March 29, 2024
Proudly built in Richmond, KY
Uncategorized

Formal Date Night Attire for Men: A Brief Guide

While a great pair of jeans and a pressed button-down are all you need for a more casual dinner date, formal restaurants and events require a finer touch. Here’s a brief guide to formal date night attire for men.

A Good Suit

For a formal date, a great suit is a must. After all, there’s nothing worse than being underdressed in a formal venue.

A good suit should be well-fitting; if possible, have it tailored to fit you better. If this isn’t an option, look for suits that fit well on the shoulders, with sleeves and pants that look slim and streamlined on your frame. No matter what size you are, buying an oversized suit looks sloppy. It’s always best to choose something fitted and flattering.

Neutrals like black, grey, and navy are classics for a reason. They’re easy to style and look great on anyone. If this is your first suit, choose one of these colors, as they are the most versatile.

A Nice Button Down

A nice button-down is a wardrobe staple. They look just as great with jeans as they do with a suit. Ideally, you should have three or four in your closet to choose from.

White, navy, black, and grey are great basics. These will look good paired with almost any suit. If you’re looking for something with more personality, choose a shirt with a subtle pattern. Greens, reds, blues, and purples can also be good options, depending on the color of the suit you’re wearing and your own complexion.

Button-downs can also be tailored to you. Especially on slimmer guys, regular button-downs tend to fit in the shoulders but be oversized in the sleeves and waist. If this sounds like you, your best bet is to visit a tailor.

Other Essentials

While suits can be worn with a variety of shoes, they’re best when paired with a good pair of dress shoes. These shoes don’t have to be the fanciest or most expensive pair but be sure to polish them before your date. If they are shiny and scuff-free, they’ll pair well with any suit.

Generally, black shoes look best with a black suit, and brown shoes look best with a navy suit. Grey suits match well with either option.

You have the choice of a belt or suspenders to pull the look together—you don’t need both. If you opt for a belt, make sure it matches your shoes. Socks should either be solid black or match the color of your suit.

The Finishing Touches

You can mix and match accessories depending on the formality of your outfit and your personal style. Some great options include cufflinks, a tie, a pocket square, or a nice watch.

Watches don’t have to be expensive to look stunning; there are plenty of options to select from. Choose the watch style and size that is best for you.

Remember, these fashion rules are just a basic guide. Once you feel confident with the basics of men’s formal date night attire, branch out and put your personal style into these looks!

Blake Reichenbach
He/ Him. Founder of Self-Improvement. Blake is a writer, gym addict, dog dad, researcher, and general life enthusiast. He's passionate about helping others reach their goals and live happier, more fulfilling lives. Both ISSA and ICF certified, Blake is a personal trainer and wellness coach who loves to challenge his clients to rise to their full potential.