What are you going to wear? 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 (going out, staying in, and staying in solo) will be tackled. Just because you’re forgoing the Prix Fixe menus and overcrowded restaurants doesn’t mean you should mail it in when it comes to style. Dressing up a bit, even at home, earns you extra points. Plus, it can be a lot of fun. Making your date dinner? Here’s a few suggestions.
The Blazer: Whatever Velvet/Corduroy/Evening blazer you wear in the winter. Seems like a lot of us dove into the statement/evening blazer this year. Whether it was the navy velvet shawl collar from J. Crew (pictured, all but sold out) a black peak lapel corduroy sportcoat, or something flashier, time’s running out to wear it. These blazers are usually worn around the holidays, and now’s a good time to break it out. It’s a quiet night at home, but why not play it up a bit? If your blazer is black instead of blue, swap out the brown leathers shown above for black.
The Pocket Square: TheTieBar White Linen w/ Lilac Border – $8.00 Not Pink or Red, but lilac. And just around the edges. Fold it up so you’re showing a little bit of that color along the edge.
The Belt: Gap Basic Leather Belt – $29.95. Still the perfect belt for sharp casual situations. Not a dress belt, but classic and subdued enough to tie together a blazer & jeans. Always on sale.
The Jeans: Levi’s 505 in Tubmled Rigid – $39.99
The Shirt: Banana Republic Slim-Fit Stretch Poplin – $41.65 w/ BRTODAY. A lightweight & airy dress shirt with a tiny bit of stretch in the fabric. Can usually be had for 35% – 40% off if you’re patient. Code BRTODAY is good for 30% off through (wait for it) today. Gonna want some solid collar stays or even Wurkin’ Stiffs to keep that open collar looking good.
The Apron Chef’s Jacket: Dickie’s Chef Jacket – $24.99
The Boots: H&M Suede Chelseas – $99.00. Super affordable, but cheap suede is usually a safer play than risky cheap corrected-grain leather. Jackets with a bit of depth to their fabric (velvet, moleskin, even corduroy) can sometimes clash, ever so slightly, with high-shine leathers. Suede matches a bit more when it comes to texture.
The Watch: Christopher Ward C3 Malvern Chronograph MK II – $295.00. It’s a quartz, but it’s pretty darn spectacular. Plus, a chronograph will help out when it comes to keeping track of cooking times. More affordable (as well as more expensive) options over this-a-way.
Yes, it’s another simple outfit, but it makes use of what many might have on hand already. Some velvet, a crisp white shirt, a clean watch and suede shoes… it is, how do you say? Ah yes…
Liking these posts, as always. Personally a fan of light purple on valentines as well- a little outside the norm but still well within reason.
And more importantly, cook her (or him) something!
Is it wrong that picturing myself in this getup is mildly… arousing?
Damn you know how to throw together an outfit…
By the way… if the solo Valentine’s Day outfit isn’t just a page with a big “Ensconce Thyself” written across it then I will be severely disappointed. Haha.
If you’re looking for a last minute velvet blazer, Target has some on clearance in black, green, and navy for under $40. Check your local store, YMMV.
I may have to check this out.
Picked up that velvet blazer, but struggling to accept that charcoal or dark denim is the right pairing. Anyone have ideas?
You could maybe go with wool trousers, but I honestly think jeans work really well with that one.
That Chef’s jacket is a great idea, that I will have to steal. Even if I don’t use the rest of this stuff, it’s a full coverage apron/smock.
Yeah, I’m coming around on it. I think that velvet texture actually works well with denim, compared to something smoother. Probably a sign to get a second pair of jeans anyway. Thanks Joe.
You were downvoted for being a gentleman…? I apologize on behalf of the Dappered community…
What about a pair of cords?
Maybe dark brown or maroon? Wouldn’t want to look too “fuzzy” though.
Idk the color of the blazer (navy I’m assuming from the original post?), but what’s wrong with a “fuzzy” jacket and textured pants? If the blazer is navy, you could wear brown, maroon, tan, grey, green, and so on. Navy is versatile. Regarding “too fuzzy”, I think it depends on how visibly fuzzy both the blazer and cords are. Call it a hat tip to the 70’s, but I personally think fine gauge cords would work with the above pictured blazer.
Joe, this sounds great. What time should I be at the door?
Just re-read the post – $99 H&M suede boots are “super affordable”???
I understand spending some dough on shoes, but for H&M? Especially with the knack this site has for uncovering almost every worthwhile sale on the internet, I think a better pair could be found for less.
Did the article mean “not super affordable”?
Yeah, and what are you cooking?
Shoe snobs everywhere just crapped Masonry.
Anytime you drift into the double digits, and they’re not running shoes, sneakers, or loafers, it can get a little sketchy. $99 seems like a really fair price for a pair of suede chelseas, as long as they don’t fall apart. But I do understand that H&M quality can sometimes be lacking. Really lacking. They’re a risk.
Sex sandwiches. Hot. Awww yeeeah.
I may be alone in this, but wearing a blazer and pocket square for a night in comes across as trying a little too hard to me (though I dig the rest of the outfit). I’d probably opt for a sharp button-down / sweater combo myself. Seems like it’d make for a smoother transition from the dinner table to the couch as well.
Then again, you probably shouldn’t take my advice considering I’ve never had the opportunity to myself. I’m celebrating yet another year in category #4 – going out solo (well, more likely with other guys like myself). That said, you’ve inspired me to consider busting out my new Navy cord blazer for the occasion – I can be that super soft shoulder for her to cry on.
Thumbs down was for the first paragraph. A casual blazer and pocket square is very easy to coordinate – casual blazer (really any color) and white pocket square, done. Just as easy as coordinating a sweater and button up, and if you get hot, a blazer is easier to take off. As for your second paragraph -enjoy the night, it’s a lot of fun if treated properly.
Agree to disagree I guess. I just can’t see myself donning a blazer and not leaving my house unless I was having a festive dinner party or something. That said, if the night in is at her house, I’d be much more inclined to throw a blazer over my sweater and probably take it off when I got there.
I’m married, so my “Date Night at Home” ensemble will consist of my favorite sweat pants and a shirt I don’t mind spilling red wine on!
It might come across as trying too hard… if the wearer isn’t all that sure of himself (or the couple as a whole isn’t so sure of each other). I suppose this look is going to work best for someone who wears blazers & suits every once in awhile. It is pretty hard to go from sweater + button up to velvet shawl collar blazer all in one leap. There’s always chino.
Chino… the gateway
drugtextile.Chino. Not even once.
Maybe that one person owns a restaurant in need of business.
Definitely have to give those jeans a look
That chef’s jacket is pretty great. Never thought about it. Definitely gonna get one for the home.
I am cooking a three course French dinner for my girlfriend. Glad I caught this article because I was just going to wear regular clothes! (I just hope her roommates are still going out due to NC Snowmagedon)
Trying too hard? Maybe… but can you honestly tell me that’s not dead-frickin’-sexy?
That’s why we’re single on V-Day, my friend… not enough blazers and pocket squares at home…
Sweat pants? Step up your game with the Silk Suitjama. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005PL9ZL4/?tag=093-20