How to Dress Up for a First Date at a Nice Restaurant for a Man

Finding the right outfit for that first date can be challenging.

A time-honored tradition, a first date at a nice restaurant sets the stage for the future of a potential relationship. You’ve done the right thing by choosing a great place to dine and get to know your date, now you need to continue the process and wear the right clothes to further impress her. You’ll want to dress with clothes that fit, are stylish and are comfortable.

Instructions

1. Choose colors that coincide with the season and your own coloring. Pastels and neutrals like gray, tan or beige are spring colors. Summer colors, like beach red, blue and pure white, are bright and bold. Autumn colors are the earth tones of browns, olives, rusts and burgundy. Winter colors tend to be dramatic blacks and contrasting solids. If you have black hair, you can wear bold colors to accentuate your coloring. Wear more subdued shades if you are a blonde or a brunette.

2. Wear a dress jacket or blazer. Men always look good in a fitted jacket. This doesn’t have to be a suit, unless the restaurant is very upscale. It can be a well-tailored cotton, corduroy or leather jacket that reflects your style. Don’t wear a denim jacket, even if it is stylish, as it is too casual for a first date.

3. Choose dress slacks or a khaki pair of pants that fit well. Don’t wear pants that are too big, too tight or show your undergarments. Choose a color that coordinates with your jacket.

4. Select an attractive solid-colored or striped shirt with no icons or other advertising emblems on it. Don’t wear shirts with skulls, dragons, cars or sports team logos on them. You want to sell yourself, not other people’s products.

5. Match light clothes with light shoes, and dark clothes with dark shoes. You can add colorful shoes if they coordinate with the color and style of your outfit. Don’t wear sneakers to a nice restaurant. Choose an attractive leather or suede shoe or boot.

6. Wear a reversible leather belt. Every man should have one in his closet. Bold belt buckles should only be worn if they are your style and you want to make a statement. Otherwise choose a clean, subdued metal design.

7. Match dark socks with dark shoes and light socks with light shoes. White socks should only be worn with sneakers or white pants.

8. Wear jewelry if you are comfortable with it. A nice heavy link bracelet, strand around the neck or a ring are acceptable. If you have other pierced body parts, jewelry may be worn in them as well. Finish with a touch of cologne and go pick her up.

References

• Clothing.ie: Clothing - simple advice on matching colours
• Savvy Mode: The 5 Essential Items for Men’s Dating Attire
• "Esquire"; The 25 Articles of Clothing Every Man Must Own; March 19, 2007