Whether it’s your first date or your hundredth, you’ll want to look the part. Choose an outfit that displays your personality while yet matching the formality of where you’re going. We’re here to assist, and we’ve compiled a list of our best date night ensembles.
It wasn’t long ago that dating advice came from one of two places, both of which were equally unreliable. Your parents tell you when you’re a kid that the best accessory to wear is your heart on your sleeve. Older people with origami pocket squares used to try to persuade everyone that a well-tailored suit is to women what lingerie is to guys back in the day.
Even if it’s simply a casual outing, putting effort into great clothing for your date shows that you care and that the date is important to you. What you dress reveals a lot about your personality. In fact, according to research, even minor changes in your look can have an impact on how people perceive you.
The only issue? You may believe that you lack the necessary style knowledge to put together a great ensemble. If you’re used to wearing your old favorite jeans and shoes wherever you go, coming up with a date night outfit for a good restaurant can be a challenge.
We’ll give style tips and other expert guidance to help you dress to impress, in addition to outfit suggestions. Continue reading for our selections and date-night style advice.
WHAT TO THINK ABOUT WHEN CHOOSING AN OUTFIT
The choice of what to wear for a date night should not be made at random. Sure, there are some go-to outfits that will work in a number of scenarios (more on that later), but you also need to dress appropriately for the type of date you’re going on. These are some things to consider when going through your closet or shopping at the mall.
TIME OF THE DATE
Is your date scheduled for the morning or evening? Morning dates, such as going out for coffee or brunch, are usually more laid-back. You’re not going to eat lunch in trousers and a button-down. Evening dates tend to be more dressed-up, albeit it depends on where you’re going.
VENUE
When deciding what to wear on a date, it’s crucial to consider where you’ll be going. You’ll want to dress up more if you’re heading to a posh restaurant. A stroll in the park? A pair of nice jeans and a shirt will do the trick. If you’re heading to an event or a country club, check to see if there’s a dress code so you’re not caught off guard.
BASED ON YOUR DATE
You should never wear something that is absolutely out of character for you. However, when choosing an attire, you should also consider the type of person your date is. Make an effort to compliment your date. If your date appears to be exceptionally intelligent in all of his or her profile pictures, you should be as well. If not, you can afford to be more relaxed. Again, don’t modify who you are; instead, consider their style.
HOW WELL-KEPT ARE YOUR CLOTHES?
Even if you’re wearing a stunning button-down shirt in the correct color, the impact will be ruined if it’s wrinkled and/or damaged. Make sure the outfits are clean and pressed. There’s a difference between being casual and looking disheveled.
WHAT TYPE OF DATE NIGHT ARE YOU PLANNING?
DINNER DATE
A dinner date used to be something to get dressed up for. Go all out on the reservation and the costume to match to bring back a feeling of occasion to the world Tinder has taken over. The specials board here is dominated by tailored separates and dressed-down suits, which fit equally well for an after-work cocktail as they do for a three-course meal.
It isn’t always necessary to change out of your business attire. When getting dressed in the morning, think ahead and choose a suit that will easily transition from the workplace to the restaurant bar when it’s time to clock out. A little texture or design wouldn’t hurt, but fit is the most important factor in tailoring.
What you wear under your suit is just as crucial as the suit itself. Swap it for a newly laundered substitute if it’s a work shirt that’s been working harder than you have. There are pheromones and then there are pheromones that are downright irritating.
Replace the shirt with a roll neck or knitted polo for a more stylish look. Just in time for cocktail hour, inch perfect cocktail attire.
DATES FOR DAY AND OUTDOOR EVENTS
Assuming you’re not climbing Kilimanjaro together, dressing for the outdoors can be a stroll in the park for your wardrobe. To make the best first impression, wear products that were originally built for usefulness and durability but also make sure to look the part.
HOME DATES
In all healthy relationships, there will come a period when you can wrap yourself in the softest jersey fabric you own and watch Netflix for four hours without speaking to each other. However, that will not suffice for the early home dates. You must maintain the ruse for at least six months.
You should feel at rest since you’re at home here, even if it’s not your home. Comfortable shirts, a lovely pair of pants, and your finest, best, best socks are all good choices.
DATE AT THE CINEMA
Yes, you’ll be sitting in the dark for two hours, but you shouldn’t get dressed in the dark. Consider the practical side of things. Skinny jeans aren’t going to cut it when you’re crammed into a stuffy theater with a box of popcorn on your crotch.
Apart from that, keep it smart-casual. Dark selvedge jeans, neutral chinos, or tailored trousers with a button-down shirt are all good options. Depending on when you’re going to the post-film analysis, finish with a blazer or bomber. You’ll look more like a laid-back leading guy than someone who is overly invested in The Lego Movie 2.
DRINKS DATES
Do a manual override on the reflex that urges you to wear jeans in order to stand out in a bar full of other guys. Tailored trousers offer you the appearance of making an effort when you haven’t, and they provide the foundation for a non-boring look.
What you pair it with will likely be determined by whether you’re meeting after work and the dress code in place. If you wear a blazer to work, keep it on but replace the work shirt with one with a bold, black design.