Hereโs how to figure out what to wear on this special day.
![](https://www.themodestman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Sport-coat-over-OCBD.jpg)
Valentine’s Day outfits for guys need to be balanced. They should be sharp and presentable, but they also shouldnโt be more formal than what the occasion calls for.
Thatโs why determining how to dress for Valentineโs Day can be tricky. Itโs not always as easy as throwing on a nice shirt and some dress pants. You need to think about several important factors before you ever open your closet.
Itโs also important to make sure that your Valentineโs Day outfit reflects you as a person. Sure, you could go with a random cookie-cutter outfit.
However, youโll make a much better impression on your date if you dress in a way thatโs true to yourself. And besides, you donโt want to look bland, especially not on a day like Valentineโs Day.
Even though putting together a Valentineโs Day outfit for men seems complex, itโs fairly straightforward. That said, you do have to make a few considerations first. Hereโs what you need to know when it comes to men’s Valentine’s Day outfits.
How To Dress for Valentine’s Day (For Men)
Years ago, you could assume that most couples celebrated Valentineโs Day with a nice dinner out. While thatโs still the case for many people, others celebrate the holiday very differently, opting for more unique experiences.
But no matter what youโre doing, you want to dress appropriately. With that in mind, there are two considerations to make when planning Valentineโs Day outfits: your date and the location/activity.
Hereโs a more detailed breakdown of what to pay attention to when thinking about Valentineโs Day outfits for guys.
Consider Your Date
First, you obviously want to think about your dateโs style preferences. You should also think about how long youโve been seeing each other.
If youโve been dating for a while, then you can consider what you wore to previous dates as a baseline. Also, consider whether those dates were casual, formal, or a mix of both.
Once you have that baseline, youโll have a good idea of how much youโll want to dress up. (Of course, that also greatly depends on the location and activity, which weโll get to.)
This is pretty easy if you and your date have similar personal styles. If you donโt, aim to match your date. You donโt have to copy their style, but you should think about what they might or might not wear. For example, if your date doesnโt like wearing dresses, you can probably assume things will be casual.
On the other hand, maybe youโre making a bolder move and going on a first date on Valentineโs Day. This means you probably have less information to draw from. In this case, itโs better to be more formal than casual.
Consider the Location and Activity
Itโs crucial to consider the location and activity when building a great Valentineโs Day outfit. Itโs not enough to just know the general vibe of the place youโre going. You should do a bit of research to know what you wear.
For example, letโs say youโre going out to a nice restaurant. If youโve only checked out a few photos and looked at the menu, you might not have the complete picture.
Instead, make sure you fully investigate the restaurantโs site and social media. Pay careful attention to user photos on sites like Yelp or platforms like Instagram. This will help you get a sense of what patrons typically wear.
Itโs especially helpful if you can find photos taken on Valentineโs Day. After all, people tend to dress a touch more formally on this holiday. This means you need to consider if you want to dress a little more formally than what youโre seeing.
Also, many restaurants tend to up their formality levels on Valentineโs Day, so thatโs another element to consider. For instance, if the place youโre going to is having a special event, then youโll know to dress up more.
Of course, if youโre not planning on going to a restaurant, no worries. Simply apply this same approach to the place youโre going. Basically, if you arenโt 100% sure of what to wear, do a little research beforehand.
Last but not least, if youโre doing something more experiential, then putting together a Valentineโs Day outfit might be easier. Thatโs because experiential dates are often easier to dress for. For example, if youโre going away to a cabin for the weekend, then you donโt need to wear a suit.
Men’s Valentine’s Day Outfit Ideas
Need some inspiration? Iโve got you covered. Check out these six menโs Valentineโs Day outfit ideas that cover all the bases. From a cozy evening to a fancy night out, thereโs something for everyone.
The Movie on the Couch Valentineโs Date
Planning on a low-key evening of staying in and watching a movie with your significant other? You might as well keep things comfy with a relaxed hoodie and jeans. (Alternatively, you could always go for matching pajamas.)
And donโt forget an extra-large blanket for snuggling up.
The Dinner at Home Valentineโs Date
This oneโs for when youโre having a romantic dinner and cocktails in the comfort of your own home. You want to go with something thatโs dressier than PJs but not too formal. Think of a button down shirt or long-sleeve polo paired with jeans or corduroy pants.
You want to be simple and classy but also comfortable. Thereโs no need for a three-piece suit if youโre sticking to your dining table.
The Activity Valentineโs Date
Activity-based dates (like going bowling or hitting the barcade) will require an outfit thatโs a bit more versatile. Itโs usually safe to go with a button down shirt so you can roll up your sleeves if needed.
Add a pair of jeans that fits you well, and youโve got a rock solid look.
The Dinner and Drinks Valentineโs Date
This outfit is ideal for going to a gastropub or anywhere else where youโll grab drinks after dinner.
![](https://www.themodestman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Sport-coat-over-OCBD.jpg)
The combination of the sport coat over the button down is sharp yet laid back. Finally, the corduroys add a nice textural touch.
The Chilly Outdoor Valentineโs Date
February is often a frosty month (at least in the Northern Hemisphere). If youโre planning on being outside for longer periods, youโll probably want to wear an overcoat or car coat.
This formula works with any kind of outfit as a base. (Be sure to match your coat to the rest of your outfit in terms of formality level.)
The Upscale Restaurant Date
Have you got reservations somewhere ritzy? Bring out a nice suit for the occasion, and grab some dress shoes while youโre at it.
Keep your shirt done up for dinner, but for drinks afterward, feel free to open a button or two.
Valentine’s Day Outfits for Guys FAQ
Need some quick answers about what to wear on Valentineโs Day for men? Here you go!
How Do I Decide What Color To Wear on Valentine’s Day?
There are no right or wrong colors to wear on Valentineโs Day, but it depends on where youโre going. That said, you often canโt go wrong with neutrals and earth tones like black, brown, blue, green, grey, and white.
How Should I Dress for a Valentine’s Date?
You scrolled down a bit too far! Head back up for the full guide to learn how to dress for Valentineโs Day.
Can I Wear Jeans on Valentine’s Day?
This all depends on where you and your date are going for Valentineโs Day. If jeans are appropriate for the place youโre going, then you can absolutely wear them. If youโre unsure, do some research on the place youโre going first.
Conclusion: Dress for the Occasion
When it comes to Valentine’s Day outfits for guys, itโs important to dress in a way thatโs appropriate. And that means appropriate for your date, the place youโre going, and the activities youโll be doing.
And remember, when in doubt, dress a little more formal than casual. Being overdressed might make you feel a tad silly, but itโs a lot better than being underdressed.
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