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. Before you make those reservations, weigh the advantages as well as the disadvantages of dinner out on Valentine’s. Now, when it comes to the simplicity of this outfit, some will find it boring. But it might be a good idea to take a step back from the #WIWT trends, and keep it simple & sharp for a romantic night out. You’re dressing for yourself and your date. Not the judges of some magazine fashion contest.
The Suit: Suitsupply Napoli Dark Grey Super 110s – $399 So many of us don’t have a daily (or even weekly) reason to wear a suit. This is a great opportunity to just that. Weather it’s a cheap Claiborne or something more pricey like the new Suitsupply $399 line, break it out for your date. And remember, you’re going out and having fun. Not sitting in a board meeting. So skip the big pinstripes, super conservative footwear, or other items that might make you look like you just came from the office.
The Shirt: Nordstrom Trim Fit in Pink – $49.50 Or whatever pink or red micro pattern shirt you might have. Yes, Valentine’s Day is a Hallmark Holiday. So embrace the saccharine side with a pink shirt. Go for pale pink, not saturated, and skipping the tie is totally up to you.
The Pocket Square: TheTieBar Flannel Light Grey Herringbone – $8.00 It’s still very much winter, but we’re headed towards spring. So a lighter grey on top of the charcoal suit works, plus the flannel cotton keeps the texture seasonal.
The Tie: TheTieBar Silk Knit – $15.00 A favorite of 007, and the knit texture (instead of a standard woven silk) helps you stay away from the office look.
The Card Case: Coach Thompson Card Case in Colorblock – $98.00 Expensive, but the black/brown/tan colorblocking ensures it’ll go with anything. Skip the billfold when suited and instead opt for a card case in a front inside jacket pocket.
The Watch: Bulova 96B104 – $109.95
The Belt: Stafford Reversible belt – $18.75 ($25) There are higher quality belts out there, for sure, but this one certainly nails it on styling.
The Portable Inclement Weather Shelter: Totes Gents Umbrella – $17 – $20 The weather can turn to crap particularly quickly this time of year. So along with your chosen outwear, make sure you take one of these if the weather calls for rain, sleet, snow, etc… It’ll give you and your date an opportunity to huddle up close under the canopy.
The Quick Currency: Cash $40 – $100 For the valet, the coat check person, or to tip your server. Plenty of us use plastic almost all of the time, but carrying cash is a sign of preparedness.
The Boots: Jack Erwin Ike – $210.00 These Blake Stitched interwebs wunder shoe kids just landed $2 million in funding to expand. And that support was well earned. Full grain leathers and trim silhouettes make these stitched sole shoes well built while still sexy. Protect your ankles with their Ike, or go cheaper with a pair of chelseas like these from H&M. Slim boots with a suit = one more bit of personality when you’re keeping the palate and patterns subdued.
Your turn guys. Do you keep it simple when out at night? Or do you mix in lots of colors & patterns no matter the time, occasion, or company? Leave it all in the comments below. Top Photo Credit
I’ll be dressing to match my wife. She’s 5 months pregnant so her wardrobe is very limited. I may very well end up in jeans and a sweater if that’s what she’s wearing.
Ha. Right before I checked here I was looking at Primer’s recent Getup, and I was thinking, “man, I hope Joe does another Style Scenario sometime soon,” and here it is. I’m pleased to see it.
Congrats on the upcoming addition Alan!
Thanks! I finally got to feel the baby kick for the very first time last night. Exciting times!
Alan – I can understand your situation, my wife is due at the end of May. And, oddly enough, I was able to feel our baby kick/punch/judo-chop for the first time on Saturday! I have a feeling our baby girl is going to come out swinging.
Alan – I can understand your situation, my wife is due at the end of May. And, oddly enough, I felt our baby kick/punch/judo-chop for the first time on Saturday! I have a feeling our baby girl is going to come out swinging.
EDIT:
There is no echo in here, I accidentally posted the same thing as a guest below.
I can’t wait for the “solo” one…
… and that makes me very, very sad. Haha.
Good Lord those boots are sexy. Living in Miami, we barely have days where we can break out the winter stuff. Now i understand why women rush to break out the sexy boots when it drops to 70. If i had boots that sexy i’d look for any reason to wear ’em , too.
