dating eventually leads somewhere so it doesnt hurt to be prepared :)
but if your focus is dating him and you already know him as a friend. as a guy id recommend you lightly flirt with him. guys are dense, so dont think its gonna be instant. but eventually, he'll see you as a female. and when he starts to then you can make your move.
but moving from the friend zone is kinda hard. but its simple to find out when he likes by looking at the people he looks at when you walk with him. maybe you have the personality but you dont dress the part.
whats your wardobe like and when you 2 are together what does he normally wear?