Some couples make me want to puke. 

And it’s not because I’m a carefree 30 year old bachelor looking for love in the desolate wasteland that is the NJ dating pool.  It’s because of one very specific thing I see.

 Picture this, you’re at a nice restaurant, made a reservation months ahead of time.  You’re at the bar sipping a $35 martini (another gripe of mine, but I digress)… You see a couple walk in, the lady in a great dress and heels, full hair and make up.  Her date? Looks something like Mr. “Old Me”.   And you can’t help but think… Are they going to two different restaurants??

I call this “The Great Mismatch.”

One partner is dressed up, put together and the other is… there. 

While I HOPE you’re not wearing hoodies and Lulu’s, men today think it’s ok to wear their everyday wear to date night, when in reality it’s showing subtle signs of disrespect for your partner and the effort they put into their looks.

And who wants a relationship like that?

  But I know this is an argument I can’t make alone.  So I’m calling in help. For this edition I interview four special ladies in my life about what they look for on date night, asking them the same questions:

1. What’s a piece of clothing a guy can wear that instantly improves his style?
2. What’s your perfect date night fit for a guy?
3. What are some style red flags you look out for on a date?

Ok Ladies, take it away!

C- 29, Registered Nurse, Hoboken (Engaged)

1. A) I love when a guy is smart with layers. A nice dress shirt with a quarter zip, if it’s well fitted it elevates a casual look.
2. B) Perfect date night fit: nice pants and a clean dress shirt or quarter zip. I don’t like jeans and sneakers. I want to feel they put in an effort to look nice for me.
3. C) Red flags – sweat shirts. I think you can put in more effort for a date night than a sweatshirt. If you want to be comfy, swap a sweatshirt for a sweater. It’s cozy vibes but classier!

C- 26, Speech Therapist, NJ (Married)

1. A) A nice jacket goes a long way. It’s like the cherry on top of an outfit, so I like when people put extra thought into it!
2. B) Perfect date night fit would be a combination of smart/casual! Dark jeans dressed up with a nice sweater or button up is a great look.
3. C) Stains! Why is that still in your closet?!

S- 31, Teacher, South Jersey (Single)

1. Accessories and knowing how to do it well!
2. Jeans and a sweater or flannel. Shoes matter too— they can be sneakers, but they can’t be run down, dirty work out shoes.
3. Hats. Something overly formal or overly casual, like you just came from the gym. No shorts or toes.

F, 28 CBCP, NJ/NYC  (Its Complicated)

1. A) Anything without a drawstring or elastic waist is impressive nowadays.
2. B) You know I love a Chelsea boot. But specifically, a dark button down, grey tailored pants, and dark Chelsea boots. I’m a sucker for a good coat, too.
3. C) FLANNELS. I HATE FLANNELS. Save it for the farm! And sneakers? My grandmother would clutch her pearls.

Thanks Ladies! So on your next date night, don’t be afraid to put on those elevated dressy pieces! It’s ok to dress up, and in my mind (and these lovely ladies) putting time into your appearance is crucial, it shows you care, and always will. 

  And if you’re reading this and realize you don’t have those date night essentials, and want to be Mr. “New Me”.  Come see your friendly neighborhood clothiers at Adams, we’ll get you kitted up.