Read on for some tips for picking out a fantastic Valentine’s Day suit.
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Valentine’s Day is approaching, and it’s in your best interest not to wait until the last minute to throw your outfit together. (This tip also applies to making reservations)!
There can be a lot of pressure to impress on Valentine’s Day, whether you’re taking out your wife of several years or going on a first date. Either way, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
Let’s go over some tips for picking out the best Valentine’s Day suits for men.
Consider the Occasion
Valentine’s Day style is not a one-size-fits-all matter. Some couples will choose an activity that’s more casual, like a museum date, a lunch date, or an ice skating outing.
Unsurprisingly, these activities do not call for a suit. (However, you could certainly wear one if you’d like, particularly one in more a casual fabric/style).
However, if your Valentine’s Day itinerary is on the more glamorous and upscale side and includes a fancy restaurant, theater, or party, go with a suit to impress your date and match the environment.
Think About Color
There’s no harm in playing with classic Valentine’s Day colors like red, burgundy, and dark purple. You can find suits in these colors for a bolder look or incorporate the colors as accents in the form of accessories.
You might consider some dark red socks to add some color to an otherwise subdued outfit. You can also go with a flower lapel or pocket square if you want something a little spiffier. Have a little fun, but don’t overdo it.
Also, keep in mind that a black suit is rarely, if ever a good choice. Charcoal grey or navy are pretty much always better options. Black doesn’t work well with many skin tones and it often seems too somber for anything other than a funeral or formal black tie events.
No matter the venue, you probably want to do a bit of research and find out if there are any dress codes.
Coordinate With Your Date (But Don’t Match Exactly)
Don’t feel nervous asking your date what they are going to wear. You at least want to ensure you’re both on the same page about the level of formality. You wouldn’t want your date showing up in sandals and a casual dress if you’re planning to wear a suit.
It’s typically not a good idea to match what your date is wearing. Matching exactly looks tacky, but complementing your date looks classy.
If she’s going to wear a bright red dress, don’t wear a matching bright red tie in the same fabric. Instead, you might choose a navy tie with a tiny red pattern. In other words, you want to match the level of formality, and perhaps even echo each other in color but try to do so with some subtlety.
Alternatively, if your date is wearing a burgundy dress, for example, you wouldn’t want to wear a suit in that exact shade. However, a different tone (darker or lighter) of that same color might strike a nice visual balance.
Again, you don’t want to go for a color that’s almost identical. This can make you look like you tried to match but didn’t quite nail it.
Men’s Valentine’s Day Suits
Here are three of the best Valentine’s Day suits for men:
Navy Perennial Havana Suit
This dark navy suit from Suitsupply is a nice option if you don’t want to go with a bold black one.
The rich navy color makes this suit a great neutral base to add other colors in the form of accessories.
We’ve reviewed Suitsupply several times here at TMM, and overall we’ve been very happy with this brand.
Archie Jacket
The Archie Jacket features an iconic silhouette that is perfect for your Valentine’s Day outing. This suit jacket is made in Italy and features a wool blend that delivers a soft yet structured look.
It’s worth noting that Billy Reid makes matching trousers to complete the look. However, this suit jacket also lends itself well to being worn with jeans for a more casual Valentine’s Day look.
Keep in mind that light or medium-wash jeans won’t match this style well. Stick to a very dark wash denim if you’re going the jeans route.
Suit from Bespoke Custom Clothing (SLC)
If you want to be a little more adventurous with your Valentine’s Day fit, check out this made-to-measure suit from Bespoke Custom Clothing in Salt Lake City.
Although the suit has matching trousers (shown earlier in this article) and a vest, here it’s worn with navy sharkskin odd trousers.
While a suit like this certainly works for job interviews and other important life events, it’s a fantastic piece to wear a bit more casually.
If you’re one to plan ahead, consider getting a made-to-measure suit.
Conclusion: Try a Classic Suit Look For Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is meant to be fun. Do yourself a favor and use these tips to plan your outfit in advance to avoid any last-minute stress.
Keep things simple by checking in with your date in advance about what they are planning to wear. Consider using colors or patterns from their outfit to integrate into your suit or suit accessories. That’s all there is to it!
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