Here’s how to figure out what to wear on this special day.
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Valentine’s Day outfits for guys need to be balanced. They should be sharp and presentable, but they also shouldn’t be more formal than what the occasion calls for.
That’s why determining how to dress for Valentine’s Day can be tricky. It’s not always as easy as throwing on a nice shirt and some dress pants. You need to think about several important factors before you ever open your closet.
It’s also important to make sure that your Valentine’s Day outfit reflects you as a person. Sure, you could go with a random cookie-cutter outfit.
However, you’ll make a much better impression on your date if you dress in a way that’s true to yourself. And besides, you don’t want to look bland, especially not on a day like Valentine’s Day.
Even though putting together a Valentine’s Day outfit for men seems complex, it’s fairly straightforward. That said, you do have to make a few considerations first. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to men’s Valentine’s Day outfits.
How To Dress for Valentine’s Day (For Men)
Years ago, you could assume that most couples celebrated Valentine’s Day with a nice dinner out. While that’s still the case for many people, others celebrate the holiday very differently, opting for more unique experiences.
But no matter what you’re doing, you want to dress appropriately. With that in mind, there are two considerations to make when planning Valentine’s Day outfits: your date and the location/activity.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what to pay attention to when thinking about Valentine’s Day outfits for guys.
Consider Your Date
First, you obviously want to think about your date’s style preferences. You should also think about how long you’ve been seeing each other.
If you’ve been dating for a while, then you can consider what you wore to previous dates as a baseline. Also, consider whether those dates were casual, formal, or a mix of both.
Once you have that baseline, you’ll have a good idea of how much you’ll want to dress up. (Of course, that also greatly depends on the location and activity, which we’ll get to.)
This is pretty easy if you and your date have similar personal styles. If you don’t, aim to match your date. You don’t have to copy their style, but you should think about what they might or might not wear. For example, if your date doesn’t like wearing dresses, you can probably assume things will be casual.
On the other hand, maybe you’re making a bolder move and going on a first date on Valentine’s Day. This means you probably have less information to draw from. In this case, it’s better to be more formal than casual.
Consider the Location and Activity
It’s crucial to consider the location and activity when building a great Valentine’s Day outfit. It’s not enough to just know the general vibe of the place you’re going. You should do a bit of research to know what you wear.
For example, let’s say you’re going out to a nice restaurant. If you’ve only checked out a few photos and looked at the menu, you might not have the complete picture.
Instead, make sure you fully investigate the restaurant’s site and social media. Pay careful attention to user photos on sites like Yelp or platforms like Instagram. This will help you get a sense of what patrons typically wear.
It’s especially helpful if you can find photos taken on Valentine’s Day. After all, people tend to dress a touch more formally on this holiday. This means you need to consider if you want to dress a little more formally than what you’re seeing.
Also, many restaurants tend to up their formality levels on Valentine’s Day, so that’s another element to consider. For instance, if the place you’re going to is having a special event, then you’ll know to dress up more.
Of course, if you’re not planning on going to a restaurant, no worries. Simply apply this same approach to the place you’re going. Basically, if you aren’t 100% sure of what to wear, do a little research beforehand.
Last but not least, if you’re doing something more experiential, then putting together a Valentine’s Day outfit might be easier. That’s because experiential dates are often easier to dress for. For example, if you’re going away to a cabin for the weekend, then you don’t need to wear a suit.
Men’s Valentine’s Day Outfit Ideas
Need some inspiration? I’ve got you covered. Check out these six men’s Valentine’s Day outfit ideas that cover all the bases. From a cozy evening to a fancy night out, there’s something for everyone.
The Movie on the Couch Valentine’s Date
Planning on a low-key evening of staying in and watching a movie with your significant other? You might as well keep things comfy with a relaxed hoodie and jeans. (Alternatively, you could always go for matching pajamas.)
And don’t forget an extra-large blanket for snuggling up.
The Dinner at Home Valentine’s Date
This one’s for when you’re having a romantic dinner and co*cktails in the comfort of your own home. You want to go with something that’s dressier than PJs but not too formal. Think of a button down shirt or long-sleeve polo paired with jeans or corduroy pants.
You want to be simple and classy but also comfortable. There’s no need for a three-piece suit if you’re sticking to your dining table.
The Activity Valentine’s Date
Activity-based dates (like going bowling or hitting the barcade) will require an outfit that’s a bit more versatile. It’s usually safe to go with a button down shirt so you can roll up your sleeves if needed.
Add a pair of jeans that fits you well, and you’ve got a rock solid look.
The Dinner and Drinks Valentine’s Date
This outfit is ideal for going to a gastropub or anywhere else where you’ll grab drinks after dinner.
The combination of the sport coat over the button down is sharp yet laid back. Finally, the corduroys add a nice textural touch.
The Chilly Outdoor Valentine’s Date
February is often a frosty month (at least in the Northern Hemisphere). If you’re planning on being outside for longer periods, you’ll probably want to wear an overcoat or car coat.
This formula works with any kind of outfit as a base. (Be sure to match your coat to the rest of your outfit in terms of formality level.)
The Upscale Restaurant Date
Have you got reservations somewhere ritzy? Bring out a nice suit for the occasion, and grab some dress shoes while you’re at it.
Keep your shirt done up for dinner, but for drinks afterward, feel free to open a button or two.
Valentine’s Day Outfits for Guys FAQ
Need some quick answers about what to wear on Valentine’s Day for men? Here you go!
How Do I Decide What Color To Wear on Valentine’s Day?
There are no right or wrong colors to wear on Valentine’s Day, but it depends on where you’re going. That said, you often can’t go wrong with neutrals and earth tones like black, brown, blue, green, grey, and white.
How Should I Dress for a Valentine’s Date?
You scrolled down a bit too far! Head back up for the full guide to learn how to dress for Valentine’s Day.
Can I Wear Jeans on Valentine’s Day?
This all depends on where you and your date are going for Valentine’s Day. If jeans are appropriate for the place you’re going, then you can absolutely wear them. If you’re unsure, do some research on the place you’re going first.
Conclusion: Dress for the Occasion
When it comes to Valentine’s Day outfits for guys, it’s important to dress in a way that’s appropriate. And that means appropriate for your date, the place you’re going, and the activities you’ll be doing.
And remember, when in doubt, dress a little more formal than casual. Being overdressed might make you feel a tad silly, but it’s a lot better than being underdressed.
Questions? Comments? Leave them below!
