Dressing for Dates: Guys

There's a lot of unnecessary worrying going on in the world in regard to what to wear on those important initial dates. (Though perhaps more so for girls than for guys.) You want to look approachable, attractive and let's face it-the absolute best that you possibly can. It is a date, after all. Here are some basic guidelines to help you decide what to wear.

Consider what you'll be doing on the date and where you'll be. Obviously, dinner at a three or four-star restaurant is going to require a slightly different outfit than say, going to the fun park for some miniature golf. There's nothing wrong with a casual outfit if you're on a casual date. You just don't want to end up wearing cargo pants and your favorite t-shirt to a decent restaurant. (You won't impress her.) Nor would you want to wear a tie to go out for a movie. Common sense here, it's not hard at all.

One thing I notice guys get all mixed up over is occasions that are somewhere between casual and formal. Flat-front (NOT pleated) khakis are a classic go-to, and you can't really go terribly wrong with them. Just don't pair them with too traditional of a button-down, or you'll look like an old fart.

Keep in mind what types of clothes look best on you. We're talking both style and color here. If a certain shade of blue makes your gorgeous blue eyes really pop, for goodness' sake, make sure you wear it! Also keep in mind what styles and cuts of clothing look best on your figure. Of course, this is much less of an issue for guys than it is for girls, but it's something to consider, just the same. Don't wear anything that's way too baggy or too tight for comfort-it won't go over well with your date, trust me. Modern, clean, and basic is usually best-let your personality be the focal point of the date, not your clothes.

Coordinate shoes and outerwear, please. Ok. Black pants? Black shoes. There's NO way around this one. Brown is a serious no-no with black. With khakis or jeans, you can wear brown or black shoes, though I tend to prefer brown. Basic everyday sneakers? Only if you're on a tennis or fun park date. Match your belt to your shoes.

In a similar vein, try not to pair a ski parka with say, a suit. Even with khakis or chinos, it's a stretch. A wool car coat in a neutral color like black is a solid investment, and you'll use it for years. Plus you'll really impress your date by having a jacket that actually works with your outfit.

Wear clothes that set you apart and exemplify your personality. If you're fun and creative, wear fun and creative clothes. There are plenty of unique twists on the classics out there. One of my favorites in place of khakis is a pair of dark navy flat-front trousers (in a chino-like fabric) with a very thin pinstripe detailing. They look really snappy, you can wear them with shoes or sandals, and you can pair them up with a variety of different shirts-everything from polos to coordinating button-downs.