Exciting, right? And as far as you know, the date will be smooth sailing from the time you pick her up to the goodnight kiss at her door. While it may indeed go smoothly, there might be one hitch you hadn’t counted on; one problem that even the most thorough dating guides fail to mention: ordering a bottle of wine.

Do you know what to do when your server bring a bottle of wine to your table? Do you even know how to read a wine list and select the correct vintage? Like most men, the answer to these questions is probably no. Don’t worry, though. We have a short guide to help you navigate the complicated task of ordering wine on your date.

Ordering Wine on a Date

Purchasing a high quality suits during a suits sale for your date is only the first step to impressing your date. The next step is ordering a glass of wine that will go well with your dinner without looking like you have no idea what you are doing.

• Learn as much as you can about the restaurant’s wine list beforehand, so you won’t have to feel the pressure when you’re on your date. Often, you can do this by simply calling and asking the hostess a few questions or by going online to the restaurant’s website. You may also be able to make a prior reservation during an off-peak hour to taste different wines. Also, find out if the restaurant even serves liquor. There’s nothing worse than promising your date a nice glass of wine with dinner, only to find out the restaurant doesn’t serve it.

• If you don’t want to take the chance of picking the wrong wine at the restaurant, see if they will allow you to bring your own. Some restaurants will allow you to do this, as long as you don’t bring a brand they sell and pay a corkage fee.

• When the server presents you with the wine list, don’t feel overwhelmed. Wine lists are difficult to read, but this isn’t a life or death decision. Ask your date what type of wine she likes. If she says she hates red wine, your list is narrowed down greatly. Otherwise, consider what you are eating. For fish dishes like tilapia, cod, and shellfish, choose a light white wine. For dishes smothered in tomato sauces, salmon, poultry, and meaty dishes, choose a red wine. If you are eating spicy food or pastas with cream sauces or vegetables, choose a sparkling wine or white wine.

• Don’t base your choice on price. While you will need to be comfortable with the price of the wine, it shouldn’t be the deciding factor. A moderately-priced wine can be just as wonderful as a high priced wine. A word of caution, however: avoid the house wine. It is usually selected by the restaurant to make a profit and is typically of poor quality.

The Presentation

Now that you’ve finally made a decision and ordered the wine you want, you still aren’t done. The server will come over to your table and present you with the bottle of wine. For many men, this process is more confusing than actually ordering the wine. It is an important step, though, because it is how you determine whether the wine is good enough to drink. Whatever you do, don’t grab the bottle out of the server’s hands. Follow these simple steps instead.

• When the server presents you with the unopened bottle, take a look at the label. If he brought you the wine you ordered, nod your head or say ‘yes.’ If he didn’t, don’t get upset. With the noise in the restaurant and your failed attempt to pronounce the name, there’s always a possibility the server didn’t understand what you wanted.

• After you have accepted the bottle, the server will uncork it and either hand you the cork or place it on the table in front of you. This is done so you can pick the cork up and look at it to make sure it isn’t cracked and dry. The cork should have one wet end if the wine is still good.

• Next, the server will pour a bit of wine into your glass. Smell the wine first; it should have a sweet or fruity odour to it. If it smells musty, mouldy, or vinegary, the wine may be bad. After you smell it, take a small sip and swallow it (even if it doesn’t smell right.) If it tastes vinegary, corky, or musty, let the server know. They may taste it as well to verify the bad taste and will take it back without any questions.

• If it tastes fine, let the server know. He will then fill up your date’s glass and then refill yours.

Luxurious and chic black suits, reservations at a fancy restaurant, and a great attitude are all needed for the perfect date, but you also need to know how to order a good glass of wine. Hopefully, this short guide has made ordering wine a much easier task for you.

The Right Fit For Your Accessories

• Shoes- With shoes, comfort is essential. After all, you don’t want to be in pain at the end of every day. However, it can be difficult to determine whether a shoe is going to be comfortable by just trying it on, and it can be even harder to determine when you purchase the shoes online. For the best results, be willing to test different types of shoes. Often, even within the same brand, shoes of the same size can fit differently. Also, keep in mind that both of your feet may not be the same size; one may be slightly larger than the other. Find a shoe that fits the larger foot to reduce any discomfort you may feel, and remember that your foot should never be visible through the shoe.

• Belts- Casual belts should never be more than 3.8 centimetres wide, and dress belts should never be larger than 3.3 centimetres wide. No matter what you are wearing the belt with, whether it be a pair of chinos or men’s wedding suits, the belt should be just as slim as your trouser waist and sit comfortable on your waist. When choosing a belt, make sure it is long enough to go completely around your waist, but not so long that it extends more than a few centimetres past your belt loop.

• Watches- Watches are a staple accessory with suits for men, and their fit should be considered before you wear them. They should never be so loose they slide on your arm, but they shouldn’t be so tight that they constrict blood flow or are uncomfortable. With leather bands for watches, it is also important to note that if there is excess leather hanging from the strap-keep, it may indicate your band is too long.

