ALPHA MALE: 3 Style Rules For Going Out

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Thursday, October 18, 2012

Rob Babigian, GoLocalWorcester Men's Style Expert

Ever wonder what you wear for a night out on the town? GoLocalWorcester Men's Style Expert Rob Babigian fills you in.

When in doubt, be the best dressed guy in the room

Whether you are going out for Happy Hour or have a dinner date with your significant other, never be afraid to be overdressed. That does not mean throw on a suit to go to the bar with your buddies. But if you have a job and you wear a suit daily, take off the tie, throw on a pair of clean, white canvas sneakers and meet up with your friends. Your friends know what you do for a living, so do not be ashamed to take your look from day to night without taking off the whole ensemble. And dinner with your mate? It never hurts to know what they are wearing ahead of time and dress accordingly. More casual dinner? Ditch the dress trousers and grab some dark denim jeans to pair with that tie and blazer. Going uptown? Compliment your partner's look with a shirt or pocket square in their favorite color.

Date night at the movies is casual, but still cool

Admit it, you still love going to the movies. Who doesn't? As a father of three, I personally still get excited when I get to to catch a flick without a big Disney insignia lighting up the screen. But chances are, you still dress like dad even when the kids are at home with the babysitter. It is ok to go casual and comfortable without looking like soccer practice just ended. Take a moment to grab a clean pair of slim, straight chinos, and a perfectly fitted crew neck sweater or even marled wool or cotton sweatshirt. Chilly night? You are still just going from home to car to building, so throw a great denim trucker or cotton Harrington jacket on for the short trip. And a scarf is always a good accommodation to share with your partner when she inevitably gets cold halfway through the movie. And for my money, this is where that suede Chukka boot can reign supreme and finish off your look from head to toe.

The formal event is the true chance to show off

OK, once in a great while many of us really do like to get dressed up. Whether you have a weekend evening wedding, box seats at the theater or tickets to opening night of a new museum exhibition, this is where you can really shine. In these occasions, it may not be as much about feeling overdressed (how can you really?), but rather it is an opportunity to score with details. Fit is a big factor in looking your best. At the theater, you may be one of 100 guys in a navy blazer, but that your cuffs hit just right, the chest is not a size too big for your frame and the length is proportioned to your body type, you know you took that next step above the 99 other guys.

I had a black tie wedding this Summer and the best choices I made were my perfectly fitted shirt and tux, hand-tied bow tie and homemade cuff links. I did not look out of place amongst the other penguins, but I stood out because I know my body type and how it should look in garb fit for even the most formal of settings. The pocket square to match my beautiful girlfriend's dress (and her favorite color) did not hurt things in the bonus points department either. The point is I paid attention to the details.

The type of occasion may dictate the level of sophistication and propriety of the look you choose for a night out. But regardless of what level that beer with pals, dinner with your spouse or formal gala event calls for, remember it is your effort that counts. It is always ok to feel comfortable and dressed appropriately for an occasion. It is never ok to be lazy about doing so. Though I may just allow for dinner and a movie in sweatpants at home on the couch as an exception. After all, rules are always made to be broken.

Robert Babigian is owner of WHARF Clothing & Wares, a menswear retail boutique located at 212 Westminster Street in Providence, RI. A native Rhode Islander, Rob started WHARF after 2 decades in marketing and sales to fulfill his desire to combine his loves of consumer branding, small business and style that would fulfill a niche for desirable men's clothing in the Providence market. The apparel and accessories found at WHARF reflect Rob's own personal aesthetic—a combination of traditional New England staples mixed with modern fits, construction and fabrics blended together with a touch of European style. For more tips or to shop the store, stop in and see Rob and his staff or reach them online at shopwharf.com.

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