Style Scenario: The Casual Date

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. It seems like around this time of year the potential for new relationships increases. Perhaps you’re just a month or two in at a new job in a new city, or a new school year, and opportunities for dating someone new are all around you. Whatever the situation, early on, a casual date will probably happen. Like meeting at a coffee shop, or beer and a game of darts at a pub. Even though the situation is casual, you still want to dress to project that you’re a guy that takes care of himself. Here’s one outfit suggestion to do just that.

The Sweater: Dockers Grey Shawl-Collar Cardigan – $48.74 w/ 2BHAPPY ($160) Not only are shawl collars versatile and masculine, they also make a sweater look extra cozy. And when something looks extra cozy, people naturally want to touch it. See where this is going? The use of different stitches in the knit set it apart visually as well. Lambswool/nylon blend, so it’ll breathe better than cotton and regulate any big-date nerves temp-spikes that could occur. On clearance, but still lots of sizes, and the 25% off F&F code 2BHAPPY applies.

The Shirt: J. Crew Slim Vintage Oxford Shirt in Stone Plaid – $75.00 An easy way to incorporate some fall appropriate color without depending on reds and oranges. Would look good under a casual cotton chino blazer, like the favorite from little brother J. Crew Factory. But still looks right at home under a chunky cardigan. A little pricey, but a great color palate. Fingers crossed for a sale.

The Pants: Croft & Barrow Straight-Fit 5-Pocket Cords in Navy – $25.49 w/ WEBS15 Haven’t caught these in person yet, but Kohl’s can do the simple stuff decent enough. Probably on par with cords you’d find at Old Navy. Available in four colors, but navy or grey will be most versatile.

The Belt: BR Tumbled Italian Leather Belt in Cognac – $30.00 ($49.50) This warm toned belt should see plenty of use throughout the fall. More casual than a dress belt, but not something you got at the Army / Navy surplus store (which, on a side note, is a great place to get super-casual belts).

The Watch: Daniel Wellington 0207DW St. Mawes Analog Quartz – $108.42 Dead simple for a solid price via Amazon. This model works in both dressed up and casual situations. 40mm diameter, which is right in the sweet spot for most. Having something refined and classic on your wrist, as opposed to some gaudy/fashion-y thing, will in a small way, help set you apart from the rest of your date’s potential mates.

The Boots: 1901 ‘Grant’ Plain Toe Boot – $115 From a Nordstrom house brand that almost always delivers on quality. Slightly rugged, but with clean lines. Suede upper with a rubber sole to provide some grip on wet autumn days. Should look great with the belt. Ships and returns free.

The Wallet: form•function•form Greensleeve – $48 Sure, it’s a little pricey. But it’s made in the USA of a single piece of horween leather in the FFF Florida studio. It’s the kind of wallet that over time will develop a softness and patina that will make you want to pick it up again and again. Six colors options to choose from.

The Cash: Carry some on you. In an increasingly digital world, cash just isn’t used that often, but for a casual situation where tipping will be a factor cash still reigns supreme. Perhaps the time of tipping will come to pass, but until it does, paying in cash, and more importantly leaving a cash tip, will show your date that you’re cognizant of showing your appreciation for good service. Raising an eyebrow at this? Ask your server friends. Plus, contrary to some portrayals, using cash can expedite the payment process.