Can I wear jeans on a first date in New York?

Yes, for most bars and casual restaurants. Choose a dark, straight pair and pair it with a fine knit and leather or suede shoes.

What should men wear to a networking event?

Check the invitation and the host. For a formal business reception, a navy suit and a pale shirt are the safest choice. For a founders' dinner or creative event, a blazer with trousers or dark jeans is usually right.

How do I go from the office to a date without changing?

Take off the tie, open the top button and make sure your shoes work for walking. A long coat ties the look together on the way.

What to Wear on a Date or to a Networking Event in New York: A Stylist's Guide for Men

Man in a tan double-breasted blazer over a white open-collar shirt, straight-leg blue jeans, white socks, and black loafers — A tan double-breasted blazer, white shirt, and straight-leg jeans strike an easy balance between dressed up and relaxed.
Image: MR PORTER

In New York, you can leave the office in Midtown at six and be on a date in the West Village by seven. In between, there's a subway ride, a few blocks on foot, and probably nowhere to change. When I put together a wardrobe for a client, I think about that whole evening. What will he wear once he checks his coat? Can he walk comfortably if dinner turns into another drink somewhere else? A few well-chosen pieces can take you through all of it. The trick is knowing which details to change for the room you're walking into.

A daytime date

For coffee and a walk, I like the combination of a herringbone coat, a ribbed turtleneck, and off-white trousers. The coat gives the outfit shape, while the knit and lighter palette make it feel right for the middle of the day. Dark loafers and a braided belt give all those pale shades a little contrast. If the plan includes a long walk, wear shoes you already know you can spend an afternoon in. I'd save the light trousers for a dry day and reach for darker ones if the sidewalks are wet.

Man in a long herringbone coat, a ribbed turtleneck, off-white pleated trousers, a braided belt, and dark loafers — A herringbone coat, ribbed turtleneck, and off-white trousers for a daytime date.
Image: MR PORTER

A first date over drinks

For a cocktail bar on the Lower East Side, I'd happily send a client out in a black crewneck, charcoal jeans, and black suede loafers. It's a simple combination, and the details carry it. The jeans fall straight, the knit sits neatly at the waist, and the suede adds texture without introducing another color. If you wear jeans most days, this is an easy way to make them feel ready for an evening out. I'd throw on a short wool jacket if it's cold and swap the suede loafers for leather boots if it's raining.

Man in a black crewneck sweater, straight charcoal jeans, and black suede loafers — A black crewneck, charcoal jeans, and suede loafers for a first drink downtown.
Image: MR PORTER

A dinner date somewhere dressier

For a dinner reservation, I love a dark brown blazer over a fine gray mock neck, with black pleated trousers and leather loafers. The blazer gives the outfit structure, while the knit feels softer than a dress shirt. Brown, gray, and black are especially good together when there's enough difference in tone and texture to see each layer. If the restaurant has a dress code, check it before you leave. I'd also try sitting down in the jacket and trousers at home. You'll spend most of dinner seated, and that's when you find out whether the waistband or shoulders feel tight.

Man in a dark brown blazer over a fine gray mock-neck sweater, black pleated trousers, a black belt, and black leather loafers — A dark brown blazer and gray mock neck make tailored black trousers feel right for dinner.
Image: MR PORTER

A formal networking event

For a finance reception or corporate event with a formal business dress code, I'd choose a navy suit, a pale blue shirt, and a dark tie with a small pattern. The white pocket square in the photo adds just enough contrast. Black leather loafers work for many receptions, while polished black lace-ups are my choice for a more conservative room. If the invitation is vague, I look at who's hosting and at photos from past events. A reception at a private club in Midtown and a founders' dinner downtown can both be professional gatherings, with very different expectations.

Man in a navy suit, pale blue shirt, dark patterned tie, white pocket square, and black leather loafers — A navy suit, pale blue shirt, and patterned tie for a formal business reception.
Image: MR PORTER

A gallery opening or creative-industry event

The outfit at the top of this guide is what I'd suggest to a client for a gallery opening or a professional gathering in a creative field. The tan double-breasted blazer has a strong shoulder, and the white shirt and straight blue jeans make it feel easy to wear. Black loafers finish the outfit. I especially like the white socks here. They pick up the shirt and give the combination a bit of personality. If you're invited to a small dinner with founders and you know the room will be a little dressier, swap the jeans for charcoal wool trousers and keep the rest.

Man in a charcoal double-breasted blazer, a white open-collar shirt, white jeans, and black loafers — A charcoal double-breasted blazer, open-collar shirt, and white jeans: another easy option for a gallery opening.
Image: MR PORTER

Man in a green double-breasted blazer with a patterned pocket square, a black turtleneck, navy pleated trousers, and black loafers — A green double-breasted blazer, black turtleneck, and navy pleated trousers for a dressier dinner with founders.
Image: MR PORTER

Straight from the office to dinner

A blue-and-white striped shirt, dark pleated trousers, and a long dark coat can carry you from a day at work to dinner. The shirt gives the outfit some life when the coat comes off. If you wore a tie at the office, take it off and open the top button before you head out. On days when I know a client will be walking several blocks, I pay particular attention to the shoes and trouser length. Try the two together. A hem that looks good with boots may sit too low over a flatter shoe, especially on a wet sidewalk.

Man in a long dark coat over a blue-and-white striped shirt, dark pleated trousers, and black shoes — A striped shirt and dark trousers work from the office through dinner, with a long coat for the trip downtown.
Image: MR PORTER

When I go through a client's wardrobe, I photograph the combinations he'd actually wear, right down to the shoes. You can do the same with three outfits you already own. Pick one for a first drink, one for a dinner reservation, and one for a business reception. Try them on in full and save the photos together. The next time an invitation lands halfway through your workday, you'll have somewhere to start.

Questions

Can I wear jeans on a first date in New York?: Yes, for most bars and casual restaurants. Choose a dark, straight pair and pair it with a fine knit and leather or suede shoes.
What should men wear to a networking event?: Check the invitation and the host. For a formal business reception, a navy suit and a pale shirt are the safest choice. For a founders' dinner or creative event, a blazer with trousers or dark jeans is usually right.
How do I go from the office to a date without changing?: Take off the tie, open the top button and make sure your shoes work for walking. A long coat ties the look together on the way.

If you'd rather have these outfits planned for you, see Men's NYC Wardrobe Concierge or Men's Virtual Wardrobe Concierge.

Anna Galebach is a personal stylist in New York City and founder of MUSH. She works with founders, executives and professionals in New York and worldwide.