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. Much of the country might be in an unexpected cold snap, but that doesn’t mean spring isn’t here/on the way. And just because you’re headed on a relaxed, casual date, doesn’t mean you can’t look sharp as hell. Perhaps you’re off for a stroll in the sunshine (when it re-appears) or a trip to the farmer’s market with a potential romantic interest. Balance feeling as well as looking at total ease, all while still putting some purpose into your outfit. It’ll communicate to your date that you know how to have a good time while taking it easy, but also value putting some effort into your appearance whenever you see them.
The Polo: Banana Republic Tipped Luxe Touch Polo – $39.50 ($49.50). A staple that gets plenty of play on this website. And for good reason. Super smooth, almost silk-like cotton. Contrast placket and piping on the arms give it a retro but not out of touch look. Simple, classy, comfortable, and almost always on sale.
The Pants: JCF Slim Chambray Bedford Pant – $54.00. Lightweight and breezy thanks to the chambray fabric (which is almost always lighter than chino), but not quite as casual as shorts. If the crease down the front of each leg feels too dressy to you, try these Alpha Stretch chambray pants from Dockers. (Shown at top of post is last year’s GAP linen/cotton blend chambray pant.)
The Watch: Timex Weekender Chrono – $50.39. Casual but still clean looking. Not some clunky, overly sporty beast.
The Sunglasses: Warby Parker Griffin in Blonde Tortoise – $95. Not cheap, but built to last with polarized lenses, and gives off a Persol vibe without having to shell out hundreds of dollars for the name. (Shown at the top of the post is the timeless Ray-Ban New Wayfarer. Those aren’t as unique, but they absolutely work here too.)
The Belt: J. Crew Braided Web Belt – $39.50. Slimmer than you’d expect, and that works well when you’re trying to look a little more put together. Still a woven, stretchy belt. So super comfortable. Often on sale.
The Bag: Old Navy Waxed Canvas Tote – $19.50 w/ SAVETODAY ($34.94). A good thing to have on hand in the trunk of your car in case your date involves buying/collecting things, or you need a place to stash your shoes (say, you’re walking on the beach). Better looking than one of those reusable grocery store bags, and should last longer too. Obviously omit if you’re just meeting up somewhere for coffee.
The Face Maintainer: Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20 – $27.95. Keeps your face from looking like an old weathered belt. SPF 20 helps limit the damage of the sun’s rays. Smells good.
The Shoes: Superga Cotu Classic Canvas Sneakers – $45.50 w/ INTHEFAM ($65). Completing the clean look here. No flip flops or clunky running shoes, but instead a classic, white canvas sneaker that’ll never go out of style. More comfortable, and better built than most inexpensive canvas sneakers too.
The Spontaneous Gift: “Friendly” Flowers. If you’re headed to a farmers market? Great. If not, hit a grocery store on the way to picking up/meeting your date and grab some flowers that aren’t overly romantic. Keep it light and fun. Roses are too “big” of a message. Try sunflowers or daises.