10 Sneaky Ways to Update Your Spouse’s Style

By

Lois Joy Johnson,

Are you crazy about her but not the neon leggings and overdone makeup? Adore him but wish he’d quit the combover, buy new jeans and groom his beard? Anyone who is 50-plus and in a

relationship knows the signs. Your significant other (whom you love to the moon and back) has a few look and wardrobe issues. You’re itching to make them over ... or at least encourage a few

tweaks. But how to do that with no hurt feelings? It’s possible to inspire change without emphasizing flaws. Here are 10 style-enhancing things to say and do with tact and grace.

to Section 1. “Funny how new glasses make everyone look better.” 2. “They were having a major sale.” 3. “Your hair would look so great like that.” 4. “Matching clothes counteracts chip and

ice cream binges!” 5. “Your shoulders are sooo sexy!” 6. “I booked you a guy’s spa day at the salon!” 7. "That’s your best color!” 8. “I love your natural look best.” 9. “Let’s go shopping.

I need new jeans.” 10. “You remind me of ...” 1. “Funny how new glasses make everyone look better.” (Clockwise from bottom left) Gina Gershon, Wendie Malick, Jamie Lee Curtis, Steve Buscemi

and Meryl Streep Leon Bennett/Getty Images for The Hollywood Reporter; Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images; PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images; VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images

If there’s one change that’s simple to spark, it’s new frames. Make streaming platforms (like Netflix, Hulu and Apple TV) and nighttime talk shows your coconspirator for this one, since

celebrities 50 and older frequently sport bold, flattering glasses. Visual evidence is always compelling, and your comments can lead to a trip for two to the optical shop. Point out that

glasses sit front and center on the face and can create a more contemporary look in anything you wear from jeans to an evening gown — even if you change nothing else.

Back to List

BG004/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images; JOCE/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Just do it. Sure, it’s kind of sneaky, but this is your chance for an upgrade. Toss or donate their baggy, bulky sweats; pilled or otherwise offensive leggings; and worn-out stinky sneakers.

Timing is everything, though, since pricey activewear from labels like Athlete, Lululemon, Under Armour and Vuori go on sale at the end of a season and sometimes in a mid-season flash sale.

Another option: Head to Old Navy, Target and Baleaf on Amazon for cost-efficient choices all year long. Stick to classic base colors like black, navy and gray for a street-smart look that

goes from treadmill to brunch, along with practical details like pockets for cell, ID or keys, trimmer cuts and higher wider waistbands. You can always add a pop of color with a quilted vest

or sneakers.

Back to List