Since we have always seen dating as a sport – one in which you practice fundamentals, which, along with your natural skills, make you a better player.  Not “player”, in the sense that you’re only goal in life is to bed as many women as humanly possible and you’ll say/do anything to make that happen (and give the rest of mankind a bad name in the process), but a player on the dating field who belongs out there in the mix, is comfortable and has good game.  When you take that game out into the world to see how it flies, her seeing you for the first time will impact if and how things progress.  Don’t underestimate what a strong first impression can do for you, just like she knows a strong first will do for her.  She’ll bring her “A” game, you can bet on it.  You planning on bringing yours?

Whether you’re meeting her for the first time or the tenth, now’s not the time to toss-off close attention to the clothes you’ll wear for the date and the last-minute things you can do so you look your best. Remember – as we have continued to believe - we’re not talking about a wardrobe overhaul.  We’re talking about taking a hard look at what you have and figuring out what you need. Sort of like what a GM does with his roster every year.  He figures out what he can keep, what he can discard, and what he needs so his team’s game continues to improve.  Or from another angle, know that every sports team changes its uniform design every so often (except for the Yankees and the Raiders, because some teams just get it right the first time). Yes, it’s to sell more merchandise – hey, you got the new Golden State Warriors uni?  But it’s also an attempt to create a new image or persona, to change up the karma associated with the players.  

When it comes to dating, you should consider your image, too. From the message you’re trying to convey and what not to wear to how to look modern and hip without looking like you’re trying too hard, Be Better Guys has some tips for the dating guy so that your image can positively affect your performance on the field.  We break it down into three major “rules” so it’s easy to get.

Rule #1: What you wear makes a statement about who you are. Unfortunately for some guys, it’s the wrong type of statement. Remember the Seinfeld episode where Jerry gets talked into wearing a dorky pirate shirt for a TV interview? That would be an example of a wrong type of statement. On a date, think like any good coach would - play to your strengths and downplay your weaknesses.

• Give yourself the once-over in the mirror before you head out. Brush off any lint and pet fur and take care of any spots or stains. In other words, change your sweater or shirt if you have to.
• Get a shoe shine. Believe us when we tell you she’ll notice if your shoes are scuffed and banged up. If you can’t find a place to get them shined, pick up a shoe shine sponge from a cobbler or your drugstore and shine ‘em up yourself.
• Pay attention to the details.  It’s the little things, like matching your belt with your shoes or wearing a stylish pocket square, that a woman always notices.  Gaze in wonder how she matches her earrings, necklace, handbag, nail polish, eye liner…and shoes.  Yes, she will notice all details about you, too.
• Understated is always better. If you’re unsure of what to wear, go low-key: wear a white shirt and a dark suit or a dark sports jacket with dark blue jeans. You will look sharp and appropriate for most date occasions.  A good go-to outfit.
• Have a go-to outfit, or two.  Every guy has a couple of items in his repertoire that he knows he looks particularly sharp in – a pair of jeans, a shirt, a sweater.  Be able to mix up these go-to items so you have some versatility.  If you don't own any go-to items, buy some. She’ll bring her go-to outfit; step up and bring yours.  And have more than one for when you have that second date.
• Carry a handkerchief. Even if it’s hidden from view, you’ll find some reason to use it.   
• Ballcaps to a movie?  No.  Sweats to happy hour?  Nope.  Sports jersey to dinner?  Come on.  Even if it is the always-cool retro Julius Erving.  Not on a date.
• Put your phone away. If you wear your cell phone on your belt, and let’s hope you don’t, put it in a jacket pocket before the date.  She should be your main priority, not your next call.

Why It’s Better to Have More Than One Go-To Outfit:  David goes on a date with Girl #1.  Wears his one go-to outfit – navy blazer, white dress shirt, navy patterned tie, patterned tan pants.  Date goes fine but that’s all Girl #1 wanted to give David.  So it goes. Two weeks later, David’s got a date with new Girl #2.  He wears the same go-to outfit but to a different establishment. Didn’t matter. Why? Because a few tables over was Girl #1 on a date of her own. She looks over at David, notices the very same outfit she saw on him two weeks before, and mouths the words, “Sharp!”  Sarcastically.  And goes back to her date.  Ouch.  Big ouch.

Rule #2: Dress for the occasion. If the date’s to a hockey game, jeans and a polo shirt are perfectly acceptable. The problem is, too many men show up wearing that ensemble to the “drinks at the bar” date and the “let’s meet for dinner” date when a classier, more stylish outfit is really a better fit.

