The most romantic day of the year is less than 72 hours away.
Got a plan? You gotta have a plan.
Here are some ideas.
1. Get Fancy
When was the last time you and your girl got fancy?
Chances are, she has a sexy dress in the back of her closet that she’s been waiting for an occasion to wear. If she doesn’t, maybe you can start the celebration early by taking her shopping for a little something special. A side note from experience: keep in mind that dress shopping can be a little stressful for a woman. If she can’t find the perfect fit, don’t forget, you have a good relationship with a great tailor (right?).
We found Karyn’s vintage dress at Fabulous Fannies in the lower east side and had our friends at The Tailoring Room nip it up. She’s also wearing the most stunning diamonds I’ve ever seen in person from Van Cleef & Arpels.
I love formalwear. It’s man at his best. Definitely my favorite category to design, and wear. For that reason, I’m always open for an occasion to break out a classic tuxedo or swagged-out dinner jacket.
The opera is one of the few readily accessible occasions that allows for formal attire. So buy some tickets and get fancy. It makes for an occasion that is romantic and memorable. And don’t forget, a tuxedo is not designed to be taken off early. Find a swanky lounge near your place after the show and don’t be afraid to pick up the tempo with a few stiff drinks.
I designed this perforated velvet dinner jacket extra-slim through the midsection, with a buttonhole on each front panel. Then I sewed two grosgrain-covered front buttons together with a 3″ sterling silver chain.
In my opinion, this “removable toggle button” is an innovative accessory that puts a very subtle spin on the classic dinner jacket silhouette. I made a few different versions of the toggle as well, one with a gold chain, one braided leather with silver buttons, etc.
Special thanks to The Metropolitan Opera for allowing us to shoot in their legendary space at Lincoln Center. Check out this week’s performance schedule here.
- Black perforated velvet dinner jacket by Michael Andrews Bespoke (Cloth by Ariston C079/3)
- Removable toggle button with silver chain Handmade by Dan Trepanier
- White hidden placket formal shirt by Boss Black
- Watch by Montblanc Timewalker Automatic (42mm)
- Black silk cummerbund by Brooks Brothers
- Charcoal wool/cashmere bowtie Vintage
- Black velvet tassel slippers by Stubbs & Wooton
42 Comments Add a comment
Hell yeah Alex!
Wes is looking swag here with that hair.
That’s casanova!
Lol
A tuxedo without the breast pocket! Not a bad idea but isn’t it more interesting with the classic pocket square?
I bought a Zegna tux at last call and it doesn’t have a breast pocket either. I was surprised by this, but my tux is also shawl collar like the one Dan is sporting. Maybe it’s a specific touch to that style.
I had a lot of fun looking at this posting. You all looked like you were having a genuinely great time taking these shots.
Beautiful couples and Excellent chemistry.
May you all stay together.
really digging the second look, simple and fun! using the valentines colors played really well!
Amazing jacket Dan! In terms of getting some of that velvet..I’m in men’s tailoring right now at school and that would be perfect for next semester! Would love to chat with them at least! I am also looking for a good wool/silk blend in emerald green for a suit for a show! Would love some insight there!
thanks!
Neil
Dan – your personal tweak to the jacket is freaking great. Awesome.
All very strong looks as usual – the variety you present here shows you guys put in a good amount of thought into this post. Great job!
I have been following you guys for a while now and over the last couple of months you have really upped the ante. The quality of posts and looks were always there, but you have taken it up several notches with the new ideas and variety of looks and options you present.
Keep it up guys. You are really going to knock this out of the park.
thanks Marcus, you always give great insight w/ your comments.
I understand that the four of you guys are opposite-sex oriented, but do you have any suggestions for same-sex male couples who want to look complementary but not identical? I err on the side of trad with a bit of a TSB sense of humor (blazer, pocket square, brightly colored socks), whereas my partner tends to be much less fussy (occasionally OCBDs, usually sweater and chinos with sneakers) but will generally wear what I recommend.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
It would be pretty subtle-yet-romantic if both of you wore your typical dressy digs, but with matching pocket squares (Valentine’s Day colors, of course). Just my personal opinion, but I think it would be noticeable without being over the top.
Since towni cooked for you guys, did you at least give him some action?
Jk. Great post. Cheers.
Hi guys, this is so amazing and motivating! Great job, nice to see this combination of fashion and Valentines, I almost had goosebumps reading your article. Now I am really looking forward to my date on thursday :)
Best regards from Norway!
is the bartender in the last slide cory sylvester from shopping on a budget? It really looks like him.
Nice spot and good memory!
The dinner jacket is so impressive, it’s unfair for Alex, Towni and Wes.
Since someone mentioned it, how do you choose the linings on your jackets?
I typically try to chose a lining that is congruent with the colors of the fabric but contrasts it’s pattern in a visually appealing way (never striped lining with pinstriped fabric, or check lining with glenplaid fabric, for example).
In this case, I went with a black/grey illustrated paisley since it’s formal-esk, black & white and doesn’t mimic the dot-like pattern of the perforated velvet fabric.
Cheers,
Dan
The girls are stunning!!!
The unwritten benefits of good style :)
you should see them in person.
Let’s be real here–Wes is probably the last person in NYC to not have a date on Valentine’s Day.
Haha unless it were by choice :)
hah this made my day John.
Great post and great ideas! Towni – Did you take cooking lessons? Wes – That look is awesome with just a lil hint of red for Vday. Alex – Winter Whites looking sharp and clean! Dan – impeccable as always!
Hey Ray, thanks for reading! And to answer your question, nope. Just have always been interested in cooking, and grew up loving (and still watching reruns of) Jacques Pepin on PBS. Would love to take some classes though!
Very, very strong post. Love it!
Wes killin’ it as usual. I see you, player!
good lookin out Bob! hah
All great looks – I’m really feeling Alex’s white (jeans) on white (snow) look though. Posts keep getting better and better TSB team.
Great article. I have to say though that “Fabulous Fannies” made my crack up laughing. Such a different meaning in Ireland :lol:
hahaha, same bud!
Dan, the removable toggle button is sweet, but that paisley lining is even sweeter.
Amazing!…All outfits are great, but my favourite is the last one (it`s simple, but it gives you a morale boost).
This is THE most entertaining article I’ve read here. It’s just the right amount mens fashion, romantic advice and also some personal touches from all of you at TSB. I really enjoy the articles where it feels like we get to know you at TSB just a little more.
Thanks Victor. I think you’ll really enjoy our upcoming video series. That is, if we ever get it off the editing room floor…
Great post!
Is Wes’s jacket the same one as Dan’s?
or perhaps there’s bromance in the air? ;)
On a serious note, awesome post. Especially Towni’s advice on homecooked meals. I might do the same since my budget isn’t big enough for an event that requires a tux.
I keep a pretty liberal policy when it comes to the team borrowing from the TSB styling closet :)
there’s a strong bromance amongst the four of us… I think.
dan, the perforated velvet dinner jacket is simply stunning.
Thanks Cam. I’m really hype about it.