Is there anything worse than showing up to a night out at a microbrewery with the bros and realize you’re the only one still rocking strategically distressed jeans and an Ed Hardy T-shirt?
There are so many different types of bars, brunches and beef eateries that call for very different ensembles. It’s time you caught up. In partnership with Dockers, we’re teaching all the dudes, bros, and gentlemen Outfit Math 101 for the many modern environments. And don’t worry, this post is seamlessly shoppable.
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1. Meeting your girlfriend's parents at one of the trendiest Vietnamese/German/Indian fusion restaurants in Midtown.
“Impress and charm” is the name of the game around your lady’s parents. First move is a sharp-looking outfit. Dress to impress and remember to keep the classic look at the center of it all. Channel the men whom her dad likely idolizes: Is he a James Dean or Robert Duvall man? Keep it dressy on the bottom, as well -- a nice restaurant means slacks. Blazer + a eye-catching pocket square = The son he always wanted.
2. A bar that smells a little moldy, has great drafts and is in the “up-and-coming” part of town.
You should automatically translate “up-and-coming” to hipster central. If you have a vast collection of flannel, even better. The lumbersexual look will take you far in this type of setting. Scarf is optional, beard is not. (Hand-woven, American-made, outrageously expensive denim + favorite thrift store find) x vintage look that feels modern = $6 cans of PBR.
3. Sunday brunch at your sister’s house in the suburbs.
Ah, suburbia. Breathe in the fresh-ish air, enjoy the chance to catch up with your family and spend time with your 3-year-old nephew. They grow up so fast, you know. He’ll probably ask you to take him to the park, and you never know who you may meet there. This is why we suggest weekend-casual-chic. Be comfortable, but look put-together, and make sure you’re rocking machine washables in preparation for the dirt, grass and unidentifiable stains that will come with chasing after that little man. Khakis + chucks + syrup-covered handprints = “World’s Greatest Uncle.”
4. Backyard barbecue at your fraternity brother’s family lake house.
You’re employed now, which means you’ve outgrown pit-stained T-shirts and cargo shorts. Be an example of how the rest of them should start dressing like adults. You should still wear shorts (weather permitting, of course), because while you want to look good, you don’t want to be that guy. After all, it is still a barbecue. You can never go wrong with seersucker and brighter colors in this setting. And rock that straw fedora. This is the time and place for a fedora. Machine washable pieces + patriotic beer mitt/koozie combo = Boys will be boys.
5. Your high school buddy’s wedding to the ex-girlfriend who dumped you.
Let her see what she’s missing out on. It’s Bond, James Bond. The hot new Daniel Craig version, not the tired Pierce Brosnan version. Look sharp and be bold. Exude the confidence and style of the male hand model you are, now. You have the presence of a man who’s stepped off the runway of some unpronounceable fashion house in Vienna. All the hottest timepiece designers are in Vienna. If you want to show everyone else how far you’ve come from your headgear and bacne days, wear a slim-fit tux with a patterned or colored jacket. (Flashy cufflinks + dress loafers - peach fuzz) x strong jawline = bridesmaids playing “rock, paper, scissors” for you.
6. Blind date at the gin bar on $1 oyster night.
This will either end in a second date, or with you racing home, ill from bad mollusks. Either way, leave your date thinking, “The oysters were a little on the funky side, but that man knew how to dress.” Try a tweed blazer -- you can never go wrong with a jacket on the first date -- and slacks or dark wash denim cuffed at the ankle to show off a great pair of funky shoes that represent your boisterous personality. (Or, you know, great ankles.) That is what you wrote on your profile, isn’t it? (Polka-dot pocket square x leather work attaché) ^ genuine interest in your date = A Tinder success story.
No compromises in quality. Just versatile, essential style. We have taken an enduring, admired brand and made it stronger. Dockers® has embarked on a journey to redefine the way men dress and ignite a focus on head-to-toe style.