Showing up to a date dressed poorly can be an instant deal breaker for many people, or at the very least it could leave a bad first impression. Don’t do that — be better. Being well dressed doesn’t mean getting suited up at any opportunity, it means dressing appropriately for the occasion, wearing clothes that fit, and understanding what colors work together. Simple in theory, yet it can be complicated in practice. We’ve had our fair share of missed opportunities and fashion faux-pas, enough for us to learn from our mistakes. We want to pass down that knowledge in hopes of helping you impress your date with your style choices. In order to do so, we present part one of the three part series.

Dressing for the occasion is arguably the most important factor in dressing well. It’s so easy to spot the guy who doesn’t have a clue about how to dress appropriately, yet it’s so easy to avoid. We’ve all seen the guy who shows up to a graduation ceremony wearing beat up sneakers and ripped jeans, or proudly wears a dress shirt and tie to a casual meal at Chipotle. Don’t be that guy. When you’re getting dressed, consider the setting of the place you’re going to. These suggestions are by no means set in stone, but you can use these categories as a general guideline to help figure out what to wear.

Casual

Casual refers to occasions such as a coffee date, casual dinner, walk in the park, etc. You want to be comfortable and laid back so you can focus on enjoying the date and making a good impression. Think sneakers, jeans or chinos, tee shirts, henleys or casual button downs, and maybe a light jacket if the weather calls for it. If you need a hand picking out a jacket, check out the style guide from earlier this month. You could consider leather derbies or oxfords if your wardrobe permits, but just keep the environment of the date in mind so that you’re not uncomfortable or uptight.

Upscale Casual

You’re going to want to step it up a little if you’re going to a fancier bar or upscale restaurant, which is where upscale casual comes into play. Oxfords or slim boots paired with chinos or even dress pants can be a great choice here, meaning it’s usually a good call to leave the t-shirt at home. Instead, opt for a casual button down or dress shirt, along with a round neck sweater on top if it’s going to be chilly. A really nice pair of jeans can work too, as they’re not ripped or dirty. Dressing for an upscale casual date can be tough since it sits in a weird grey area casual and formal. However, if you are able to do some research to scope out the venue, you may be able to get a better understanding of what to expect.

Semi Formal/Formal

If you manage to land a date at a formal event or really high-end restaurant, you’re probably far past the first date. If not, give yourself a round of applause and . In terms of footwear, you’re definitely going to want a pair of oxfords or brogues, so if you don’t have a pair you better leave time to stop by Nordstrom on the way. If for some reason you’re still considering wearing jeans, you might as well go ahead and cancel. At the very least, you’re going to want a pair of dress pants and a dress shirt, along with a tie. Suits look great here, but try to save your black suit for weddings or funerals, and opt for a lighter option like navy.

While there are certainly a ton of other factors that influence the outcome of an outfit, it’s important to assess the environment first so that you can dress accordingly. Feeling out of place on a date sucks, and preparing or at least thinking about what to wear in advance can do wonders for your confidence and first impression. Next week, we dive into the fit and styling of common garments to take you a little deeper into developing your own sense of style.

The post From Casual to Formal: Dress Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

Varsity Jacket

A casual option that’s often overshadowed by the likes of bombers and MA-1’s, the varsity jacket is a clean jacket that’s suitable for almost any occasion. Inspired by the Letterman jackets worn by varsity athletes, they come in a wide variety of shapes and colors. Perfect for any occasion, varsity jackets and be dressed up or down.

Brands to consider: H&M, Zara, Golden Bear, Roots, A.P.C., Sandro, Saint Laurent

Bomber/MA-1

In recent years, bombers have become the go-to for anyone looking for a simple, light casual jacket. Characterized by the oversized and padded silhouette, bombers and MA-1s can be found in almost any fast fashion outlet. Bombers are a perfect casual option that won’t break the bank.

Brands to consider: H&M, Topman, Pull & Bear, Alpha Industries, Stone Island, ToJ

M65

One of the many military-inspired jackets, the M65’s iconic silhouette is defined by its boxy shape and four pocket design. While they can be found in a wide variety of colors and variations, the most common iteration is made of a water-repellent, olive-green fabric like waxed cotton.

Brands to Consider: Urban outfitters, Jack & Jones, Alpha Industries, WTAPS, Visvim

Double Rider Leather Jacket

Definitely one of the more popular leather jacket styles, the double rider gets its name and style from motorcycle culture. Often referred to as a perfecto, the style gained popularity after it’s release by Schott in 1928. Since then, many companies have created their own version of the jacket, so it’s up to you to decide which is the best.

Brands to Consider: Zara, Schott, Undercover, ToJ, Balmain, Blackmeans, Saint Laurent

Coach/Flight Jacket

The coach jacket comes in many shapes and forms, which led us to mention the flight jacket as part of this style. Coach jackets are about as simple as it gets; A collar, buttons up the middle, with two side pockets. Imagine a button down shirt in a thicker fabric and more structure. Flight jackets fall into the same category, but are often made of wool or heavy cotton, with a fur trim on the collar. While coach jackets are definitely a more casual style, flight jackets can be dressed up a little, and go great with a collared shirt and dress trousers.

Brands to consider: Asos, Topman, A.P.C., Supreme, Acne Studios, Undercover

Fishtail Parka

The jacket gets its name from the split-tail design that parallels the silhouette of the tail of a fish. The style was developed for use in the military, as the “tail” section could be tied up around your legs for warmth, or to keep you dry in wet weather. Traditionally seen in the same olive green as the M65, fishtail parkas also come in a variety of colors and materials. Many are waterproof and perfect for wet conditions, while others are lined with fur for use during the winter.

Brands to consider: Military Surplus, Zara, Alpha Industries x Ace Hotel, Sandro, Canada Goose

Trucker

The last style of our essential jacket collection is the trucker jacket. The style is timeless and has been around for decades, with Levi’s paving the way for many other brands. Often seen in denim, trucker jackets are more versatile than you’d think. Many brands have come up with their own versions of the jacket, in a wide variety of colors and fabrics. Any denim version is an informal choice that is perfect for everyday wear, whereas a suede version could be worn for a night on the town.

Brands to consider: Levi’s, Acne Studios, Levi’s, Saint Laurent, any designer collab with Levi’s

The post Never Be Boring: A Guide to Your Next Jacket Purchase appeared first on FactoryTwoFour.

It wasn’t until I heard from a friend about Icebreaker, a New Zealand-based purveyor of merino wool. So I thought, “Okay, a different kind of sheep but the same nemesis to my skin.” All I had known was the frilly and irritating qualities of a more robust and un-wearable clothing, especially without anything other than a long sleeve shirt underneath.

Now I’m wearing wool closer than I ever thought possible. Hugging my peaches in a cocoon of lightweight merino wool, the Icebreaker Anatomic Boxers are stylish, highly breathable and you know what; they don’t itch! You can wear these and your sweat literally doesn’t absorb in the way cotton does. If you were ever searching for a pair that could be worn two days in a row—after physical activity—and not smell like the inside of Guy Fieri’s belly-button, the Anatomica line of boxers (and briefs) combat stank better than a hit of pow-pow.

After spending a night, and a day, in the same boxers—for testing purposes, of course—in Atlantic City during a bachelor party and coming home to my fiancé who was none the wiser, I’d have to say they worked in concealing whatever lurked beneath. Some old-school things are cool: vintage signs, classic cars, and old guitars, but we’re thankful that modern merino wool exists for the sake of comfort and technology.

You can scoop up some anti-smelly Anatomica boxers from Icebreaker directly on their site here.

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