• Overdressed is better than underdressed. Really. A date is the time to impress, so being overdressed is always better than being underdressed. More than likely, your date will be dressed to be seen. Even on a casual date like a ball game or a movie, expect her to bring some style. You should, too, even if it means you’re a bit formal.
• Leave the promotional clothing at home. A date is not the time to wear a company-logo shirt of any kind. Those are for industry conferences or the golf course, not for meeting a potential love interest for the first time.  That you want to get to know better.
• If in doubt, ask. Call the restaurant, nightclub, or theater and confirm the dress code so you don’t find yourself at a “jacket required” establishment in a denim shirt.

Rule #3: Work with what you’ve got, supplement with what you need.  The biggest enemy of old ball players and first dates is time. If the date’s directly after work, do you try to get home and change or go with what you wore to work? Hey, you’ve got options.  Just think ahead, that’s all we ask.  If you’re meeting her right after work, here are some suggestions for transitioning smoothly:

• Play to the strength of the male wardrobe - the suit. Like those classic Yankee pinstripes, a suit is almost always a “can’t miss” on a date and we recommend it if you’re ever unsure about what to wear. You can dress it up or down, depending on the occasion. Assuming you wear one for work, try these tips:
• Ditch the tie and open your shirt collar a button or two.  If you have the flair, slip the shirt collar outside of the suit collar.  Just don’t go overboard and flap all over yourself, lest you be mistaken for Barry Gibb.  Or Barry White.
• Bring a v-neck sweater with you to work and layer it over your dress shirt beneath the suit jacket for a more relaxed look. You can put the shirt collar out of the sweater and look stylish.
• Break the suit up by wearing the suit jacket with a pair of jeans and dress boots. You’ll look sharp and polished with a minimum of effort.  Keep the shirt tucked in for a crisper, more refined appearance.  Don’t want to be mistaken for a guy still in the frat trying to play “grown up.”
• Pocket squares are a good way to liven up your suit for after-work duty. Grab one that complements the colors in your suit and shirt before you set out for work in the morning and plop it in your breast pocket with the corners exposed. She’ll like it. Trust us on this one.

• OK, so maybe you don’t do suits.  Here are a couple of items you can pick up to go with what you already own.  You can bring some of these date-appropriate items with you to work when you leave the house in the morning. You can change in the bathroom at work or at your gym (with a shower and space for some quick grooming clean up – hey, where’d that evil nosehair come from?).  Check out these pieces to give you a hipper look:
• Zip front cardigan. The sweater creates a long line that’s slimming for a lot of guys. It you’re a thin guy, the sweater adds a bit of bulk to your frame.
• V-Neck pullover sweater.  Couple of options – put it on over a dress shirt and pull the collar out or lose the dress shirt entirely and wear the v-neck as is.  No logos on the chest and make sure the sweater’s not too big for your frame.  Don’t want it to look like a car cover.
• A shirt of a vivid solid color, bold checks, thicker stripes, or other strong patterns. No one needs to see you in another dull blue Oxford button-down shirt. Get something with some punch but be careful to avoid looking cheesy.  Ask a salesperson for his or her opinion if in doubt.  Shoot for shirts with a trimmer fit if you have the bod for it, which eliminate that blousy effect.
• A casual sport jacket.  Yes, you can wear your navy blazer over a pair of jeans.  Or you could wear a sport jacket with some style – for summer, say a cotton one that has patch pockets and a drape that is less formal than a business suit jacket.  With a v-neck sweater or bold shirt, you’re sending a stylish message.
• Flat-front pants or dark blue jeans. The multi-pleated pants from the ‘90s aren’t happening any more.  Only very big guys should wear pants with two or three pleats. Both flat-front pants and dark blue jeans provide a modern, stylish look.   Black jeans?  Not unless you’re waiting tables at a rock club…which David did years ago.
• Dress boots or stylish slip-ons. Make a strong impression by wearing shoes other than the standard wing tips or tassel loafers you wear to work every day. Consider Chelsea boots or lace-up ankle boots in smooth leather or suede, or suede slip-on loafers with an elongated toe box and a high vamp.  Either is a great option and will lend some class and cool to your image.

Ultimately, the most important thing to remember about your wardrobe is to always wear clothes that fit your personality, your body type, and that make you feel comfortable.  Sure, your clothes should be updated and have some style, but anyone can tell you’re faking it if you’re wearing something that isn’t you just to look “cool.”  Now, if you haven’t purchased any new clothes since MC Hammer was a baseball prospect for the Oakland A’s (didn’t know that, did you?), it’s time for an upgrade.  But more than likely you already own enough items to make a strong first impression without needing a major overhaul. Remember, what you wear makes a strong statement.  Make that statement a winning one.