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 skipping 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.
The Blazer: J.C.F. Chino Blazer – $129.99. Yep. A blazer at home. And why not? The J. Crew Factory Chino sportcoat is incredibly easy to wear, comfortable, polished, and not stuffy. Putting on a jacket makes it feel more like a date instead of a regular night in. Still on clearance, so should drop further with codes.
The Shirt: Old Navy Printed Poplin Button Down – $29.94. A micro print button down in a rosey-ish hue. Super easy to wear and the shade is a wink at the holiday. Always on sale too.
The Jeans: Levi’s 505 in Tumbled Rigid – $39.99. Or whatever your favorite pair of dark denim happens to be.
The Socks: Lorenzo Uomo Made in Italy Wool-Blend Socks – $12.50. A little pattern, a little color, and mostly wool. That blend of 65% merino wool will help keep your feet much cooler/less sweaty than cotton. This is not the night for sweaty feet.
The Shoes: Calvin Klein Suede Chukka Boots – $59.99
The Movie: Crazy, Stupid, Love. “Sbarros?” An instant date-movie classic from the time it opened in theaters. Hilarious, genuinely charming, and filled with enough eye candy to keep both sides of the gender and sexual orientation aisles interested. Great soundtrack too.
The Belt: Polo R.L. O-Ring Suede Belt – $24.74 w/ FEB25 ($89.50). A suded, o-ring belt for a steal of a price. Appears to be more green than brown, but that mis-matched (but still kinda close) shade compared to the shoes should still play well. Try the code LOVE16 for free shipping.
The Pocket Square: TheTieBar “Owen” Wool Plaid Pocket Square – $10. A wool pocket square that’ll contrast in texture from the smooth cotton jacket. Burgundy plaid pattern should tie in the shirt nicely, without looking too matchy-matchy with the shirts micro pattern.
The Watch: Orient Bambino Version 3 – $156 w/ VAPR40. The modern yet not goofy Bauhaus-like Bambino drops to an extra nice price with that extra 40% off code.
The Wine: Justin Cabernet Sauvignon – $25. Justin is based in Paso Robles California, which during the growing season can get weirdly hot and sunny in the daytime, yet cool and misty at night. And that combination can make for some incredible wines, without the Napa Valley markup. 14.5% ABV. Their higher end, “Isosceles” blend is worth saving up for, but the Cab is a terrific date night bottle at a reasonable price.
The Cozying Up Instigator: Woolrich “Warm as Toast” Throw – $99.99 ($175). What happens under the blanket, stays under the blanket. Not cheap, but 95% wool, 5% nylon, and 50″ x 70″ is a decent size.
The Gift: Return to Tiffany Circle Pendant in Rubedo – $375. In case your date happens to be a lady. Just think of all the cash you saved by staying in and not going out on the town for Valentine’s Day! No? Look, the critics will say that Tiffany stuff is overpriced. Understood. Paying that much for something so simple seems pretty stupid. But sometimes it’s fun to be stupid when it comes to buying a gift for someone you’ve got the hots for. “Rubedo” is a mix of gold, silver, and copper, and gives off a warm, reddish hue. Tiffany’s signature “return to” stamp on a more subtle, round tag. Unconvinced? Totally understood. Try Dogeared Jewelry. They make delicate necklaces here in the USA. A warning: Some of the sayings on their packaging can be a little hokey/specific to non romantic relationships. So, read up before you purchase.