WORDS BY JOSEPH FURNESS
Whether you’re prepping for a first date, second date, parents-are-looking-after-the-children date, birthday date, Tinder date, attempt-to-escape-the-friend-zone date, blind date, anniversary date, engagement-ring-on-a-breadstick date, spontaneous coffee date or Valentine’s Day date: we’ve got the perfect outfit for you.
'But why do I need a new outfit for date night?' I hear you say. Because looking dapper leads to a much more confident you. To be suave à la Bond, first, you must look the part.
Danielle Grantham, menswear buyer at Harvey Nichols (the connoisseurs of high class), says “It’s essential for a man to always consider his date attire because first impressions count! We encourage our customers to style themselves so that what they’re wearing makes them feel good inside and out. If your attire helps you feel confident, the company you keep is sure to appreciate it.”. Therefore, the moral of the story is that it’s essential to spruce up your style, no matter what number date it is.
Naturally, different types of dates call for different dress codes; enter our men’s date outfit breakdown.
Men’s Date Outfit No.1:
The Dinner Date Outfit
A textbook dinner date calls for a classic, foolproof fit. Hence why we’re suggesting a white cotton shirt (the ultimate wardrobe staple), wool trousers and leather belt combo. Need an extra layer? A brown suede jacket always goes down a treat.
“I would suggest something chic yet simple and separates rather than suit as you don’t want to look like you’ve come straight from the office.”
- Danielle Grantham
Menswear Buyer at Harvey Nichols
Men’s Date Outfit No.2:
The Netflix and Chill Date Outfit
Bro, if she’s invited you around to hers on the first date, you ain’t permanent — especially if the word ‘Netflix’ has been batted around. But we're not saying you shouldn't go. In fact, we're instructing you to get down to the barbers for a quick shape-up as soon as you've ordered this grey sweats fit. A combination, 'we've heard', works wonders.
Men’s Date Outfit No.3:
The Cinema Date Outfit
For cinema dates, engaging conversations are out of the question; hence, it’s important to peacock in something splashy. We propose you work from the bottom-up, as your sneaker choice is illustrative of the person you are (or, at least, the person you’re trying to be).
“You want to be comfortable but cool - although that doesn’t mean a tracksuit. This is an opportunity to make the most of luxe fabrics.”
- Danielle Grantham
Menswear Buyer at Harvey Nichols
Men’s Date Outfit No.4:
The Walk in the Park Date Outfit
Rugged: the word to best describe those who consider a ‘walk in the park’ a serious date idea. I’m not mocking you, I’m just saying. Along with a pair of hiking-inspired sneakers — which, lucky for you, is currently en-vogue — opt for a plaid quilted Balenciaga shirt and blue jean combo that is both stylish and suited to your taste.
Men’s Date Outfit No.5:
The Bowling Date Outfit
If you’re the sort of fun guy who takes a date to the bowling alley, your outfit should be accordingly playful. We’re thinking a striped Cuban-collar shirt, bowling inspired sneakers and a pair of tailored jogging bottoms for extra flexibility — all finished off with a slick-back 50s hairstyle.
Need further help? Go binge-watch The Marvelous Miss Maisel and ape Joel’s summer holiday style.
Men’s Date Outfit No.6:
The Weekend Brunch Date Outfit
For brunch, we envision you in a Saint Laurent leather jacket, fresh white tee, black jeans and a pair of low-top leather sneakers. A perfect first date idea as, if they aren’t the one for you, you’ve still got a perfectly good excuse to get drunk before noon. Every cloud and all that.
Men’s Date Outfit No.7:
The Crazy Golf Date Outfit
One for the players. Putt some effort into your crazy golf date outfit and, who knows, maybe you’ll score in more ways than one.
But, whatever you do, please don’t wear argyle (ironic maybe, but also very unamusing).
“For this, I would suggest something masculine, functional and confident but not sporting attire! A pair of drawstring trousers matched with a striped T-shirt would work perfectly.”
- Danielle Grantham
Menswear Buyer at Harvey Nichols
Men’s Date Outfit No.8:
The Coffee Date Outfit
A coffee date shows that you’re a chivalrous man who’s interested in more than just a fling; you’re taking her out to listen to her (which explains the inclusion of caffeine).
Whilst the vibe may be relaxed, your get-up should be more clean-cut cool. Think Parisian urbanite visiting The Louvre.
“As this is quite a low-key date, you want what you’re wearing to reflect that but still look like you’ve made an effort. I suggest a pair of smartly-cut jeans, camel cashmere crew-neck and a Parka jacket to top it all off.”
- Danielle Grantham
Menswear Buyer at Harvey Nichols
Men’s Date Outfit No.9:
The Beekeeping Date Outfit
Can’t believe anyone in their right mind would attend a beekeeping date? Neither can I. But when asking around for date ideas (for my personal life and for the purpose of this article), one colleague of mine mentioned (way too casually) that a beekeeping date was one of the most memorable dates she has been on (and she’s been on a lot).
But the more I thought about it, the more I understood the concept. Taking a first date beekeeping (which, needless to say, involves being covered from head to toe) is the dating equivalent of The Voice: she’ll be judging you on your chat rather than your jawline. So, if the compliments you receive always involve the word ‘personality’, this is the perfect date for you.
HEAD-TO-TOE PROTECTIVE GEAR WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE BEEHIVE EXPERIENCE,
SO WE GIVE YOU PERMISSION TO WEAR WHATEVER YOU WANT UNDERNEATH.
YES, EVEN ARGYLE.
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