A Gentleman's Guide to Stylish First Date Dressing
Sure, I make my client's into an extraordinary version of who they are at the core. To create a false image never does anyone a whole lot of good and more often than not, reeks havoc on your confidence - it is rather uncomfortable to be something you are not. When I work with clients, we start by determining who they are and what they want. Then - and only then - do we start to work on what to wear!
Carnival Fun - A great date, as long as neither of you gets sick on rides. It would be a good idea to check first! A polo pique shirt and a pair of cargo shorts will carry you through this date. Make sure you have a clean white t-shirt on underneath the polo, which will give a finished look to your outfit and showcase your attention to details. Go for a nice pair of leather sandals or slip-ons - they will look great with this laid back look.
Dinner & a Movie - This is a fun date - lot's of fun with little pressure. It also gives you an opportunity to show some personality in your style of dress. Jeans or khakis work well, though I do recommend steering clear of the plaid shirt & t-shirt combination - everyone she dates will be wearing that. Mix it up, have fun. Throw on a t-shirt and jeans with a linen jacket and you will definitely set yourself apart from the masses.
Reservations Required - First, do yourself a favor and make the reservation- she will notice. Unless required, lose the tie. Wear on of this year's summer suits paired with a dress shirt that showcases a great pair of cuff links. Finish it off with a something different - perhaps a pocket square. Think about a money clip instead of a wallet - again, something different. Attending to the details makes a huge impression, one that will set you apart from anyone else she dates.
Happy Hour Rendezvous - Since you will probably be meeting after work, think about your outfit in the morning instead of panicking at 5 o'clock. If dressed for business during the day, the easy route would be to lose the tie and loosen your collar. If you want to project a more laid back look, be sure to pack a pair of jeans to change into that evening. If in a business casual atmosphere, a nice pair of pants and dress shirt will work well and carry you successfully through the date.
Tee time for Two - Another great summer date, if you both enjoy a round of golf- four hours of getting to know each other and the bonus is that you get a look at how she competitive she is. Dressing for this date is an easy one - A nice pair of shorts and a short-sleeve pique` polo paired with that essential white shirt should carry you through the day - you can't go wrong.
Last, BUT not Least - The most important thing you can wear on a first date is a set of manners - chivalry is not dead and is much appreciated. Open all doors, treat all service people with respect and listen to her when she speaks - be a polished version of who you are at the core. If its not meant o be, no amount of chivalry or dress will get you to the second date. However, if its something special, these tips will ensure that you present yourself in a manner that will keep her coming back for more!
Questions? I am always available for a complimentary consultation - Call me and I will be sure to steer you in the correct direction!
Valarie Stock is an image consultant and personal clothier working with gentlemen to elevate their own personal image, increasing the probability of success in all areas of their life. She is a member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI). Educated at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), located in New York City, where she has trained under industry leaders. Her company, Reid Park LLC, provides full service image consulting services for professional and social occasions.
Regarded as an expert in image consulting, she has been requested as the keynote speaker at numerous business networking events in the Delaware Valley. As an independent representative for Ventresca, Ltd., she will concentrate primarily on providing clients with custom garments and image consulting services. Personalized and garment services as well as custom memberships are available to clients. Stock is a member of the Doylestown Chapter of Business Networking International (BNI), Network Now, Women's Business Forum, and the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce. Valarie can be reached at (215) 622-4422 or by email at: valarie@reidparkllc.com. You can also visit Valarie's website for more information at http://www.reidparkllc.com.
Carnival Fun - A great date, as long as neither of you gets sick on rides. It would be a good idea to check first! A polo pique shirt and a pair of cargo shorts will carry you through this date. Make sure you have a clean white t-shirt on underneath the polo, which will give a finished look to your outfit and showcase your attention to details. Go for a nice pair of leather sandals or slip-ons - they will look great with this laid back look.
Dinner & a Movie - This is a fun date - lot's of fun with little pressure. It also gives you an opportunity to show some personality in your style of dress. Jeans or khakis work well, though I do recommend steering clear of the plaid shirt & t-shirt combination - everyone she dates will be wearing that. Mix it up, have fun. Throw on a t-shirt and jeans with a linen jacket and you will definitely set yourself apart from the masses.
Reservations Required - First, do yourself a favor and make the reservation- she will notice. Unless required, lose the tie. Wear on of this year's summer suits paired with a dress shirt that showcases a great pair of cuff links. Finish it off with a something different - perhaps a pocket square. Think about a money clip instead of a wallet - again, something different. Attending to the details makes a huge impression, one that will set you apart from anyone else she dates.
Happy Hour Rendezvous - Since you will probably be meeting after work, think about your outfit in the morning instead of panicking at 5 o'clock. If dressed for business during the day, the easy route would be to lose the tie and loosen your collar. If you want to project a more laid back look, be sure to pack a pair of jeans to change into that evening. If in a business casual atmosphere, a nice pair of pants and dress shirt will work well and carry you successfully through the date.
Tee time for Two - Another great summer date, if you both enjoy a round of golf- four hours of getting to know each other and the bonus is that you get a look at how she competitive she is. Dressing for this date is an easy one - A nice pair of shorts and a short-sleeve pique` polo paired with that essential white shirt should carry you through the day - you can't go wrong.
Last, BUT not Least - The most important thing you can wear on a first date is a set of manners - chivalry is not dead and is much appreciated. Open all doors, treat all service people with respect and listen to her when she speaks - be a polished version of who you are at the core. If its not meant o be, no amount of chivalry or dress will get you to the second date. However, if its something special, these tips will ensure that you present yourself in a manner that will keep her coming back for more!
Questions? I am always available for a complimentary consultation - Call me and I will be sure to steer you in the correct direction!
Valarie Stock is an image consultant and personal clothier working with gentlemen to elevate their own personal image, increasing the probability of success in all areas of their life. She is a member of the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI). Educated at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), located in New York City, where she has trained under industry leaders. Her company, Reid Park LLC, provides full service image consulting services for professional and social occasions.
Regarded as an expert in image consulting, she has been requested as the keynote speaker at numerous business networking events in the Delaware Valley. As an independent representative for Ventresca, Ltd., she will concentrate primarily on providing clients with custom garments and image consulting services. Personalized and garment services as well as custom memberships are available to clients. Stock is a member of the Doylestown Chapter of Business Networking International (BNI), Network Now, Women's Business Forum, and the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce. Valarie can be reached at (215) 622-4422 or by email at: valarie@reidparkllc.com. You can also visit Valarie's website for more information at http://www.reidparkllc.com.