“Living in Miami, we barely have days where we can break out the winter stuff”… I damned near downvoted you for this!
— bitter in Chicago
There is only size 36 available in that dark grey Napoli. Anyone know if they will restock or if the blue line was just a one time deal?
My 4 years ago my girlfriend (now wife) bought me a similar card case from Coach. To this is day it is holding up very well and the leather is great. Sure there are American made options that are even probably cheaper but the Coach card case is no slouch.
About six years ago, my at-the-time girlfriend who is also now my wife bought me a Coach card case too. I’ve been using it daily ever since and it’s been a tank. The patina by now is also really rich and deep. Although, if anyone steals it, he may be able to make out my credit card numbers. That’s more my fault. Lesson learned: Keep the cards face-side in.
Holy crap, those went fast. I didn’t even think to check size availability (any well cut Charcoal suit should work just fine for the scenario, and the much cheaper Thompson from Factory works too). Y’know, I can’t imagine they wouldn’t restock, being that it seems this first run was pretty successful.
Good luck and congratulations to you. Both my boys are late winter babies (January and December birthdays), so I well know the casual but thank god we’re at least going out on Valentine’s Day wardrobe. Word to the wise, though: Maintain your style and workout routine. It took me two kids and four years to get back down to playing, and sartorially correct, weight.
This is basically a perfect getup, Joe. I’d personally trade out the boots for a sleek pair of brogues, but that’s a minor change. This is exactly what you put together best over here.
LOL… Weather is killer down here right now… I just wish we had actual seasons.
I was born and raised in Southern California. After living in Chicago for 18 months I can tell you… seasons are overrated!
Indeed! The patina on mine has given the case much more depth. The recent problem I had with mine is because the slots are staggered, the magnetic strip on my card got bent from another card in the case. Problem solved now as I know which slots to leave my card in.
But Joe, my lady says no to fused! Canvassed only!
Btw, if anyone is just now making dinner reservations, they’re probably already too late.
Would a suitsupply napoli in navy look too business? I really love the suit over my charcoal.
We’re going to a 1920’s themed murder mystery dinner show, so my look will be a little less modern.
That’s true, although there will be cancellations as the day approaches. There’s sort of a trickle down effect; people cancel their second choice venues as their first choices open up.
She’s a keeper.
Not at all. Just keep in mind the subtle touches above that turn it from “job interview” to “date night”. These include the tie, pocket square, and choice of shoes.
It’s certainly possible, but it’s difficult to count on if you’re trying to impress someone. Also, most restaurants allow open seating in their bar areas. And depending on the restaurant, some of those bars can be quite nice. It’s just a gamble.
Thanks. I have some brown boots that I think would be appropriate. Maybe I need to go seek out that light pink shirt.
The secret is to never celebrate Valentine’s ON Valentine’s.
“Alone for the romantic holiday this year? Now’s the time to bust out that cashmere hoodie and sweatpants combo you’ve been itching to wear…”
Actually, I’d say a nice suit and vest (*ahem* waistcoat) would fit right in.
That’s what I’m going for, I think. I’ve got a pinstripe 3-piece suit I’ve used for a half dozen 20’s parties over the years.
Why would I wear my work clothes on a holiday…?
Don’t forget the arm garters.
Dear Sir in Miami,
You totally have seasons.
Sincerely,
The equator is eight miles from my house
Reservations? Clearly you have not yet mastered the art of convincing your Valentine that hot dog stands are romantic.
anyone got those Chelsea boots? are they slim? quality?
let me know
Dressing in suits for a date, is that an American thing? It’s not like we don’t like to dress well in Europe, but if you show up in a suit on a first date, it’s going to be very awkward. I’ve always been wondering about this!
At least the new season of House of Cards will be released that day. Thanks Netflix!
Since Valentine’s is sort of special (to girls) it behooves us men to dress well for our special someone.
Well my wife went and did it… She managed to pick an outfit that I’m having a hard time accommodating. It’s not casual enough for jeans and it’s not dressy enough for a suit. I’m going to figure this out…