One step up from jeans?

[cmrocks]

The other night, my girlfriend and I just went out for dinner and a movie, nothing overly dressy or anything like that. She was wearing a skirt with tights, boots and a nice cardigan sweater. I was just wearing jeans (bootcut ola dry), brown boots and a henley shirt over a tshirt. Compared to her, I felt really under dressed.

It seems like my wardrobe jumps from casual streetwear to my suit that I own. For nice places, I can get away with wearing the suit sans tie but I would never wear something like that for just a movie.

Does anyone have any suggestions for something in between? I would just like to look a bit more dressed up and like I put a bit more effort into what I was wearing.

 

[VMan]

Patterned wool trousers? Maybe with a herringbone pattern, or a glen plaid or windowpane?

Cotton cords/moleskin pants?

 

[chronoaug]

Wool trousers and sweater is usually safe for those kind of events.

 

[cmrocks]

Thanks guys. I'll have to pick up a pair soon.

What do you suggest for footwear?

 

[drizzt3117]

You could easily have worn a blazer with the jeans and been fine IMO, in corduroy, velvet, or tweed if you don't want one that looks like a suit jacket.

 

[masqueofhastur]

A nice pair of cords is a bit dressier than jeans, but still works well for situations where jeans are more appropriate.

 

[VMan]

Originally Posted by DucatiCole

Thanks guys. I'll have to pick up a pair soon.

What do you suggest for footwear?

Ankle boots. Maybe a blutcher in suede. I am also a big fan of John Varvatos leather shoes, which are dressy yet have a sort of streetwear vibe at the same time.

 

[Superb0bo]

what about chinos/khakis? A classic

 

[jet]

yep, love modern cut chinos/khakis in black, gray, navy and khaki of course

also, if you wear some fresh raw jeans with dope shoes and a blazer what more could you ask for?

 

[Cambion]

If I'm going out for say dinner and a movie, wanting to look smart, but not overly dressy, I prefer to dress up jeans rather before switching the jeans out for wool trousers or the like. Rather than sneakers and a t-shirt, I'll wear leather Campers, a slim fitting buttondown and a cotton blazer. Feels both hip and smart.

 

[Edward Appleby]

Cords are the answer. Plus, according to the Mooninites, they mean you're a dope man.

 

[cmrocks]

Thanks for the replies. I really just need to pick up a pair of boots or nicer shoes. I have a nice cord blazer that I'll start wearing more often.

I'm also considering wearing my suit jacket and pants seperately. The suit is a dark grey, 2 button, Z Zegna suit. I figure I could wear the jacket with my raw denim jeans and wear the pants with a sweater. I've heard that can cause the pieces to wear at different rates but would that really be noticable assuming I wear both parts seperately on occasion?

 

[Jared]

Originally Posted by Cambion

If I'm going out for say dinner and a movie, wanting to look smart, but not overly dressy, I prefer to dress up jeans rather before switching the jeans out for wool trousers or the like.
+1 What you wear with dark jeans can bring the formality awfully high up before you have to switch to trousers. (Think: tuxedo jacket + white dress shirt.) As for wearing the suit jacket as an odd jacket, that is controversal choice that has been discussed here before. You could check out the archives, or just try it and do it if you like it.

 

[drizzt3117]

Originally Posted by DucatiCole

Thanks for the replies. I really just need to pick up a pair of boots or nicer shoes. I have a nice cord blazer that I'll start wearing more often.

I'm also considering wearing my suit jacket and pants seperately. The suit is a dark grey, 2 button, Z Zegna suit. I figure I could wear the jacket with my raw denim jeans and wear the pants with a sweater. I've heard that can cause the pieces to wear at different rates but would that really be noticable assuming I wear both parts seperately on occasion?

That's fine. I wouldn't worry about wear, and the Z Zegna jacket should be just fine with jeans.

 

[patrickBOOTH]

White button down with point collar, red and great tie and a kilt. Works in any situation and it will get you laid in a heartbeat.

Oh yeah, and make sure the shoes have buckles.