Welcome back to the Gentleman's Gazette!
In today's video, we discuss how to get ready for a date.
So before you even make it to a date, make sure it's actually a date.
With all the internet vagueries, the differences between a date, or a hookup, or whatever else,
can be quite vague and so it just helps if you just clarify it.
Once that's settled, make plans together.
Traditionally, dinner is what you do, especially in the beginning, however, if you know that
the person a pretty spot or she has a very peculiar hobby, or she always dreamed of doing
something, it may be a great idea to suggest just that.
It could be something like a hot air balloon ride, or maybe she loves the amusement park,
maybe a movie or just a drink.
Alternatively, you could go to an art gallery or a concert.
SImply find out how your date ticks, what they like, and try to find something that
works for both of you.
If your date makes a suggestion to have coffee or get a drink, just follow along unless of
course, it makes you hugely uncomfortable which is probably rarely the case.
As you know, outward appearances have a huge impact on how you are perceived so it's time
to put your best foot forward.
That means, get a haircut.
If you just recently got a haircut, simply go for a trim because it provides you with
a polished look that says "I respect myself and others"
The day before the date, just reach out to confirm that the date is on and do not offer
to pick her or him up in case it's your first date.
Keep that for the second date.
Just like with the haircut, you want to make sure that your outfit stands out but that
it's you at the same time because you want to be confident and you want to be able to
focus on your date and not on your clothes and how it fits.
Overall, it should represent you but I think it always pays to go one step above.
If you are the kind of guy who usually wears flipflops with t-shirt, step up your game,
get a polo shirt, maybe a pair of chinos, and maybe a nice pair of casual shoes like
the boat shoes.
Dress that way, you will still be yourself but it just shows you put some effort into
the date, that you are interested in the other person.
Of course, you should always adapt to your outfit to the date itself and the outward
surroundings.
If it's hot, wear something more summery.
If it's cold, wear something that's appropriate.
Personally, I think it's a very bad first impression to look stiff so if you don't wear
suits very often, skip the suit as it will feel very odd because you are just not yourself
and it's unnatural which is unpleasant and your date will notice that.
If you usually wear polo shirts, maybe get a step up with a dress shirt, or if you usually
wear dress shirts, get a step up and get a jacket or a blazer.
I suggest you skip the bow tie or the necktie because again, some people may consider that
to be very stiff, however, if you are an absolute clothes horse, and you always wear suits and
ties, and that's who you are, then of course for a date, you should do the same thing otherwise,
it looks kind of fake.
Definitely pay attention to your shoes because it is something most dates will take a look
at so I suggest a nice pair of leather shoes with a matching leather belt is perfect.
If you are a little more casual, maybe go with driving mocs or boat shoes and you can
learn more about those options in our video guides here.
If you wear a blazer or a jacket, go with a pocket square.
It adds a really polished look, otherwise, just go with a nice wristwatch.
Definitely, skip the gold neck chains and maybe the wristbands because that may just
give the wrong impression.
Unless you are on a beach or it's a very casual outing, I suggest not to wear shorts, flip
flops, and sloppy t-shirts or wife beater shirts because they just show that you don't
care about your appearance, chances are, the other person does and it can be really odd
if they are all dress up and you are all dressed down.
Unless you're going to a sporting event and you are both huge sport fans, and you know
it, don't wear jerseys because it looks sloppy.
The same is true for stained clothing.
Nothing says I'm messy more than wearing stained clothes on your date.
I know you may not always do that but in those situations, make sure to iron your shirts
and to polish your shoes.
Again, you want to put your best foot forward.
At the morning of your date, it's time to trim your beard if you have one or to get
a nice proper shave.
You can either do a double edge razor shave or you can go with a straight razor shave
at your barbershop, it's up to you.
Just make sure you have a great look.
Also, make sure to take a shower, brush your teeth, go over your nails, remove any nail
dirt, clip and file them, and you can check out how to do that at home in less than 10
minutes in this guide here.
Under no circumstances should you forget deodorant.
You can also add a little bit of cologne.
Make sure you don't overdo it because that has a negative effect.
Before you leave the house, it's time to check your wallet.
Make sure you have enough cash to maybe tip, pay for the valet, or other things that may
occur where you need cash.
Definitely bring your ID in case you get carded and otherwise, make sure that credit cards
are all valid.
Let's say you go to dinner and the cheque arrives, don't let it linger, take the lead,
and offer to pay and just wait for the reaction of the other person.
I always do that even if you know that the date did not go well and that you don't want
to have a second date, it is the least you can do and it's just part of playing the game.
Last but not the least, I suggest you always review what you know about the person, maybe
go through the messages again, maybe through their profile so you understand what they
are and you don't get confused or get things mixed up because that could be quite embarrassing.
I also suggest to check out our guide on 53 great questions to get to know someone because
it will really have a positive effect on how you are perceived by the other person.
Of course, make sure to listen to what they have to say especially if you ask the questions.
Put your phone on silent and don't be late because if you are late on a date, it reflects
very poorly on you and it shows them that you don't respect them and their time and
it's just a very bad start to any date.
In this video, I was wearing a made to measure cotton shirt, button down with casual interlining,
it's very soft and it's checked blue and white, very simple.
I paired it with a stone colored pair of chinos, a chocolate dark brown belt that matched my
double monk strap shoes to add a dash of color and to tie the shoes and the pants together.
I opted for a burgundy and stone colored pair of shadow striped socks which really add a
little dash of color and personality without being overly flashy.
If I wanted to take it a notch up, I'd probably wear a navy blazer or any other jacket maybe
with a collar, probably a solid because my shirt would be patterned and then a simple
pocket square.
I would not wear a boutonniere because that would make it over the top and you don't want
to make it all about your outfit, you just want them to see you and have a positive impression
of you without knowing what's the case.
My dark brown shoes are double monk straps from shoe passion and we have a review about
them here.
As you can see, they have silver buckles and Iwear both of them buckled and I matched the
silver buckle of my belt and my ring is also silver and the carnelian goes well with the
red of my socks that way my outfit is consistent and all tied together.
if you enjoyed this video, please sign up to our email newsletter and videos like this
come right to your inbox.
Goodluck with your date!