan and stick to it. Don’t lead him through dark, unpredictable closet corridors of fashion’s past. Let him know where you want to go and listen to his input. Does a store stick out to him? Is there a particular store that carries something for him too? Make it as enjoyable as possible for the both of you. But most importantly, don’t lead him down a vague, dismal path of uncertainty. Clarify the end point.
Find a unisex store
Find a store that redefines the best of both worlds. A place he can roam and maybe even leave with something for himself. Follow him through the men’s department. Nothing is more emasculating than trailing your girlfriend’s every move through each department like a lost pooch. Let him explore and see what he likes. Give him a turn to pick something off the rack for him and for you. Tell him what looks good on him. Let him revel in the ego boosting joy that can come from hearing your girlfriend call you “sexy” while shopping.
The Reward
This is the most crucial step of them all, the pinnacle of your outing and the icing on the cake. Shift gears and let him chose what to do next. He’s spent the better half of the day assisting you with his impeccable bag carrying abilities and doting on you with each and every outfit. It’s only fair to let him pick what’s next. Go grab a beer, go to a movie, watch a football game or read in bed together. Whatever your guy likes most, it’s time you let him run the show and pick the next pastime.
Hopefully by the end of this trip you have acquired new techniques rather than the go-to abrasive tug along and will be leaving with some flatting fits that the both of you endorse. Make it memorable, make out in a fitting room, find something sexy and make him want to go shopping with you all over again.
by Stephanie Powell
Image via Zimbio
