What to Wear on a First Dinner Date: Men's Style Guide

When wondering what to wear on a first date, men should be aware of how their outfit will make or break the outcome of the evening. Obviously, you want to make a great impression!

The right outfit will not only boost your confidence but will also create a favorable impression. Psychologists at Princeton say it only takes a tenth of a second to form an impression of another person! That means your date will size you up in less than a second!

This guide will cover outfit selections, grooming tips, and styling advice for dinner dates and other formal occasions, so you can confidently make a great impression.

Understanding the Basics of First Date Attire

First, consider the venue. You'll feel a lot more comfortable if you're dressed appropriately for the setting. If you take your date to an upscale restaurant, you'll dress more formally. For a casual dinner date, you'll choose a relaxed look.

In addition to dressing for the venue and occasion, your aim is to balance style and comfort. Style varies immensely, so dress in a style that allows you to feel comfortable and confident. Your first dinner out with this person is probably not the best time to experiment with a bow tie and suspenders if you're a conservative dresser who's more at home in a tie.

Whatever your style, fit is important. Baggy clothing won't pull off a stylish look so make sure your shirt and pants are tailored to fit your body type. It's easy to find well-fitted dress shirts at The Tie Bar.

Choosing the Right Outfit Components

The Foundation: Shirts and Tops

The formality of your shirt should match the venue. A crisp dress shirt will be your best choice if you're dining at an upscale restaurant. A silk print, a button-down, polo, or sweater will be ideal for more casual restaurants.

Choose a shirt color that enhances your skin and hair tones. If shopping for a new shirt, find your perfect shirt size to make sure the fit is right for your body type.

Bottoms That Impress: Pants and Jeans

You'll pair dress pants with a dress shirt when you dine at a fine restaurant. If you want a more casual look, dress pants can appear more relaxed when paired with a button-down or polo.

Dark, pressed jeans are a smart choice to pair with more casual shirts for a relaxed vibe. You can create a monochromatic look by pairing dark, stylish bottoms with a dark shirt. Or if you prefer a more dramatic look, wear a lighter color shirt with dark pants.

Chinos and khakis are always a terrific style option for casual date venues. They look great with all types of shirts and tops, from button-downs to textured pullovers.

Outerwear Options: Jackets and Blazers

A suit will be your most formal option when taking a first date to a fine restaurant. As the night wears on, you can always loosen your tie and open your collar for a more relaxed look that remains stylish and fashionable while you're enjoying a nightcap.

Taking your date to a more casual bistro or grille? While a suit may be too formal, a blazer will always pull together your shirt and pants by providing a balanced look to your outfit. If you're shopping for a blazer or jacket, this guide will help you find your perfect jacket fit.

Maybe you're taking your date to your favorite food truck to sample some exceptional ethnic specialties. Try a leather, tweed, or wool jacket to put the finishing touch on the casual pants and shirt you'll wear on that date.

Accessorizing for Success

Ties and Bow Ties: When and How to Wear Them

While you may wear more traditional ties to work, when heading out on a first date, show off your style with a tie that expresses your personality. Explore our tie selection and try a bold geometric pattern or a vibrant floral. Leave your regimental stripe tie in your closet for date night.

From formal to casual, bow ties make a distinct fashion statement. Their level of formality is based on their fabric and pattern. Solid silks are more formal, while floral or geometric linens or cottons are more casual.

Not everyone can pull off a bow tie, but If you enjoy the look, wear your bow tie with confidence and panache. Take a look at our bow tie options in everything from solid colors to florals and plaids.

The Finishing Touches: Belts, Watches, and More

Handsome, well-fitting shirts and pants are a must, but well-chosen accessories will put the finishing touch on your ensemble. Wear a pocket square that complements your tie, or try sophisticated suspenders that show your sartorial thoughtfulness and add style to an ordinary outfit.

A favorite watch, or a carefully chosen watchband — a stylish belt, or an interesting tie clip that reflects a hobby — these types of accessories show that you've put thought and effort into how you dress. Complete your look with a range of quality accessories from The Tie Bar.

Dressing for Different Date Settings

Casual First Date Outfits

If you'll be meeting your date for coffee or a casual dinner, create a pulled-together look with relaxed pieces. For a casual but sophisticated look, choose dark rinse jeans, a long sleeve henley, a leather racer jacket, and leather Chelsea boots.

If you prefer a more classic or preppy look, swap out the henley for a denim button-down, trade the racer jacket for a cashmere sweater, and wear loafers instead of Chelseas.

Semi-Formal Dinner Date Attire

A well-tailored blazer underscored by dress pants or chinos, a dress shirt, and polished dress shoes or boots creates a handsome ensemble that will impress. Step up from your day-to-day work look by choosing a dress shirt in an attractive color or pattern that you wouldn't normally wear to work. A tie is optional but will definitely add distinctive polish to your outfit.

Grooming Tips for a Polished Look

Fabulous clothes, a great haircut, the right things to say — none of those is more important than careful hygiene. Hygiene is the basis for good grooming and a polished look. The finest cashmere sweater won't cover up scruffy or inattentive grooming.

Maybe you've worked all day and think a simple change of clothes can get you ready for your dinner date. Wrong. Take the time to shower. Freshly out of the shower, carefully style your hair and apply deodorant.

Facial hair is another key aspect of attaining a polished look. A fresh shave or neatly trimmed beard tells your date that you care about your appearance. Don't forget to check for wayward nose hairs that may also need a trim.

Floss and brush your teeth. We don't need to say it, but we will anyway — bad breath is a serious turn-off. Also, be sure your nails are trimmed and clean.

Cologne? Soap and shampoo will certainly have you smelling fresh and clean. But if you want to add a dash of olfactory pizazz, dab on a tiny bit of cologne. You don't want to compete with the scent your date may be wearing, so keep your cologne minimal.

Now you're ready to dress in that handsome outfit you've put together for your first date!

First Date Outfit Recommendations

The Tie Bar features a beautiful array of shirts, pants, jackets, and accessories that will effortlessly impress on your first date.

Super Casual and Put Together: Meeting a first date for wings and drinks at your favorite dive bar? A casually appropriate outfit would be our Retro Diamond Camel Polo, jeans, and suede loafers — socks optional.

Smart-Casual Sophistication: Wear a casual earth-toned jacket over one of our floral dress shirts and our Seersucker Navy Pant for an impressively fashionable casual look.

Handsome and Elevated Semi-Formal: For a stand-out ensemble on a semi-formal dinner date, combine our Lakeshore Linen Chocolate Brown Jacket and Pants with our crisp Pinpoint Solid Point Collar White Dress Shirt and Perennials Floral Vintage Mauve Tie.

Dressing to Impress While Staying True to Yourself

Whether your personal style is classic, preppy, rock, or rugged, dress to express who you are. Above all, be authentic. You'll feel more comfortable and make a far better impression by wearing clothes that are true to your personal style. After all, confidence and authenticity are the foundation to any look.

We hope this guide helps you create your perfect first date look. Whether you're meeting over casual tacos or taking your date to an upscale gastronomic experience, The Tie Bar has a variety of quality designer pieces that you can count on when it's time to dress to impress.

SHOP FIRST DATE STYLE