Styling Tips: Date Night
Whether you’re in a new relationship, reminiscing on old times with your partner, or rekindling with a past flame, it doesn’t hurt to put your best shoe forward with an intentional outfit.
Date nights can be daunting. Is the lighting going to be right? Will we have enough to talk about? Is my aftershave too strong? Some things are uncontrollable, but what can be controlled is how you dress. What’s most important is how an outfit makes you feel, so take what resonates and leave what doesn’t from our date night styling tips.
Dress to the Occassion
Some people say that you can’t wear denim on a first date, but there is a right way to do it. Denim can be smart, however, the context is important. If you’re going to a restaurant, make sure to check that the venue doesn’t have a denim-hating dress code, and you’re all good to go. It’s vital that the denim you wear is indigo, a newer pair of raw, or black. Sticking to these classic washes will keep your outfit polished and refined. Even though it can be tempting to show off your well-worn, personalised pair of jeans, we recommend a fresher pair for a crisper look. We also advise wearing a pair of leather shoes or boots with your denim to elevate the normally casual fabric. Chuck in a matching Type II denim jacket for a controversial double denim affair, which over a nice, knitted jumper will look clean. Speaking of knitwear…
Nice Knitwear!
Knitwear is extremely versatile. Obviously, the material can be great for keeping you warm in the winter months, but the humble knit can also add an easy, un-creased wash of softness to any outfit. Sticking to fabrics which are less likely to crease is always ideal when going on a date. For layering, a simple pullover can be added with ease over a shirt or a t-shirt, giving you options based on what are sure to be fluctuating temperatures. A turtleneck in particular is flattering for most body types, and allows the face to be highlighted. Its simple yet effective silhouette is easy to pair with most items, and adds a nice, soft contrast to more structured fabrics. When in doubt, go with the turtleneck!
Attention to the Details
I would argue that the most important tip we can give you is to pay attention to the details of your outfit. Does everything fit you properly? Does anything need an iron or a steam? And most importantly, is it clean? Unfortunately, whether you like it or not, your outfit is important to people who don’t know you well. How you present yourself matters, and it acts as a little portal into your life and values. If you’re prone to dropping food or spilling coffee down yourself (aren’t we all), stick to a darker outfit. This will also help with any nervous perspiration that is likely to occur. A darker monochromatic outfit, in general, will hide a multitude of sins, and is always the place to start if you are unsure of what to wear. It allows you to focus on the details (nice fabrics, cuts, jewellery) without looking like you’re trying too hard. This will exude an air of sophistication that will never not be attractive. A smart shoe, a personal jewellery item, a purposeful bandana, a leather belt; the list can go on and on with what finishes an outfit, and once you start noticing the details you realise how vital they really are.
The most important tip (as cheesy as it sounds) is to be yourself! If you love wearing leather jackets and aviators, wear leather jackets and aviators, but you have to be willing to live with the consequences. You cannot go wrong with keeping it simple, yet interesting, by focusing on the details. When in doubt, pick one stand out piece to build your outfit around and go from there. Don’t unveil your full archive ensemble just yet; hold off, until you know they’re the one.
