So, you’ve got a hot date lined up for this Valentine’s Day? Kudos. If you want to impress the apple of your eye, then you’ll need to look your best – which means sharp tailoring and great-fitting clothes. To offer a helping hand, we’ve rounded up the hottest wardrobe pieces that will ensure you make a fantastic impression on your intended this February 14, no matter what the scenario – and they’re all designed specifically with tall and shorter guys in mind, so you can be sure that they’ll be a perfect fit.
The swanky meal
If you’re going all out with an expensive meal, then you need to make sure your outfit is appropriate for your surroundings. Check the dress code for the restaurant that you’ll be heading to beforehand to avoid an embarrassing fashion faux pas. To find the “dress code”, you can call the restaurant directly and ask, check restaurant review sites like YELP or OpenTable, or even check the restaurants website (many feature candid photos of diners in their restaurants so you can see what others chose to wear). Also, chances are you won’t need a tux, so rule that one out right now, unless you’re going to some sort of ball. A nice suit is a great choice if the dress code is ‘smart’, though. Tall guys will do well to also opt for a tie that fits their frame properly. It’s understated and classy, and shows your date that you’re taking the evening seriously. (Novelty ties are to be avoided at all costs, by the way – even if you think they’ll be a great conversation starter. What they will start is alarm bells in your date’s head.)
Meanwhile, shorter guys need to ensure that their top half isn’t swamped with too much extra material by going for this classic, properly fitted long sleeved dress shirt. FORtheFIT shirts are tailored for shorter guys 5”9 and under, offering a shorter overall length, a narrower cut through the shoulders and is designed slimmer through the torso. All short men's shirts are available in a range of colors, too. Worried about spending the evening staring at your salad instead of making scintillating conversation? Fret not – Scott Alden at The Date Report has some fantastic ideas for interesting conversation starters in this article. Our favorite? “You see on the news that there is an airborne virus that is turning people into zombies. What’s the very first thing you do?” We’ve gotta be prepared, people…
The romantic night in
A cozy evening in at your place or your date’s house means that there isn’t such a strict dress code in place as there might be at a restaurant, but don’t be fooled into thinking that means there is no dress code at all. Show up in sweatpants and an old tee-shirt, and you probably won’t be on a date for very long. So, if you want to stay sophisticated without looking overdressed, the casual style and super soft comfort of these Tall Men’s Vintage Wash Denim will be ideal (shorter? Don’t fret- we have your perfectly tailored short rise vintage wash denim, too). Team them with a nice shirt and some decent shoes – a brogue style would be perfect – and leave out the tie to ensure that you achieve the perfect balance between smart and casual. Shorter men will look fantastic in these short rise chinos, available in five different colors. The classic, yet modern, style will ensure you look effortlessly stylish. Chinos look great with everything, so add a shirt and a smart shoe to dress them up for a date. Also available in Tall, slim pant sizes. If you’re planning on cooking yourself but don’t know where to start, don’t worry – Gregory Cartier over at AskMen.com has got you covered. This great article offers a step by step guide to a truly impressive – but seriously easy – Valentine’s menu. As Gregory says, “When you approach it right, risotto is a totally low-maintenance dish that is huge on sex appeal.” Sounds pretty good to us!
The walk in the park
A stroll through a beautiful park is a great way to get to know your date better, and it also eliminates the problem of finding a meal option that doesn’t contain garlic. If the weather is cool, even better – you can pull out the old, tried and tested, offering-your-sweater routine. Now all you need to do is make sure that sweater gives your date the right impression… A fine gauge V-neck sweater, or pullover specially crafted for shorter guys, so soft that your date won’t be able to stop themselves from cuddling up to it- yep, that's what we're looking for. Plus, it’ll make you look super stylish and sophisticated. Double win. Taller guys can make the most of their assets on a long walk by choosing a pair of jeans that is perfectly proportioned to their body. The ‘Jack’ jean has been designed for tall men who are not necessarily ‘big’, and the result is a great fitting pair of jeans that can be worn on a whole host of occasions – like when you want to impress a date, for instance…
The overnight stay
I’m guessing that this isn’t the first date, but if it’s your first night away with your beloved then you’ll still want to make sure you present yourself as Mr Right, rather than Mr Slob. Investing in a new set of PJs will help to show your loved one that you’re a catch – those old sweatpants that have a hole in the crotch certainly won’t. Trust us.
Plaid is totally in at the moment, so stay stylish by adopting the trend in the form of some comfortable and great-fitting pajama bottoms. Tall guys should go for a longer pair of pajama bottoms like these blue and sage pajama bottoms, while shorter men will look fantastic in a shorter pair of pj bottoms.Bonus points: Buy her a matching pair
A few extra tips:
- If you’re going out for a meal, and especially if it’s a first date, don’t order messy food. Your awesome outfit isn’t going to be improved with the addition of a huge glob of marinara sauce.
- Don’t have a date this Valentine’s? Don’t worry. There are 320 perfectly good days left in the year when you can score a hot date. And until you find the date of your dreams, Netflix will be there for you!
- Remember, a partner is for life (or at least a fairly long time), not just for Valentine’s. Make sure that you have a few staple pieces in your wardrobe that will ensure you look stylish on future dates, too!