• Ties- Many men don’t pay attention to the ties they wear, aside from choosing a colour and learning how to tie a proper knot. However, it is also important to note how wide the ties should be, how long they should be, and how they should be tied. For dress ties, the average width is approximately 7.6 cm, while casual ties are much skinnier. The knot in the tie should be tied so it is secure to keep the tie in place over the shirt’s buttons, but loose enough to allow for airflow between the tie and shirt. Your tie should be long enough to just touch the centre of your belt.

• Pocket Squares- Sometimes simple is best, especially when it comes to pocket squares. While complicated folds can be learned, a simple fold will work best in most cases for your pocket square. Just remember the square should span your entire pocket and should stick out no more than 2.5 cm.

For men’s clothing, suits, and dress shirts, fit is always of the utmost importance. However, the fit of your accessories is just as essential for a complete and stylish outfit. The next time you purchase a new accessory for your wardrobe, keep these tips in mind.

For these reasons, many professional learn how to adopt the right work habits earn on. This allows them to begin their career on the right path and obtain the success they desire throughout the years. Whether you are just beginning a new occupation or you are already an established professional, there are always steps you can take to improve your work habits and performance.

Creating Professional Work Habits

• Set up a Game Plan- While it may seem just a bit too simple, setting up a list of daily tasks to follow can help you significantly when you are trying to improve your performance at work. It encourages a sense of purpose, increases your organizational skills, and helps you discern how to properly perform your duties. Create a chart of all of your daily tasks, and list three basic elements for each task: who it’s for, what is expected, and when and where you should report your progress. Stick to the list and make sure you meet each of your goals are met on time. Begin with daily tasks, then, once you have mastered planning daily tasks, extend to daily and monthly planning.

• Show Up Early- One of the most important habits you will need to develop as a professional is punctuality. Tardiness reflects poorly on both you and your employer, as it shows you lack respect, organizational skills, and are not reliable. While showing up late every once in a while because of a flat tire or other reasonable problem is understandable, it shouldn’t occur all the time. To prevent this, plan to arrive at work, dressed in your men’s suits, approximately 10 minutes early each day. Adopt the same habit for finishing assignments, meeting deadline, and attending meetings as well.

• Keep Your Desk Organized- If you sit at a desk all day, every day, there’s a good chance it is going to become a resting place for almost everything you need throughout the day. Don’t let. Nothing says “disorganized” more than a messy desk. Store the files you don’t need immediately in the file cabinet, stack your papers neatly, and throw away that wrapper from yesterday’s snack.

• Men’s Wardrobe- If you want to get ahead in your career, one of the most important steps you can take is addressing your professional attire. Your men’s wear says a lot about you, and it could be saying all the wrong things. Every time you think about grabbing that wrinkled shirt and tacky dress pants because “your job isn’t that important,” remember the old saying: Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. If success is important to you, your men’s clothes should reflect your ambition.

• Emails- While seemingly insignificant, your email inbox can say a lot about your organizational skills. While this type of communication may be convenient, it can also hinder your productivity in the workplace. If you receive an onslaught of emails every day, take a few moments to organize each one into specific folders, either related to the projects, subjects, or senders. Then, when you have a few extra moments during the day, you can look through one folder at a time and reply to them.

Old habits may be hard to break, but with just a little bit of effort you can easily replace them with new ones. No matter what your profession, remember to dress for success, be punctual, and develop these other professional habit to ensure a long and successful career.

Meeting the parents for the first time can be nerve-racking and exciting, but with the following tips, you don’t have to worry. You can go in prepared for almost anything.

Tips for Meeting Her Parents

While you may not be ready to don men’s wedding suits just yet, meeting her parents is a critical first step in your developing relationship, and it’s important you do it right.

• Gather Information- You wouldn’t go into a job interview without some basic information about the company you were hoping to work for, would you? You need to have the same attitude when meeting her parents. The more info you can obtain beforehand, the better off you will be. Talk to your girlfriend about her parent and her family. Are her parents still together? If they aren’t, have they remarried? Do they get along? Are they serious or do they appreciate a good (clean) joke? These questions will not only show her how much you care about making a good impression, but can prevent you from sticking your foot in your mouth.

• Get in Good With Her Mom- A mother is a special kind of person, and she can become your best ally or your worst enemy. While you don’t want to go overboard, pay special attention to her mother and try to get along with her. She will be the one inviting you over for dinner, sticking up for you when your girlfriend’s father is worried you don’t measure up, and reminding your girlfriend of all the great things you have done when she runs back home after you two have a fight.

• What to Bring- Most of the time, you will meet her parents in a relaxed setting, like dinner. If you are invited to her parent’s home, it’s proper to bring a gift. Make sure to ask your girlfriend for ideas and advice, though. While showing up at the door in men’s suits with a bouquet of flowers or a bottle of wine may be fine, it’s best to get the approval of your girl.

