Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

What to Wear for a Night Out

May 5, 2010 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

Kenneth Cole Video Style Guide – What to Wear for a Night on the Town

It happens to everyone.  There’s some occasion for a nice dinner out, then cocktails or a bar crawl afterward, and 90% of the guys out there won’t know what to put on.  They’re stuck in a blue jeans/untucked dress shirt/square toe shoe rut, and they can’t get out.  For the latest installment of Kenneth Cole’s Style guide, Brian from Kenneth Cole Productions design services tries to put a 30ish something fellow (who looks awfully weird in his suit by the way… doesn’t he?)  in a “bouncer-proof” outfit for a night out in the city.  What they got right, and what they got wrong, after the video.

What they got RIGHT:

The Jeans – Kenneth Cole New York 5-Pocket Denim $59.00

Fail Proof Denim - Dark but not black
Fail Proof Denim - Dark but not black

$60.00 is getting up there for a pair of jeans, especially since Levi’s 501s do the job just as well.  But the tonal stitching on the back pocket is a nice touch, and the Kenneth Cole Logo is there but not overly visible.  Nice choice for a night out.

The Watch – Kenneth Cole Touch Screen Black Watch $175.00

It's a bit odd, but in a good way.
It's a bit odd, but in a good way.

It’s fairly obvious that they’re pushing this new touch screen watch, and they’re pushing it hard.  That plug at the end is not real subtle.  But I’ll give Kenneth Cole this, it’s a nice looking outside of the lines casual watch.  Digital can never work in a more formal environment, but on a pub/club crawl this’ll stand out while fitting in.

What they got WRONG:

The Jacket – NO: Kenneth Cole Suit Jacket – $198 | YES: INC Slim Augusti Blazer – $69.98

Suit jackets go with suits, blazers can be worn with jeans.
Suit jackets go with suits, blazers can be worn with jeans.

That’s a suit jacket.  Notice how it seems too structured on the already stiff looking Brian, and thus, he looks completely unbalanced.  Suit jackets should be worn with matching pants.  Never jeans.  What you SHOULD wear with your jeans, is a lightly structured casual blazer.  Like this one from the Macy’s House brand INC.  It’s slim and cotton, but still dressed up enough for higher end establishments.  Slightly peak lapels give it extra character.  Plus, it’s a steal at less than half the price of the suit jacket.  How can you tell the difference between a suit jacket and a more casual blazer?  If it comes in chest sizes (like 38, 40, 42) it won’t go with jeans.  Stick with the S, M, L sized jackets and you’ll be good.  And one last critical point.  Never, ever… pop your jacket collar.  Ever.  Period.

The Shoes – NO:  K.C. City Vision Sneakers – $108 | YES: Aldo Mitchen Loafer – $69.98

Shoes often seperate the men from the men-boys
Shoes often seperate the men from the men-boys

For starters, looks like Brian from Kenneth Cole Design services picked out a shoe that’s available in one of their stores, but not on their website.  That’s just fine though, because if you want to “bouncer proof” your look, show up looking like you’ve got money to spend.  And that means no sneaks.  Grown ups with grown up money get treated well.  Grown ups also wear leather shoes, like these Mitchen Loafers from Aldo.  For only $70 these will help you pass the grade with the bouncer, and more importantly any women inside.

Shirt & Accessories – NO: Necklace/Bracelet, V-neck – $88.00 |  Yes: Fitted Oxford – $49.50

If the left appeals to you... You're doing it wrong.
If you find the left appealing, I'm sorry.

The Term “Douche Bag” is overused.  But sometimes there’s just not another word to describe a look.  There just isn’t a more appropriate way to describe an over accessorized, too-cool-for the room, embellished to the point of bedazzled young man wearing all that… junk.  Dog tags are for the military.  If you haven’t served and you’re wearing tags, you’re a poser.  Plain and simple.  Bracelets are for women and Johnny Depp.  Graphic V-Necks are for guys with low self esteem or overblown egos.  Just put on a fitted striped oxford and you’ll look great.  Want to get nuts?  Go for a micro-floral pattern.

Click for the Women's Style Guide
Click for the Women's Style Guide

One Final Very Big Question

For this one, I ask you to watch not just one video, but both videos.  They always do these in pairs, one style guide for the men, and the other for women.  Here’s the women’s version.  Give it a look.

She… looks amazing.  Now Ask yourself this:  Is the male subject from the Kenneth Cole Men’s style guide, wearing that, going to get that woman’s number?

No.  Not a chance.

Filed Under: Accessories, Clothing, Shoes Tagged With: casual blazer, douche, INC Blazer, Kenneth Cole, man jewelry, style guide, What to Wear

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

Steal Alert: adidas Stan Smith for $74 (reg $95)

Steal Alert: adidas Stan Smith for $74 (reg $95)

Usually excluded. Takes a bit of a trick. But it’s not too tricky.

25% off Huckberry Swim, adidas $30 off Ultraboosts, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

25% off Huckberry Swim, adidas $30 off Ultraboosts, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Bronze watches, linen sportcoats, … Industrial Wall-mount Sconces.

Steal Alert: Rhone Delta Pique Polos 20% off 3 packs, 15% off 2 packs

Steal Alert: Rhone Delta Pique Polos 20% off 3 packs, 15% off 2 packs

Expires Friday. Hidden button down collar & terrific tech fabric. A rare sale. Still spendy. But a little less so.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • 25% off Huckberry Swim, adidas $30 off Ultraboosts, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • TUESDAY Men’s Sales Tripod – Ledbury 30% off Select, BR Shoes, & More
  • J. Crew: 35% off select full, Extra 50% off Sale, + Free Shipping (6/21 – 6/22)
  • The Dappered Space: Most Wanted Affordable Home Style June 2022
  • One Store, Five Outfits: Brooks Brothers (and their summer sale section)
  • Style Scenario: Casual & Colorful (nothing over $100 edition)

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2022 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.