Style Scenario: Valentine’s Day – Staying In

What are you going to wear?  Sometimes there’s an easy answer. Sometimes not. Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and three scenarios have been tackled (find the previous here and here). Just because you’re doing dinner at home on Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you should surrender to sweats.  Now, you don’t have to wear a tux (actually, that’s not a half bad idea), but putting some effort into how you’re dressed is well worth it.  Your date will appreciate that attention you’ve paid, even if it’s a few simple layers.

The Sweater: J. Crew Factory Slub Cotton V – $24.50 ($49.50). The v-neck layered over a collared shirt shows the effort, the slub cotton fabric keeps it casual and cheap.  A lighter earth tone like this one is a nice bridge between the dark winter hues and the oncoming onslaught of brighter spring colors.  Any slim merino would do fine here.

The Shirt: jcp printed polka dot – $25.00.  Not down with the dots?  Totally understandable.  Swap it out for a white or light blue ocbd, or even a darker grey washed poplin.

The Cooking Coverage: Chef’s Jacket – $17.92.  Good for you for trying to make your date dinner.  They’ll love it even if you can’t cook.  Skip the apron and pick up a chef’s jacket.  Not only does it look cooler, it protects your sleeves, and makes for a handy costume in a pinch.

For Her: Tickets to something – $$.$$?  Trinkets like jewelry are good, but experiences almost always trump the material stuff.  Maybe your date has a favorite band that’s coming to town on tour.  Or there’s a show running they’ve wanted to see.  Maybe you two like watching old movies together, and a heritage theater in town does a classic movie series.  Doesn’t have to be a trip to Paris, it can be something small.  It’ll show you pay attention.

The Watch: Steve Alan Rose Gold + Cordovan Automatic – $285.00.  More here from W&W.

The Jeans: jcp Slim Straight in Rinse – $22.00

The Belt: Ralph Lauren Leather Equestrian Belt – $41.99 ($125)

The Shoes: Allen Edmonds Katami Boots – $157.00 ($275).  Currently on clearance.  Beware, reviews are all over the place.  But some have raved about them.  If they end up being better than halfway decent, you’ll end up with a Made in the USA, just-different-enough chukka for a more than reasonable price.

For the previous scenarios, head here, and here.  Remember above all else this Thursday: Dappered loves you.