Getting ready for a big date, whether you're in high school or your glorious 40's, can be tricky for men. You don't have to look like you're going to a wedding or a gala at the Met. But if you show up wearing a soda-stained shirt and ripped jeans, the first date is also going to be the last. At the same time, you don't want to come off as a poser - women can smell that more than any cologne. As a general rule, you want to look put together. TallMenShoes.com has the five best tips and tricks for guys who want to look good on their next hot date while showing confidence, respect and authenticity.
- Clean Yourself Up
- A Little Personal Hygiene Goes a Long Way
- Plan Your Outfit in Advance
- Use Colors to Your Advantage
- Be Thorough & Take Your Time
Many women say they like an outdoorsy man. But loving the earth doesn't mean you have to wear it on a night out. Take a shower and use a good soap or body wash to remove the grime from a day at school, work or the basketball court. And wash your hair while you're at it - no one wants to get close to oil and grease. Use cleansers that match your skin and hair type, so you won't end up all dry and cracked afterward.
You don't need to go to the barber shop and the dentist on the day of your date, but doing some grooming will really help - especially because your face is usually the first thing women notice. Brush your teeth, comb your hair, shave (or trim your facial hair), clean your ears out and everything else your mom taught you to do. Make sure to clip and clean your nails as well if you haven't recently. If you do use an aftershave or cologne, use it sparingly. Putting on aftershave with a heavy hand can put distance between you and your date.
If your date is set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, you should start planning your outfit well before 6:45 p.m. A day or two before the big night, spend a little time going through your wardrobe and make sure you have a shirt, pants, shoes, socks, etc. that all coordinate well. Everything you wear should fit comfortably and be free of stains and wrinkles. They should match the occasion as well, whether that's drinks at the bar, an evening at the theater or a family reunion. Run an iron over your shirt and any other clothes that appear wrinkled or rumpled. A nice, crisp shirt is more appealing.
The color of your outfit should match your skin tone and personality. For example, blue goes well with fair skin while khaki looks good on darker skin tones. Colors display different traits, too; blue projects masculinity and stability, black conveys power and mystery, orange is a high-energy tone for active dates and pink shows sensitivity. If you have a heavier body type, be sure to wear different-colored pants and shirt; this will break up the pounds and look more flattering. Vertical stripes can also help provide height, and slim down a heavier body type. A striped oxford shirt does that, but don't go for too bold of stripes.
No matter how excited or nervous you are, don't rush at any stage. Leave yourself enough time that you can do everything carefully and double-check or fix things that are amiss. Rushing leads to sloppy work and mistakes that take time to correct, and before you know it, you actually are in a hurry.
Oh, and 5a. Don't Forget to Smile. A genuine, confident smile is one of the most attractive things you can bring on a date. And the good vibes it adds are completely free!
