Are Jeans and a Sweater OK for a Date?

What you wear on a date has everything to do with where you are headed. The good news is that today's jeans come in all styles and colors, making it easy to dress them up or down, depending on who you are with and what you'll be doing. The same goes for a sweater -- men and women can sport everything from a slouchy button-down cardigan to a well-fitted, thinly woven crew neck. Wear jeans and a sweater with confidence that the outfit is stylish and appropriate in a variety of dating situations.

Distinguish Day from Night

You can't go wrong with a nicely tailored, well-fitted pair of dark jeans for a daytime or nighttime date. Women headed to a morning movie date look good in jeans with a cute flat shoe or mules and a short-sleeved, belted cable knit sweater. Or tuck a fitted, cashmere sweater into your jeans for simple elegance. Men can wear a thin, striped V-neck sweater with a solid T-shirt underneath or a cool Henley left open to reveal a colorful tee. At night, women can elevate the jean and sweater combo by wearing heels and an embellished sweater or ruffle wrap. Men might step it up a notch in a cable-knit sweater or colorful sweater under a solid blazer.

Evaluate Your Date's Style

If you know your date dresses on the rugged side, feel free to rough it up yourself with a pair of slightly ripped jeans, slouchy sweater and boots. It's important to discern casual vs. sloppy, however. Choose to go more conservative if she is,too; perhaps a fine-knit turtleneck sweater in the spring or a thick wool variety in the winter. The key is to stay grounded in your own unique look but coordinate with your date's sense of style, so that you don't feel off on your fashion sensibilities.

What to Avoid

Stay far away from loud or holiday-inspired sweaters, and sweaters with large logos or sayings. The same goes for jeans; too many embellishments scream outlet store and will have your date wishing she stayed home. Also concentrate on fit. A sweater that is too tight on a woman may send the wrong message, just as one on a man makes it appear like he's trying too hard. Jeans can be straight-legged or boot cut, but refrain from wearing anything exaggerated either way. Lastly, keep the acid jeans at the thrift store where they belong. Jeans should be colored or feature a dark or vintage wash.

Know Where You Are Headed

The easiest way to choose a jean-sweater outfit is to know exactly what's on the menu for the date. Is dinner a for-sure destination but walking along the boardwalk is a maybe? Dress for both, and make sure to layer your top with tees and a coat, if necessary. Coordinate your attire to your shoes and the planned activity. If you planned to wear your embellished sandals but find out horseback riding is a possibility after lunch, you may have to change your jeans to a pair that goes well with thicker loafers or boots. The more information you have about your upcoming whereabouts, the easier it will be to choose your outfit.

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