You asked, and the cutie you’ve had your eye on said yes! You agreed on a location and a time to meet. Now you just need to figure out what to wear for a coffee date.
What To Wear for a Coffee Date: The Setting
Few things have as major an impact on what is appropriate or fashionable for your date as the time and place you’re meeting. A common mistake many men make when choosing what to wear on a first date for coffee is assuming all coffee shops are the same. This error in judgment could leave you significantly over- or underdressed.
Time of Day
Coffee shops are likely to have vastly different clientele as the day progresses. It may be easy to predict what the mood will be if your plans take place in the evening, but if you’re meeting for lunch, you should definitely check it out ahead of time. You don’t want to show up in jeans if you’re going to be surrounded by eligible bachelors in sharp business attire on a break from the law firm around the corner.
Location Vibes
If you’re taking your date to a place you don’t frequent, it’s smart to scout before you decide what to wear. While many coffee shops are casual settings, if the one you’re going to is located in an elite or high-fashion area, don’t expect that mentality to magically disappear when the sun goes down. Prepare to dress accordingly.
Setting Goals
Once you have a good feel for the setting, think about how you want to come across when you’re there. Strive for being comfortable without seeming too casual. Choose attire that strikes the perfect balance between fitting in and standing out.
An easy way to do this is to treat a first date just like you would a job interview: Learn what the basic norms are, and then dress slightly nicer. Most of all, what you wear should reflect your personality and boost your confidence.
Popular Coffee Date Outfits for Men: Find Your Style
Picking out what to wear for a coffee date doesn’t have to be complicated. After all, almost any outfit has the same four basic components:
- Shirt
- Pants
- Shoes
- Accessories
Of course, you want everything to match or complement each other well. The specific pieces you choose will depend on the particular look you’re going for, though.
The Classic
If you want to achieve a timeless look, you can’t go wrong with an Oxford cloth button-down shirt. The OCBD looks great no matter what you pair it with, and it offers versatile styling options. For a dressy look, button it to the top and tuck it into a pair of nice slacks. If the place you’re going is more casual, roll up the sleeves to show off those biceps and put on your favorite jeans.
Next, choose the shoes and accessories. A classic loafer suits many outfits, but if you’re in jeans they may look a little pretentious. In that case, opt for a driving shoe or canvas sneakers in a neutral color. A basic watch with clean lines is all you need to complete this look.
The Bookworm
If smart and studious is your style, lean into that when deciding what to wear for a coffee date. Cozy layers and soft fabrics are the way to go. Pair a shirt and blazer with gray, brown, or black slacks. On a cool night, definitely go with the turtleneck sweater.
A simple Chelsea boot is a good match for this look. Carry a leather messenger bag (extra points if you bring along the book you’re reading and share your favorite passages with your date). Choose glasses over contacts, or bring along your readers to slip on while you’re perusing the menu. Finally, don’t underestimate the allure of a great cologne.
The Artist
Some of the best coffee date outfits for men are hard to categorize. To embrace the eclectic spirit, think like an artist. Experiment to figure out how to incorporate your favorite elements of different styles and come up with something that is uniquely you.
You may pair a graphic T-shirt with a casual blazer and jeans. Throw on your favorite sneakers with slacks and a grandpa cardigan. A loose-fitting shirt with well-tailored pants is another nice contrast.
As for accessories, a hat is a memorable touch, especially if the weather is nice enough to sit outside or you want the option of offering to prolong your date with a walk after you finish your drinks. Make sure you take the necessary steps to avoid hat head and remember to remove your hat when you go indoors, especially if you’re in the South.
The Rebel
If confidence is your strength, what to wear for a coffee date is going to be a pretty simple decision. The rebel is a guy who knows he looks good without even trying. He tends to stand out no matter where he goes because his style remains constant and unflappable.
The black T-shirt with jeans combo is a classic rebel look. For a less casual location, you can keep boots and jeans but opt for an untucked dress shirt on top.
A chunky masculine watch and sleek designer shades complete the look. If you know your date likes bad boys, choose attire that shows off your favorite piercings or tattoos. Have fun with it!
This style can be pretty powerful for the ego, but make sure your devil-may-care look doesn’t turn your attitude arrogant or alter the timeliness of your arrival. Even if you’re giving off anti-establishment vibes, you should still maintain the high standards of conduct expected on a first date (or any date thereafter).
What To Wear for a Coffee Date: The Final Appraisal
This may seem like a lot of work to put into one outing. All the effort you put into choosing what to wear for a coffee date will be worth it when you see the appreciation light up your date’s face, though. Check out our blog to learn more tips on how to dress to impress.