Makeover Your Man: Six Style Updates Your Guy Needs Now

Today’s post is always one of my favorites to write! I hope you’ve found my sale coverage so far to be helpful, efficient, and not pushy! I try to walk a fine line every year! I also do my best to write about other interesting things when the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is going, so those of you who aren’t shopping still enjoy my content.

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale ends Sunday, August 4. So many items have been restocked, so if something you wanted earlier in the sale was sold out, you might want to circle back and see if it’s back!

When it comes to menswear, Bob is such a great sport! Every year in preparation for this post, we talk endlessly about men’s trends. This isn’t his very favorite subject, but I’ve listened to a lot of sports talk 🏀⚾🏈 over the years, so I figure he owes me! 😂 Does your guy need a little updating? Today, I’m sharing five trends that will up his style game.

As always, click any pink text link or image for more information or to shop.

1. Performance Pants

I don’t care what age you guy is; it’s time to retire his old blousy, roomy slacks! The newer look is a slimmer cut in the legs and fabrics that feel good on the skin and have some “give” and stretch to them.

My conservative CPA husband loves this look, but he especially loves the feel of these pants as they move with him! He finds them way more comfortable than jeans and ordered these in almost every color in last year’s sale!

When it comes to the slimmer cut, remember, the size of your husband’s waist has no bearing on this. I’m talking about a flat front and slimmer cut in the legs. (But not skinny jeans!😲😆) Your man can wear them with everything from dress shoes to boots and leather sneakers. (See below.) He can wear them everywhere, from the office to a casual date night. They come in regular, big, and tall sizes.

What gives these pants the name “performance” is not only the stretch, but also the multi-use functionality and the fact that they often (but not always) feature stain-resistant fabrics and fabric that is wrinkle-resistant. Check out THESE that look like slacks and THESE that look like jeans. Performance pants are machine washable and ideal for travel (because they don’t wrinkle).

2. Blazers & Lightweight Jackets

Peter Millar Alex Bomber Jacket (Also comes in black.)
Was $185, now $99.99.

When women head into an over-air-conditioned restaurant, airplane, or movie theater, they can take a cardigan, a denim jacket, or even a ruana. But men? 😬 Their options are limited. Bob realized his options were usually limited to a quarter-zip pullover, which isn’t always style-appropriate OR easy to get on in an unobtrusive manner! 🫤😂 So he started looking for light jackets he could take instead. He was thrilled when he found THIS one from Peter Millar in the Nordstrom Sale this year!

Nordstrom Deco Check Cotton & Linen Sport Coat
(Was $349, now $244.99 – a bargain for a men’s blazer of this quality!))

Styles may have gotten more casual in the past ten years, but lemme tell you, blazers are still an absolute must-have in your man’s wardrobe. (In fact, maybe more now than ever because suits aren’t as popular.) Blazers are the perfect blend of sophistication and versatility, making them suitable for a wide range of occasions.

Whether your empty nester guy is heading to a business meeting, church, date night, or even a get-together with friends, a well-fitted blazer effortlessly elevates his overall look. (Yes, even worn with jeans!) Not only does it add a touch of class to his outfit, but it also provides that extra layer of warmth during cooler seasons. (Bob loans me his in church almost every Sunday! 😄)

With an array of colors, patterns, and fabrics to choose from, you can easily find a blazer that matches your guy’s unique personality and style. Case in point, this sports coat features a vibrant plaid pattern and a touch of stretch. This cool cotton and linen blend blazer is perfect for casual occasions on warm, sunny days. Going for a slimmer look, try this tailored-fit plaid wool sport coat. Is your man a little more adventurous with fashion? See if you can get him in this sports coat with a touch of color! It would go well with performance pants or with jeans.

3. Elevated Tees

Don’t worry! We’re not talking Fruit of the Loom here, people! 🤣 We’re talking finer cotton tees that skim the body in Henley styles, notched collars, and crewnecks, of course. This is such a big trend, “Men’s T-shirts” is actually its own category in this year’s Anniversary Sale! Brands to look for include TravisMatthew, Robert Barakett, and Vince. Also, I highly recommend tees from Nordstrom’s in-house brand (called “Open Edit“) for men. The quality is excellent, and the styles are fresh and current.

