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How to dress better for dates (for regular guys)
Good news. You don't need to become a fashion guy. Most of looking good on a date is fit, clean, and one sign that you tried. That's it.
Fit beats everything
A cheap shirt that fits beats an expensive one that doesn't. Shoulder seams should sit on your shoulders. Sleeves shouldn't swallow your hands. Pants shouldn't pile up on your shoes. If most of your clothes are a size too big, fixing that is the biggest upgrade you can make.
Build a small date uniform
You don't need a big wardrobe. You need a few things that work together:
- Dark jeans that fit, no rips.
- A couple of plain tees in a decent fabric. Navy, white, black or olive.
- An overshirt or a casual button up.
- A jacket that fits, for cooler nights.
- Clean, simple shoes. Plain white or leather sneakers, or a casual boot.
Wear any combination and you look like you tried without trying too hard.
Grooming does a lot of the work
Haircut a few days before, not the day of. Trim the beard or shave clean. Nails short and clean. Smell like something light, not a cloud. All cheap, and all noticed.
Dress one step above the place
Casual bar: good tee, overshirt, dark jeans. Nicer dinner: button up, maybe a jacket. When in doubt, a step up is safer than a step down.
Skip these
Graphic tees with jokes on them, gym clothes, wrinkled shirts, beat up shoes, and anything you'll be tugging at all night.
Texts you can send
is this place dressy or are jeans fine
what should i wear to this, dont want to show up underdressed
thanks. i ironed it and everything
A woman's read
Here's what women actually notice. Is it clean, does it fit, and does he look comfortable in it. Nobody's checking labels. A guy in a fitted navy tee, dark jeans, clean shoes and a fresh haircut walks in looking like he has his life together. Posture finishes the job.
The move
Before your next date, try on what you'd wear in front of a mirror. If anything is baggy, too long or faded, replace that one piece this week. Book a haircut for a few days before.
Where to start if your closet is rough
Don't buy a whole new wardrobe. Start with one pair of dark jeans that fit and one good tee or overshirt. Try things on in the store, move around in them, sit down. If it feels tight across the shoulders or loose everywhere, keep looking. Two pieces that fit beat ten that don't.
Your posture is part of the outfit
Shoulders back, chin level, phone in your pocket. The same clothes look better on a guy who stands like he's glad to be there. If you want to work on that from the inside out, start with how to start working out when you hate the gym. Need somewhere to wear it? Val has first date ideas that aren't boring.
Questions guys ask
What should a guy wear on a first date?
Dark jeans that fit, a good plain tee or casual button up, and clean simple shoes. Add a jacket if it's cool out.
Do women care how guys dress?
Most notice whether you look put together. Fit and grooming tend to matter more than brands.
How do I know if my clothes fit?
Shoulder seams on your shoulders, sleeves ending at your wrist, shirt not billowing at the waist, pants not bunching at your shoes.
Should I wear cologne on a date?
A little, if you like it. One or two sprays. She should notice it when she is close, not from across the room.
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