How to Create the Perfect Style During Quarantine Times
In the age of city-wide mandatory quarantines and suggested social distancing from others, Club Quarantine at home, is the hottest date spot in town. Not only do you avoid having to commute somewhere for a date, you get free drinks all night! But just because you’re not leaving the confines of your castle, doesn’t mean you can show up dressed like Quasimodo.
Don’t get me wrong, comfort is key when it comes to dates. But creating a positive, enduring, first impression with someone still requires a fashionable effort. Often when getting dressed for dates, one can use the setting they’re going to as a style marker. But when the date is setup at your house virtually, what type of outfit makes sense?
Considering home is now your coffee shop, barbershop, gym and more, your date can be enjoyed in different settings, just the same. For example, maybe you’ve met someone that really enjoys coffee and wants to do a Sunday morning barista date. Or possibly it’s someone you’ve been meaning to get cocktails with, so now you’re enjoying a virtual happy hour together. Just as you’d style yourself for a date outside the home, you’ll want to do the same here. With a casual twist. Keeping that in mind, I crafted three different date looks, to set you up for success. The three virtual date settings I chose are:
Coffee Date
Happy Hour Date
Netflix & Chill
Coffee Date
Let’s begin where the day starts, enjoying a nice cup of joe. Considering it’s a daytime date over coffee, there’s no need to throw on your Sunday’s best. But you’ll want to be fashionable, while sitting comfortably. Here’s how you GQ your coffee date:
You’ll Need -
Now that’s how you get Café Bustello fresh! 😆 But seriously, nothing says easy like a Sunday morning, like a nice stripe short sleeve shirt, casual tee and some fresh, distressed denim. Fit is key when putting this together. You’ll want the short sleeve shirt to be a little oversize. It’ll add to the casual nature of this fit. No need to button the shirt either.
Let’s discuss the accessories. I know the glasses are unexpected. But there’s something about the combination of tortoise frame sunnies or glasses and blue that set the style bar high. I’d also recommend small jewelry adds like rings, bracelets or necklaces. Pull out your fresh pair of white low top sneaks, (just to show your date that you mean business) and you’re golden.
Happy Hour
Next up, Happy Hour. Nothing says date night like a round of cocktails shared, over great conversation. Although you’ll be sitting at home with your favorite adult beverage, you’ve still gotta dress to impress. Now’s a great time to pull out your favorite patterned short sleeve shirt my friend. This look is about dressing up the casual:
You’ll Need - Slim Medallion Print Rayon Short Sleeve Shirt
Welcome to casual cool. Patterned short-sleeve shirts are trendy right now and letting your date know that you’re in tuned to game is 🔑. Per usual, fit reigns your top priority. You don’t want this shirt to be too loose. Being that it’s a date setting, focus on a modern fit, short-sleeve shirt. Pick a pattern that’s cool but not over the top. What’s over the top? A short sleeve shirt that has Godzilla standing over buildings in destruction, spanning from the top of the shirt to the bottom. Keep it cool. Simple shapes, clean lines, etc.
The same premium white tee from the look prior, comes into play again here. The shirt should be of quality. Not your typical three shirts, for fifteen pack. The cropped black pants are what dress this up. Focus on choosing a pair that’re comfortable and fit well. Because you’re wearing cropped pants, no show socks make sense. Plus, they’ll fit right in with the slip-on shoes included in the fit. If that's not your vibe, throw on a black pair of socks.
Dress up casual cool how you see fit. Leave the shirt unbuttoned. Or maybe, button the shirt halfway. Tuck in the shirt. Or, leave one side of it untucked. There are multiple ways to style it. Go with what speaks to you. Lastly, consider adding a black pair of wayfarers. They’re forever cool.
Netflix & Chill
Last up, Netflix & Chill. Sounds downright fun if you ask me. Being that you’re going to enjoy most of your date on the couch, comfort should be the primary focus. What bottoms could provide you the room needed to be comfortable and be stylish? Obviously you could create an outfit with joggers. But that’s expected. Let’s go for the opposite:
You’ll need -
What words come to mind when you wear an outfit like this? Comfortable, stylish, conscious. All three categories command an important position for this date. This look lets your date know you’re confident, stylish and invested in their time. There’s nothing extra for me to call out about this fit that you can't add on your own. Now the slippers on the other hand, debatable. Find a comfy pair that can pose as a conversation piece 😎
By focusing on what the date is about, versus where it is, you’ll make creating a cool outfit a breeze. Remember, you’re at home. You don’t have far to go, so feel free to dress things up.
BONUS!
I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t include an outfit for a scenario that requires something a little dressier. Here’s to that date where a suit is standard: You’ll need –
I know what you’re thinking, “A light blue suit?” It might seem strange but allow me to explain. Being that it’s currently spring, selecting a lighter color than normal is right on par. Not only is it dope color, it’s unexpected. Your date will definitely appreciate it.
I'm recommending the pocket square but that’ll be your call. In my opinion it adds a nice touch. Should you decide to do so, avoid going with something that matches too well with the suit. An example of this would be a plain white or navy-blue pocket square. Those add no stylish value to the look. Instead consider a nice contrasting color that doesn’t steal the show. I'm sure you noticed the wool slipper option. Look, sometimes you just wanna get real playa on em. That's a card you'll have to play. I'm just placing the deck on the table.
Dating in 2020 is a whole new experience. But this isn’t your first rodeo. Now that you’ve got the inspiration and tools, go have your first virtual date! Pro tip; (Only if this is someone you've established a relationship with) Send her dinner and drinks ahead of time if it's an evening date 😎
B. Swan - The Script