How men can dress to impress this Valentine’s Day
There is no excuse in 2014 for a man not to spend time planning what to wear to impress his date, especially on the most romantic day of the year, Valentine’s Day. No more turning up in a suit which looks like your dad’s – and probably is.
Rule number one is that it’s not just about the clothes. Male grooming is essential. Whether a long haired lover or a close crop, or clean shaven or bearded – and with the popularity of facial hair (on men) on the rise, why not – your date wants to see that you have taken time to make the best of yourself. That goes for aroma too. There is more to smelling sweet than a quick dip under the shower head. Bring out the aftershave and slap it on. A waft of scent is sure to warm up your Valentine’s date.
Now onto the clothes – a birthday suit could be a little forward. The good thing is that looking smart no longer has to be about a three-piece suit, though that is an option for the more dandy of you out there. However, with fashion moving on from such a formal look, you are now free to team a blazer of your choice with a contrasting pair of chinos or even a smart pair of jeans – though if you’re heading off out, check the dress code first. A crisp shirt underneath looks stylish, as does a V-neck or scoop-neck T-shirt if you are naturally more relaxed.
A shirt gives the option of neck wear. Wear the shirt buttoned up to the top without a tie, or jazz up your outfit with a skinny tie or even a bow tie – no longer reserved for Grandad at Christmas. Try a matching or even contrasting pocket square in your top jacket pocket. No longer be afraid to accessorise.
When it comes to footwear there are a wealth of brogue-style shoes out there, Chelsea boots, or if you are feeling brave and footloose, a winkle picker. Whatever you do, don’t let your outfit down with a battered pair of trainers. Additionally, how about the socks? Again, don’t be afraid to catch your date’s eye with a striking flash of colour under the trouser leg.
So there we have it, a top-to-toe guide to dressing to impress on Valentine’s Day. However, the most important thing is to be yourself – just make it a slightly less smelly, slightly more groomed, slightly more dapper version of yourself. Good luck!
Pictured products: Mango casual pique cotton blazer in mid-blue, Mango slim-fit 5 pocket corduroy trousers in deep red, and Roland Cartier Belgravia contrast stitch chisel lace up shoes, all from House of Fraser.
