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Kenneth Cole Style Guide: Meeting the Parents

July 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 when Meeting the Parents

Some people are extremely close with their family.  Others aren’t.  No matter which category your significant other falls into, it’s never a bad thing for their parents to like you.  And even if Mom & Dad and Child don’t get along the best, the parents will still be ready to judge every last inch of you the new guy, thanks to their offspring protection instincts.

Should meeting the parents be a nerve wracking experience?  No.  But it probably will be anyway.  KennethCole.com offers up their suggestions on how to look and more importantly feel relaxed and put-together for that all important first face-to-face with your betrothed’s parental units.

What the guys at Kenneth Cole got right, and what they got wrong, after the video.

I could give Brian at Kenneth Cole design services a hug right now.  Thank goodness he didn’t suggest sneakers.  Because wearing sneakers to meet the potential future Mom and Dad in-law would have sent the wrong message.  The entire video, from beginning to end, just felt better this time.  Didn’t it?  Let’s get started.

What they got RIGHT

The Shoes – Kenneth Cole New York Bottle Nose Suede Oxford – $168.00

Grey, Suede, and a perfect toe.
Grey, Suede, and a perfect toe.

Hip, hip… hoooooooray.  They didn’t go with sneakers this time.  But instead, an almost perfect suede cap-toe oxford.  And what’s truly unique about this subdued casual, is the toe.  It doesn’t look to be all blunt and clunky the way a lot of oxfords can be.  It’s summer, so skip socks.  Even with the parents there.  The woven rope (yes… rope) laces are a little much, but that’s a quick and cheap fix.  Unfortunately, at $170 there’s not much else about the shoe that’s cheap.

The Jeans – Kenneth Cole New York 5 Pocket Jean – $41.70 (reg. $69.50)

Keep the lines and the seat of your pants clean.
Keep the lines and the seat of your pants clean.

“The Dark Denim.  Works anytime day or night… no tears, no whiskering, just clean lines.”
There’s just a few whisker lines, but… Brian has this point dead on right.  You can wear jeans to meet her folks.  Of course you can.  They just better be medium dark (like these) or dark.  And no pre-rips or anything like that.

The Belt – Kenneth Cole New York Web Belt – $24.00 (reg. $45.00)

All the web belt style, with none of the perpetual looseness.
All the web belt style, with none of the perpetual looseness.

Here’s why this belt works so well.  It’s a casual web belt but the grey color and black accents are far from nautical inspired super-casual.  It can be dressed up a touch.  That and unlike a lot of other web belts, this one has rivets and a traditional buckle.  Meaning you won’t have to keep cinching it down during the meet and greet.

.

What they got WRONG

The watch – NO: Touch Screen Digital Watch –  $125.00 | YES: Lacoste Advantage – $150.00

Too trendy vs. just right.
Too trendy vs. just right.

The touch screen might be a nifty feature, but digital is just too trendy.  Too trendy to wear while meeting the Mom and Dad.  Your watch can still have plenty of sport influence and still be classic.  Like this perforated and branded Lacoste watch for $150.

The Shirt – NO: Ombre Plaid $41.70 (reg. $69.50) – YES J. Crew Slim Jersey Polo – $30.00

You also might want the short sleeves to keep cool.
You also might want the short sleeves to keep cool.

Although the slim shape, pocket placement, and contrast interior on the cuffs looks great, the plaid just doesn’t seem right.  Kind of high-schoolish.  It’s a little too much.  A white polo is both respectfully dressed up and relaxed all at the same time.  There’s no debating on whether to tuck it in or not (don’t) and  J. Crew’s slim Jersey polo has a little more stiffness in the collar.  On sale now for $30 a piece.

Agreements? Disagreements?  Do you remember what you wore the first time you met your significant other’s parents?  You know the drill, leave it all in the comments section below…

Lacoste at ShopStyle

Filed Under: Accessories, Clothing, Shoes, Too Expensive, Watches, Women Tagged With: J. Crew Polo, Kenneth Cole, Meet the Parents, style guide, What to Wear

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Comments

  1. Kyle says

    July 9, 2010 at 8:05 PM

    What is it with K.C. and those hideous digital watches?! They seem to be pushing them on everyone they dress up. I say go with the classic watch, or none at all. I would feel more comfortable wearing a Casio calculator watch like I did in high school… Well, maybe not.

  2. Joe says

    July 9, 2010 at 8:12 PM

    They’re certainly a risk, but if you have a little funk in your style rep, I don’t think they’re that bad. (full disclosure: I have little to no “funk” whatsoever. Period.) I’ve seen them in person and they don’t look awful. Just… different. Sorta trendy. But I’m in full agreement with you on the fact that they are pushing these watches, HARD. They do make some great looking classic watches though. This one is my personal favorite.

  3. Bryan says

    July 9, 2010 at 9:33 PM

    Both of those watches are really nice looking imo. I think I could rock the digital one, but I really like the lacoste. It looks really nice, especially with the lacoste logo and red accent.

  4. Bryan says

    July 11, 2010 at 1:35 AM

    Not sure if that was a mis-link or something, but when did BR come into this convo? 🙂

  5. Joe says

    July 11, 2010 at 9:13 AM

    Not sure myself. Methinks a spam bot got through… (prepare for deletion)

  6. will says

    September 17, 2010 at 10:53 AM

    yes that lacoste watch look really nice but I cannot find it here in my country and I have been eyeing this one too http://www.lacoste.com/#/catalogue-men-watches-sportswear-2010501 and it happens to be available, though only in the red and green.

    My questions:
    Is this model as fine as the above-mentioned?
    And the red or green options are not versatile enough aren’t they? Specially when I have been owning light green converse for the past year and have found it to be a bit risk taking when wearing some other bold colours.
    I hope you can help solve this dilemna. Thanks Joe :]

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