Tips and Tricks on Looking Your Best for Valentine's Day

So, Valentine's Day is on its way and you really want to look the part this year. You already know where you’re taking your girlfriend, boyfriend, wife or husband to dinner. You’ve made the reservation. You even had the stellar idea to order her a Hooray Heroes personalized love book. Naturally, you went for one of our two bestsellers: 

Now all that’s left to worry about is what to wear! After all that planning, you can’t risk ruining the effect by showing up underdressed. Let’s take a look at some of your options to make sure that you come off as a real gentleman!

Full-On Evening Wear

So, you've decided to go all out and channel Prince Charming this year. To do so, a tux or suit is what you’ll need to go for.

If you’re in the market for a tux, there’s no need to go to a famous tailor these days. You can find some perfectly elegant choices at retailers like H&M, Mango, or Zara. To ensure that whatever look you’re putting together is really timeless, stay away from jackets or blazers that are too shimmery or shiny as they risk looking horrendously cheap (even if they aren’t). If you have a bit of time to spare, you may want to give Hockerty a try. This retailer custom makes coats, suits and tuxedos for some truly affordable prices. We’d suggest taking your measurements carefully before ordering because doing it right the first time means a killer outfit for a killer evening!

So how do you button your blazer? Keep this rule in mind and you’ll always look effortlessly stylish: close ONLY the top button on a jacket with 2 buttons and ONLY the top two on a blazer with 3.

Should you be a bow tie kind of guy, we would suggest you go for something a bit pricier, if you can (the quality really makes the look here). Consider classic bow ties from Armani or Lanvin as these are pieces that will always look amazing and last a lifetime. Certainly, avoid painfully trendy prints and accessories like wooden bow ties, which, while cute, are sure to look a bit ridiculous (at best) and more than a bit pretentious (at worst). If you prefer a more bog standard tie, check out Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue if you’re planning to splash out and The Tie Bar or even Amazon if you’re on a bit of a budget.

Shirt-wise, we’d generally recommend staying away from polyester, so that the fabric (and your skin) can breathe. To keep from overcomplicating, go for a white shirt made of 100% cotton, preferably without buttons on the collar. To finish off your nearly competed look, opt for black shoes, particularly to accompany a black or blue suit. Brown-colored footwear is a big no-no as it’ll leave you with an informal, unpolished final product. Check out Bexley for stylish shoes at an affordable price or go for the win and snag yourself a fabulously versatile pair of Oxfords at Nordstrom or on Amazon.

2. Casually Stylish

If you’re more the casual type, there are still many ways to look sharp without totally compromising your own personal style. Feel free to combine colors but keep to a maximum of three per outfit. For example, combining a blue jacket, pink pants, brown shoes and a patterned shirt would be overkill (for the eyeballs of your beloved). If possible, try to respect the tones you choose by contrasting them with a single colorful addition.

Since we’re going casual, sneakers or loafers can be a great fit as long as they’re clean and well-kept. Bobbies offers a wide range of casual shoes that make a real impression, but there are many options to be had on Amazon as well. If you are still shooting for a sophisticated look, suede is always a classy choice (as long as you don't forget to waterproof them, that is!).

3. Young at Heart

There’s nothing wrong with being young at heart as long as you put a bit of effort in to snazz yourself up. We know evening wear and blazers aren’t everyone’s thing, so instead, you may want to opt for a sweater/sneaker combination that includes some classier additions such as a nice belt and casual shoes, like those offered by Bobbies. On chillier nights, a unique scarf can also liven up an outfit. Try checking out Inoui Collections if you’re looking for a really unique piece. If you want to put your sense of humor on display, throw a vibrantly patterned pair of socks into the mix. Extra points are awarded for including cartoon characters.

So gentlemen, what can we expect to see you in this Valentine's Day?