What do you wear to a nice dinner??

[Omar1223]

dude it wouldnt hurt to swing by nordstrom rack in towson town center or the discount stores in arundel mills to check some blazers out.

if this is the first nice dinner you are going to with your GF, i agree with reborn and think you should go with a blazer.

 

[tlmusic]

Watch out, "Margaret" may be on to something! Seriously, here's a couple potential don'ts: Button-down collers--guys like 'em, fashion conscious women have told me they don't. Also technically, according to "the rules" they are too sporty and informal for an evening dinner. A point collar is best IMO. Black Shirts--not the most versatile type of shirt--not good for business, usually. Dark blue would be better if you want something striking and dark.

Originally Posted by philosophe

If you feel like buying something new, how about a well fitting and crisp white shirt for the summer? You'll look great at dinner and get lots of use out of the shirt.
Actually, a plain white point-collar dress shirt is your safest bet. How wild do you want to be?

 

[apwrxmd]

I live in PG so driving up to towson is out of the question. Also my grandfather is in the hospital so I don't want to be too far from home unless I have too IE GF's birthday dinner.

I don't know what you mean by point and button down collars, I don't wear these type of shirts too often so I'm not familar with the terms.

EDIT:

After some help from Google I figured out the difference, Point collars are definitely a better choice. I think I might just go with a nice white shirt from BR or somewhere else I can find a slim-fit shirt. Only reservation I had about white is that whenever I eat out I always get some type of stain on my shirt so no sure if white is a great idea...

 

[tlmusic]

Button-down collar

Spread collar

Point collar

 

[apwrxmd]

LOL thanks for the visual.

one more question, if a shirt is fitted does that mean it's slimmer?

 

[Huntsman]

Yeah, typically.

Don't overthink this too much. You just need a shirt. What color pants? Very pale blues, ivory, etc, often work well, even with a subtle pattern, perhaps, like a herringbone, maybe.

Things that are 'popular' now but you should stay away from would be: dark shirts in 'jewel tones' -- deep burgundys, blues, blacks; (by deep I mean so saturated the colors look unnatural); shirts that seem really shiney; shirts with loud stripes; polyester.

~ Huntsman

 

[Lel]

Ok for $100 you can get a decent shirt, probably for around 50-60 at either JCrew or the Rack and then get it tailored to fit better and then probably some cash left over for dessert.

 

[Fuuma]

Originally Posted by rajesh06

Just my opinion - but "jeans" and "nice dinner" don't go together.

I did comment that if there was a dress code he should obviously conform to it. Otherwise to me, no underwear and a cape + nice dinner sounds fine too. In other words, while I respect his wish to dress up I'm not prescriptive about what it means.

To the original poster: Don't get a blazer, an article of clothing that you obviously don't even wear at this point in your life, just for this dinner. If you want to get something follow your initial intention and seek out a nice, crisp dress shirt.

 

[philosophe]

I'd go to JCrew or Banana and buy a slim fit dress shirt. If sleeves aren't the right length, take the shirt to a tailor.

White will be good. A small pattern or stripes in blue, lavender, or pink will also be nice. Most men seem to forget that women like pink and lavender.

Be sure to wear nice socks and a belt that matches your shoes. Don't forget to shine your shoes. This will make any outfit look 10x better.

Have fun!

 

[KObalto]

You should be able to get a nice, inexpensive shirt at Filene's (blazer as well).

 

[Margaret]

Originally Posted by apwrxmd

In case you missed it I'm 20 and that wedding ring is the last thing on my mind...

I was kidding. But did you really think I was talking about what was on your mind? After 2 years, I'd be very surprised if she hasn't been thinking about it.

 

[johnnyblazini]

Are you guys suggesting this kid buys a shirt and blazer with less than 100$?

 

[apwrxmd]

Thanks for all the replies, I'm goin today to see what I can find.

I'll check out those stores listed and post pics of what I ended up getting.

Appreciate all the help guys.

 

[SkinnyGoomba]

more confused then when you started?

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say you guys are going over the top as usual (Thats why i like this board though).

in this situation, with a guy who is usually a t-shirt and jeans guy, a dress shirt and jeans along with nice dress shoes is probably about as dressy as he needs to be for the occasion.

not to say you shouldnt start dressing better, but it takes a little while to make the complete transition.

 

[Fuuma]

Originally Posted by SkinnyGoomba

more confused then when you started?

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say you guys are going over the top as usual (Thats why i like this board though).

in this situation, with a guy who is usually a t-shirt and jeans guy, a dress shirt and jeans along with nice dress shoes is probably about as dressy as he needs to be for the occasion.

not to say you shouldnt start dressing better, but it takes a little while to make the complete transition.

Why would he make a transition though? Does he has to start wearing suits too? If his interest in clothes grows he'll find out what he likes and it might be leather jackets and motorcycle boots for all I know.