date night outfits for guys

Welcome to the first edition of Men’s Fashion advice, a new edition I’m starting for the fun of it and also because guys ask me more questions about what to wear than women lol. So this one started with a simple thought, “what outfits stood out to me on a first date” ? I can remember loving simple outfits that spoke for themselves, his fashionable Chelsea boots, his subtle bracelet accessory, his blazer paired with a fitted shirt, coupled with a bold embrace of colour, all elements of a guy who knows a little something about dressing well. And finally the crowning element, his cologne.

your smell is your first impression

I remember hugging a guy on a date and having his scent follow me for the rest of the night lol. That is a strong LASTING impression. After you’ve established that element you can read on!

Okay, now let’s break down what these date night outfits looked like and why they stood out.

We’re calling this first outfit …

“Mr BeCkham”

1. Unstructured Blazer

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2. Fitted T-shirt or Turtleneck

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3. Jeans or Chinos

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4. Chelsea Boots or Sneakers

Ps, there’s something SO sexy about all black or dark colours! If you’re going to try this outfit on a date, aim for a dark blazer combined with dark wash jeans or black chinos. Also, you want your Chelsea boots to be a dark colour, sandy brown, dark grey or the likes. If pairing with sneakers, try a simple white pair to contrast the dark look. This is a simple outfit that is not too dressy but still classy, you can’t go wrong with this look. The mere fact that you’re combining a blazer with jeans or chinos shows you have an eye for fashion, trust me! You don’t have to go with dark tones but it’s recommended if you want the “sexy” appeal ;)

Some might think this is too dressy so let’s move on to something more casual but with a date night intention.

this next outfit is …

“Mr elba”

1. Fitted T-shirt or Crew-neck Sweater

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2. Jeans or Chinos or Joggers

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4. Bomber Jacket or Jean Jacket

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5. White Sneakers or Chelsea Boots

This outfit is simple but don’t be fooled, we are going to accessorize this outfit to show your date that you know how to dress yourself.

First, make sure you have a good fit!

A good fit takes your look from casual, to casual but with an intention. Don’t think that fitted only works when you have big muscles. While bigger muscles are more noticeable through clothes, a good fit can also accentuate your body without muscles being present.

Second, A MAN who ACCESSORIZEs can do anything

Accessories can make “simple” look planned out. I’m not only talking about jewellery people! In my world, certain pieces can accessorize my outfit. So also in my world, the list of accessories is much larger than normal. Shall we list some?

There are:

• Bracelets,

• Watches

• Beanies

• Sunglasses

• Necklaces (for first timers, aim for thin necklaces)

• Bomber or Jean jacket or Pea coat

• Your shoes (they say a lot about you so beware).

• Finally, click here to learn the do’s and don’ts of accessorizing.

Why does this look work, because although it’s casual, the fit and proper use of accessories shows that you’re a man of style!

on to the next one …

“Mr GOLDING”

You’re a classy man with good taste, you sip your reserved wine, order the $95 steak and walk in with loafers and a structured blazer, preferably with peaked lapels. I admire your style and genuine love for finer things. Whether you’re already dress like this or aspire to have this look, let’s break down the main elements of these outfits.

1. Structured Single Breast Blazer or Cardigan

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2. Crisp Dress Shirt (emphasis on the “crisp”)

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3. Pocket Square

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4. Dress Pants

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5. Belt or no belt

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6. Dress Shoes & Socks

I’m calling this look “Mr Golding” because in the movie “Crazy Rich Asians”, every outfit he wore was dripping with finesse. I also feel like this is how he dresses in real life because he wears it SO WELL. He’s not afraid of colour, wears subtle accessories, (spot the bracelet in the left photo and his watch in all photos) and lastly, all his clothes are tailored to fit like a glove.

When attempting this look, start with one colour and use a colour wheel to go from there. Colour pairing is a skill that takes time so for beginners, use this colour wheel to get started!

Remember though that shades are very important, your outfit can look really nasty versus really classy if your shades are off. Use the wheel below to get an idea of how to work with colours.

This is a classic date night look however, it’s not for all personalities or environments, so beware of those factors before diving in. If you choose to wear it, you have to be all in and own it because confidence is the second most important impression after your scent ;)

And with that gentleman, we conclude our first Date Night Outfits Class. I’m sure you’ve learned something and will come back for more, so see you soon!