I was reading my email while eating lunch, and clicked on this – color me clueless, but if a guy showed up for a first date wearing khakis and a striped shirt I’d probably think he looked nice.
I feel so middle-aged.
Geez, why does this have to be so complicated? :mad: 
I’d *prefer * jeans and a non-work-looking shirt, but khakis and a striped shirt wouldn’t be a dealbreaker.
Running shoes, on the other hand, are *absolutely * a dealbreaker, and they should have specified Vans or Chucks or something similar when they say “sneakers.” I’d also point out that even these are only acceptable for the *most * casual of dates, and I think you should skip them on a FIRST date.
Well, I gotta say…I hate when I look around and everyone is in the nondescript khaki uniform, which gives no hint of anything beyond the fact that the guy probably has a job in an office. Jeans, when done right, really can give people an idea of who you are.
But what do I know? I’ve been off the playing field for a couple decades.
Signed, Kalhoun (who’s never dated a person who even OWNED a pair of khakis, let alone wore them)
Meh. I’m 25 and wouldn’t turn down a guy just b/c he showed up in khakis. I’m not a fan of them myself and I do prefer jeans on most guys, but still - they’re just khaki pants. Khakis & a tucked-in buttoned down shirt would be weird to me, but only because it DOES make me think of business casual - a look a dislike in general. I’d deal with it if he was otherwise date-able, though.
I mean, it’s not like he showed up in a sweater with bunnies on it, or anything. 
Personally, I like khakis. But then again, I’m easy.
Sheesh, who knew there were so many rules?
I like guys who dress in a way that reflects their personal tastes, not the latest “how to date” blather on MSN.
You and I seem to be pretty much on the same wavelength here (see my post upthread). Let’s hook up; I’ll wear whatever pants you like, or none at all. 
Yet another reason I’m glad I don’t have to deal with dating. I swear, if aliens came down tomorrow and abducted my sweetie, I’d just resign myself to life alone. Ain’t *no way * I’m going back out there!!
I wouldn’t wear jeans on a date, but that’s because I hate the so-called “dress jeans” style. The only jeans I’ve ever owned are Levi’s 501 button-flies, and I wear 'em into the ground.
On the other hand, I wouldn’t wear khakis or stripes, either. For a relatively casual first date I’d wear a pair of dark slacks and (for summer) a bold-colored polo shirt or (for winter) a bold-colored solid button-down long-sleeve shirt.
You should know, though, that I insist on wearing a tie to a nice restaurant, even though around here (Silicon Valley) people sometimes show up in shorts. Ugh. Since I do triathlongs, I have great legs (IMHO), but I only wear shorts in extremely casual situations.
[looks down at current ensemble]
Good thing I’m not on a date, I guess.
At least I’m not wearing white socks.
See, that’s the thing. I tend to dress for dates the way I dress for work – a skirt and a solid-color fitted t-shirt, perhaps, in the summer (or a sweater in the winter); or a dress – but basically “looks nice, not terribly fashionable – attractive but conventional.” 'Cause, yanno, that’s how I dress. The other way I dress is when I’m home, evenings and weekends – shorts or jeans and a T-shirt with words or art, or a sweatshirt in winter. And that’s not how I would dress for a “date.”
So, yeah, khakis and a striped shirt seems like exactly the male equivalent of that.
How 'bout a Hawaiian shirt with skulls?
Are women really “shoe-obsessed?” Or just the kinds of women who would make lists like this?
Definitely the latter. I can only think of two shoe choices offhand that would be egregious enough to make me consider a guy not dateable, one being the previously mentioned running shoes, and the other being cowboy boots, which is just my own personal “thanks, but no” opinion.
Well, I’m shoe-obsessed, but only with my own shoes. I wouldn’t make a list like that, though. I generally don’t notice men’s shoes unless they’re particularly wacky or totally inappropriate (like Birkenstocks with a 3-piece suit).
Oh crap. And it took me a while to decide on that outfit, too.
Hmmm… maybe the one with the kittens…
“Let’s face it: Women love clothes. Why else are they constantly shopping and complimenting their girlfriends on that incredible new top or pair of pumps?”
:rolleyes: Let’s face it. Men are sexist assholes. Why else are they constantly making pointless silly blanket statements about one half the world’s population?
Which of course they ALL do. Constantly :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
I’m not saying he doesn’t have some valid points IMHO. The point being MO. I like jewel tones, never cared for striped shirts. But that’s me. Oh and my SO showed up for our first day in all black and impressed the hell out of me. Might just have more to do with who you are, who she is, and what you’re doing for the date. There are no rules. Silly, silly, silly.
Oh god, Birkenstocks. I’d actually like to amend my previous post to include sandals. All sandals. Or mandals, if you will. I don’t care if they’re Birkenstocks, Tevas, flip flops, or those horrible leather "fashion"mandals, men should not wear open-toed shoes away from the beach. Ever.
I’m supposed to notice socks?
Wow. I’m glad I’m married. Dating sounds so stressful.