The Art of the First Date

You’ve picked out a fantastic restaurant, it is a beautiful summer night, and your date is beyond excited for a relaxing and fun-filled evening. As you confirm your reservation one last time, your body suddenly freezes: you have no idea what to wear. “Should I wear shorts? Pants? How dressy should I be? How about a tie? And what about my shoes?!?”
Ah, first dates. We have all been there. However confident and prepared you may feel about those infamous “smooth moves,” summer dates create quite a fashion conundrum for men. However, three simple rules rules can help you avoid the first date fashion jitters.
First, before deciding upon specific colors and patterns for your date night attire, remember to always wear pants. Just because it is summer does not mean you should wear shorts! The right pair of pants are breathable, give you a more distinguished look, and provide you with a plethora of shoe options. Trust me: you do not want to be the guy in a nice restaurant looking like you have just attended a Jimmy Buffet concert.
Second, always wear neutral colors. Ditch the fratty pastels, bright reds, and flashy yellows. Instead, sport colors that compliment anything (such as brown, blue, gray, and white). Not only will this give you a more mature and sophisticated look, but it will also avoid a color-clashing nightmare with your date. Remember fellas, think and dress simplistic, not eccentric.
Lastly and perhaps overlooked the most, us gentlemen must always remember to wear articles of clothing on first dates that are both minimal and simplistic. I know the feeling: you just got a purchased a slim-fitting summer blazer, and want to show it off immediately! Patience my friend. The last thing you want is for your date to feel nervous and pressured… So don’t don’t overdo it. Instead of that summer blazer, opt for something more simple and relaxed such as an untucked short sleeve button-down. Not only will you feel comfortable and relaxed, but so will your date.
To exemplify these three rules, I have attached a sample wardrobe. Slim-fitting Banana Republic chinos, a Forever 21 short sleeve button-down with muted coloring, suede JD Fisk dress shoes, and a leatherbound watch and belt with matching wooden beads creates an aura of simplicity, sophistication, and maturity.
With all of that being said, we must take a step back from fashion and realize that the focal point of a first date is about establishing a connection, showing your true self, and having a great time. Therefore, although fashion choices will in no way define your first date experience, they will embolden and compliment the authentic, kind, and thoughtful man that you are.