This is a topic we get plenty of questions about: going out wear.
Here, Alex and I got together to lay down some ideas for a night out to a “fancy” high-end club.
1. The Black Shirt
Black shirts, in my opinion, are strictly for night. They can look sharp and sleek without getting confused for officewear.
Bonus Tip: If you’re going out in a suit, leave the tie at home, unfasten 2 or 3 buttons, and make it’s the right suit (think slim, textured, and softly constructed).
Bonus Tip II: A button-down is the best collar to wear open, it stands on it’s own and frames the face rather than creeping under the lapels.
Bonus Tip III: As you can see from most of these looks, a black and grey palette is always safe for a night out.
Bonus Tip IV: If you plan on really cutting a rug, a black shirt is a great sweat concealer.
Grey hopsack suit by MAB by Dan Trepanier (available here). Black shirt by Hugo by Hugo Boss (M – taken in). Watch and band by Montblanc. Cashmere pocket square by Armstrong & Wilson. 2. Three-Piece Approachable
My girlfriend and I share the same opinion here – this type of look is ideal for attracting the opposite sex.
The key is to cross elements that are put-together, established and confident without looking stuffy, cocky, or unapproachable.
Basically you want to look successful and experienced (like a man who owns a sharply tailored 3-piece suit) but also look easy to talk to and loose enough to have a good time (like a guy who wears an open-neck henley and sockless loafers).
I tried to show this same basic principle through all the looks in this post.
Bonus Tip: A three-piece can be dressed down. Pair it with a t shirt (v, crew, henley, etc.) and you have an instant chic look that takes little time or effort.
Bonus Tip II: Just because you’re wearing a suit, doesn’t mean you have to act like one. Don’t be afraid to get a little sweaty on the dance floor, or spill a drink. They’re just clothes, live in them.
Bonus Tip III: Be well groomed. Women will notice.
Three-piece charcoal suit by MAB by Dan Trepanier (Fall 2011, coming soon). Henley by Polo Ralph Lauren. Watch and band by Montblanc. Pocket square by Armstrong and Wilson. Loafers by Salvatore Ferragamo. 3. Lightweight Leather
Anybody can look cool in a thin black leather jacket.
Not only does it give a cool tough-guy vibe, it’s the perfect layer because you don’t have to take it off when you enter the club.
Bonus Tip: These are suit trousers, they are no different than any other trousers that don’t come with a matching jacket.
Bonus Tip II: Don’t over layer. I’ve lost one too many jackets during nights out, so now I plan strategically so I won’t have to remove any layers. (This helps if you decide to sneak out the back door with a new friend as well ;)
Leather jacket and alligator belt by Ralph Lauren Purple Label (M). Band collar shirt by Club Monaco (sample). Trousers by MAB by Dan Trepanier (part of suit, Fall 2011, coming soon). Frames by Matsuda. Lace-ups by Barker Black.4. F-You Formal
The ultimate high/low mix.
It’s a white dinner jacket – perfect for daytime formal events, but works just as well over a t-shirt on a Saturday night.
Bonus Tip: This is a simple t-shirt & jeans look (approachable) with an unconventional, style-forward jacket thrown over it (confident, elegant). It’s that simple.
Bonus Tip II: Not all t-shirts are created equal. Keep your undershirts separate from your going-out tees (think higher quality cotton, more elegant neckline, and better fit through the body).
Dinner jacket by Michael Andrews Bespoke. T-shirt by Alexander Wang (S). Jeans by Rag & Bone (34). Loafers by Bally. Watch by Brera Orologi. Railroad spike cuff and leather strap bracelet by Giles & Brother. 5. Tailored Simple
Less is more. It’s menswear, it should be clean, comfortable and natural.
While an over-embellished look (which seams very popular in menswear right now) can be cool and make a statement, from my experience, this is not what attracts the opposite sex. You want to draw attention to yourself, not to your outfit.
Keep is simple, well-tailored, and leave it up to you to do the talking.
Bonus Tip: High-end clubs often don’t allow sneakers. A comfortable loafer or driving shoe (preferably with rubber bottoms, for grip) is a nice alternative – whether your hitting the dance floor or manuevering your way to a crowded bar.
Disclaimer: Here at the thestyleblogger we do not promote smoking. This site has done well, in part, because we keep it real. And yes, after a long night out, I’ll occasionally have a smoke. By now we all know the risks and consequences – and we’re grown enough to make our own decisions. Nevertheless, consider it more of a art prop here for the photo – as with the shades (after all, there are times when your eyes simply aren’t photo-ready).
Shirt by Ralph Lauren Black Label. Trousers by MAB by Dan Trepanier (part of suit, Fall 2011 – Coming Soon). Bamboo bit loafers by Gucci. Watch and alligator band by Montblanc. sursa:thestyleblogger.com
