Dress for Any Date: Six Killer Looks
Six killer looks to leave the lady all a-flutter, from a preppy first-date outfit and slacker-chic casual to a smart third date, meeting her parents and meeting her friends.
Six killer looks to leave the lady all a-flutter.
First date
First impressions count massively. You want to look like a well put together blank canvas so steer clear of anything divisive (Crocs, Ed Hardy T-shirts, moustaches) that could send her running for the hills. This preppy look says you’ve made an effort, but not too much. If you’re feeling brave roll the chinos up to hipster-inspired ankle length. Just don’t turn up on a bicycle.
The look: Blue cardigan, check shirt, grey T-shirt, beige chinos teamed with low ankle formal shoes.
Casual date
Time to show some personality. Depending on what you’re doing on the date, make your outfit less formal than last time. Try a sweatshirt and jeans instead of shirt and shoes. And put your favourite jumper on too. One important point though, if you’re going casual, small details like how well everything fits become much more important. This classic combination of sweatshirt, jeans and trainers is the right mix of slacker chic.
The look: Sweatshirt and jeans topped with trainers.
Smart date
Take it up a notch and wow her with a smart look. Leave the tie at home – this is a date not an interview – and go for a white shirt underneath. Ideally the suit should be navy as anything really dark will have you resembling a doorman. Your shoes should match your belt, and be polished. Importantly though, you need to feel comfortable. Leave the suit jacket at home and put a smart coat over the top instead so that you’re not dressed in just one colour.
The look: Camel coat and white shirt with navy trousers and black shoes.
Seal the deal
Purely based on anecdotal evidence, FHM has noticed that Starsky & Hutch-style jumpers make you irresistible to women. From our experience she’ll be unable to resist cuddling up next to you. Making it to a fourth date is a pretty clear sign that things are going well so be brave and try a different style of trousers like a chino. It’s a good way of showing that you’re capable of actually dressing rather than just putting jeans on every day.
The look: Cream jumper along with a white T-shirt, grey combat trousers and trainers.
Meet the parents
The best thing to do is always err on the side of caution; leave the leathers and death metal Ts at home and opt for Mr. Respectable. This Dad-friendly look screams ‘safe’ and won’t betray the debauchery you’ve planned with her later. But don’t go too far and end up looking like him – add some trainers.
The look: A grey cardigan and blue shirt with a pair of jeans, a scarf and trainers.
Meet the friends
You want to look cool, not try-hard; for they will judge you. A polo shirt from a premium label and a pair of hiking boots is enough to make you look on-trend without looking like a fashion victim.
The look: A collared T-shirt, fawn chinos and blue boots.
From the January 2011 issue of FHM India.
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