What do you do when your partner's wardrobe choices don't quite hit the mark? Do you let it slide, or speak up? And does he value your input on his style? Men's clothing choices—especially here in the Netherlands—spark endless debates.
In the Netherlands, men's outfits often revolve around jeans and sneakers, regardless of fit. Jeans top the list at #1, hold steady at #2, and you're lucky if #3 isn't more jeans (or sweatpants as a substitute!).
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Paired with those jeans? Typically a shirt, blouse, or sweater—drawing from my own family's wardrobe, including my husband and son. Jackets are rare. My husband isn't a runway model, but he's always well-groomed. Still, one item from his closet begs to be banished: those plaid blouses. I'd toss them into the biggest bonfire if I could!
Plaid blouses? They're just not my style for men. What about you? I prefer a sleek shirt or a fitted retro blouse. Even a rugged lumberjack plaid can look sharp. My husband battles a bit of a belly, so he avoids fitted pieces—a shame, as they'd suit him better than those overly soft plaid options.
I've subtly phased them out by washing them less often and introducing fresh alternatives. No tight fits yet—with current weather, sweaters are a safe start. They're forgiving yet stylish, outshining any plaid shirt.
While many Dutch men fall short on style, some excel. Here's my top 3, based on years observing trends:
Not ranked strictly—all showcase impeccable taste, jeans or not. Few can rival them!
I've scoped out webshops like this one for premium men's wear, plus Gabba for street-smart options. Know the brand? Ideal for style upgrades. Skimming shirts, I dodged the plaids and eyed sweaters—perfect for a rugged sailor or Harley rider vibe (we didn't get our motorcycle licenses for nothing!).
I also love a blazer over a shirt with jeans for casual polish. He finds it too warm, so a quality sweater is our win. Which of your partner's garments must go? How do you nudge him toward better style?