4. The Overshirt

The overshirt is a newer style for men! It’s a versatile piece of clothing that combines the elements of a shirt and a lightweight jacket. In womenswear, we call that a “shacket.” While we see a similar style in menswear, with the flannel plaid shirt jacket over a tee, that’s only one type of overshirt. The other, newer style we’re seeing, however, is a camp shirt layered over either a crewneck tee or a tank top.

Don’t freak out! I’m not saying your man should be wearing a tank top with gold chains and chest hair hanging out under his camp shirt! (Although we are seeing that for younger men, sans the chest hair.😅) Instead, what we’re suggesting is an elevated crewneck tee (see #3 above) underneath an overshirt.

Whether he layers his overshirt over a simple tee or alternately, pairs it with a button-down, this fresh new look will up his style game without looking like he’s trying too hard. It’s all about that perfect balance of comfort and style, while still helping him look put-together.

5. Johnny Collar Sweater

Think updated and elevated polo shirt! Typically, these open-collar sweaters feature a sleek, open collar without the buttons. It’s a perfect blend of classic and contemporary! Bob wanted THIS one in the Nordstrom Sale, but it sold out in his size and hasn’t been restocked. So he ditched Nordstrom and finally ordered THIS one at Banana Republic!🤣It looks exactly like the one at Nordstrom!

He likes that the style adds an elevated touch to even an everyday look. He’ll pair it with dark wash straight leg jeans for a casual, polished look or dress it up with commuter pants with stretch (Zella makes an affordable alternative to Lululemon’s version) for a night out. To dress it up even more, he’ll add a blazer on top.

6. Elevated Sneakers

Cole Haan GrandPrø Rally LTT Low Top Sneaker

Ladies, if you want to take your man’s style to the next level, but he’s hesitant, I’ve got one simple secret for you – elevate his sneaker game! A fresh pair of stylish sneakers can completely transform his entire look, effortlessly combining comfort and fashion. You’ll have an easy time getting your guy to level up his sneaker situation, especially if he loves comfort.

Not only will he look current and confident, but he’ll also appreciate the comfort and versatility that come with a great pair of sneakers. It will up his fashion game immediately, give him a youthful look, and it’s pretty much guaranteed to earn a thumbs up 👍👍👍 from your kids. (Which will make him feel awesome! 🙌) Check out these favorites:

• Leather sneakers
• Washable sneakers
• Running sneakers

A Word About Accessories

As any woman knows, accessories are the easiest way to level up when it comes to style! Here are the latest accessory trends for men that we spotted in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale:

• Headed on a quick weekend getaway? Check out this stylish bag that would work for an overnight trip or even just for a trip to the gym. (Headed out for a little longer? This Tumi 22″ carry-on is a great price — for Tumi (!) — in the sale.)
• Apple watches are great, but a classic leather watch never goes out of style.
• When the occasion calls for a tie, you don’t want your man pulling out some short skinny tie from the year 2000! Tie styles are much wider and longer now, so you might want to pick up a new silk tie that he can wear to weddings, funerals, or other special occasions.
• Ladies, here’s a tip from your pal, Suzy! Go to the closet right now and assess your husband’s belt situation.🙃 I caught Bob wearing a tired, discolored, worn belt 😳😲 and decided the Nordstrom sale was the ideal time to replace it with THIS one. Check out all of the men’s leather belts in the sale HERE.
• Elevate your man’s sunglass game with these stylish options!

If your man is like mine, he doesn’t think about fashion much. (But honestly, Bob kinda got into it once we got talking about it!) Do you think your guy will go for (at least some of) these? Leave me a comment below and tell me what you think.

My best advice if you want to up your man’s style game? Heap on the compliments and encouragement as you gently prod him in the right direction. He’s gonna look awesome! 😍