What to Wear on Date Night: Part 1

Whether you've already married your betrothed or you're trying to impress a new fling, you should always look good on date night. Always. You know this by now.

But when it comes down to it, dressing for the occasion is an art you may have yet to master. Convention dictates that it's better to be overdone than underdone, like steak (unless you like a bloody, rare hunk of meat, which is fine, but mutes the point of my analogy). That said, you don't want to show up somewhere and be the only guy in black tie garb as that could err on the side of pretentious. So how do you know what to wear on date night? 

In an attempt to take the guesswork out of dressing yourself for a night out with a fair damsel, I aim to give you a series of guidelines for proper attire in certain dating scenarios. When you make an effort to dress well for your lady, it's a sign of respect she'll undoubtedly appreciate. Part 1!

The obvious, token, standard date: Dinner and a Movie

Courtesy of http://unmiserablecleveland.com

Dinner:

First, eliminate speculation. When you make your reservation, ask about the restaurant dresscode or check the website photos to get a feel for the atmosphere and how other patrons dress. There's no shame in preparation. And you'll feel more confident when you approach your closet with an idea in mind. 

If you're going to a nice place like Abe & Louie's or Sonsi, wear nice slacks, a presentable button down, a fitted navy blazer, and nice shoes (see last blogpost). Feeling fancy? Accessorize a smidgeon with a tie or a pocket square (one or the other, not both). You could probably get away with dark jeans here but why not step up your game and sport some trousers? Men don't dress up anymore, time to bring classic cool back.

If you're going to a more casual but trendy place like Cafeteria, you could opt for a nice pair of dark denim pants, a checked button down and a sports coat or vest. I only ask that you look put-together.

If you're just taking your girl to Anna's Taqueria, I have no words for you. Delicious, but not date-worthy.

Movie:

Okay, it's dark in there--you're really dressing for dinner and whatever happens after the movie. Only going to the cinema? Casual dress is absolutely fine here, just make sure you're wearing clean clothes. Be creative and look nice for your pretty lass. 

Sidebar: Chivalry and romance are seemingly lost nowadays, keep them alive! Open doors, pull out chairs, be attentive, and behave like a true gentleman. She'll be impressed by your manners and your sense of style.

Looking to spiff up your wardrobe for some presentable dating attire? Email info@9tailors.com and a style consultant will help you put together a suit or outfit that highlights just how great you are.

To Pop or Not to Pop?

A major point of contention among fashion-savvy gents? The Popped Collar. As commonly seen on frat boys and preppies alike, this is oft done with a Polo shirt...usually a pink one. Some may argue this look is strictly for bro-dawgs who find it cool. Others contend it's a great look that only a certain kind of guy can wear. What do you think? Do you pop your collar? If so, when and why? If not, why wouldn't you/would you ever do it? Check out Esquire's amusing debate here between two bloggers with differing opinions.

Courtesy of preppytimes.com

Courtesy of ivygateblog.com

Courtesy of gloveslap.com

Honestly, we at 9tailors maintain you should never pop the collar of your dress shirt. And it still looks lame on a polo shirt, brah! What is this multiple-layered, up-turned collar thing? Is that serious? Joking or not, please stop it. Do yourself a favor---save your integrity from ridicule and nix the collar poppage. 

That said, a few clients have recently gotten sports coats with contrasting fabric on the underside of their lapel. It looks quite edgy when popped yet subtle and demure when left untouched. 

So, we're somewhat okay with you popping your jacket collars, within reason. James Dean sported a popped collar in his most iconic movie role. Are you a Rebel Without a Cause? An upturned collar can look pretty fresh with the right shirt. As we always recommend, if you're comfortable with a look and feel confident that you can pull it off, go for it. If it feels forced, it will look that way on you.

Rebel Without A Cause

9tailors offers an array of collar styles for your shirts and lapel choices for your jackets! Email us at info@9tailors.com to make an appointment and design yourself some custom pieces!