• What to Wear- Making a great first impression is essential, so don’t show up in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Consider the location when you are choosing between men’s clothing, suits, and shirts. Chinos and a polo shirt may be nice enough for a home-cooked meal, but if her parents are meeting you at a five-star restaurant, you are going to need to wear suits for men.

• What to Say- If you have any small-talk skills, now is the time to take them out and use them. It can be easy to run out of conversation topics during a parental meeting, especially if you don’t normally feel comfortable with new people right away. Take this time to ask about her father’s and mother’s interests (remember the gathering information tip from before?) and make sure the conversation is a two-way street. In other words, don’t do all the talking, but don’t sit there like a bump on a log either.

Meeting your girlfriend’s parents for the first time can be nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to be. You can prepare yourself by following these simple tips so you know what to say, what to wear, and what information you need to obtain beforehand.

Pant Breaks Affect Your Fit

In order to find the right fit for your trousers, you must first understand pant breaks. These are bends or folds that occur in the cuff of the leg when it reaches the length of your leg. The pant essentially ‘breaks’ when the cuff meets your shoe. If no break is present, the end of the pants will not break and will touch your shoes. There are three different types of pant breaks you should know about.

• Full Break- A full break describes a deep crease in the pants, where the pant break is so developed that if any more length is added to the pants, another break may develop.

• Quarter Break- Also called a slight break, this describes a pant break in which the trouser and shoe meet, but only slightly.

• Half Break- A half break, or medium break falls between the two extremes of a full break and a quarter break. With this pant break, the line is noticeable, but it isn’t significant.

Determining the Right Fit For Your Suits

• Suit Trousers- When it comes to determining the right fit for your dress suit trousers, there are several aspects to consider. First of all, the pants should sit directly on your hip bones, right below your navel. This allows them to hang conservatively. Drape is also affected by the size of the pants; remember the pants should be slim enough that you don’t need to wear a belt to hold them up, but not so tight that they cut into your skin. Your personal preference will determine what pant break you choose for your suit; some individuals like a full break, while others prefer to wear trousers with none at all.

• Chinos- Chinos will require a different type of fit than your black suit. They will sit an inch or so lower on your waist and will be worn a bit slimmer than suit trousers would. However, you can use the same type of fit for your chinos as your suit pants if you need to wear these trousers in a conservative environment. Always remember that while they can be a bit slimmer than your suit pants, they should still allow plenty of room in the back so they aren’t too form-fitting and do not cause the pockets to flare out away from the pants. A slight or medium pant break is generally preferred with chinos, as a full break often appears too sloppy.

• Cords- Corduroy pants should be measured for fit the same way you measure for chinos, making sure to avoid fits that are too slim or cause pocket flare. When worn casually, however, cords with full breaks or multiple pant breaks can be appropriate to wear.

When shopping for trousers, either for your suit or for casual wear, keep these tips in mind. Knowing how to identify the right fit for you is essential to building a strong wardrobe foundation.

If you want to stand out from the crowd, it’s important to learn how to pull together pinstripes. Why? Not only does a pinstriped men’s suit look absolutely amazing and set you apart from the crowd, but any man who can pull together a patterned tie, striped men’s dress shirt and pinstripe suit is really showing his fashion sense. If you want to learn how to properly rock a pinstripe suit, keep reading. We’ll take you there. By the end of this article, you’ll be more than confident of your ability to pull this fashion foundation together.

Putting Together the Pinstripe Men’s Suit

The pinstripe men’s suit is the ultimate in versatility. It’s perfect for weddings, business meetings, and other formal occasions, while also able to rock a regular day at the office or a night out on the town. Your pinstripe suit will get you from boring and bland to BOLD in a matter of minutes.

Before putting together your outfit, first take a moment to assess your pattern. Are your pinstripes bold or are they thin and on the lighter side? Depending on the contrast, your pinstripes may or may not be visible from a distance. This will make a difference in the dress shirt and tie you choose.

Pairing it Up

So, what’s the deal? How do you decide which dress shirt and tie to wear with your pinstripe men’s suit? First of all, start using fashion magazines and the Brook Taverner catalog for ideas. The photos are there for a reason, to help you learn how to pull together a smart look.

Can you wear a striped men’s formal dress shirt and a patterned tie with a pinstriped suit? Absolutely! In fact, here’s a wonderful example of how to put it together.

Try your combination on before the day you’ll be wearing it. A rule of thumb here is to keep the stripes on your shirt running in a vertical direction (which they generally are), and your tie can either be patterned or consist of diagonal stripes. With your shirt, you can pull from the colors of your suit. Your tie can stand on it’s own with a complimentary color and you can make use of a pocket square to tie in with one of the colors of your tie.

Sound difficult? It’s really not. Just like anything else, it’s a matter of practice. You may feel a bit self-conscious the first time you wear your bold, pinstriped men’s suit. Hey, that’s okay! I felt out of place and self-conscious the first time I drove my convertible car. I actually felt like the whole world was looking at me. After a while, you’ll get used to your suit, the same way I got used to driving with my top down. It takes a couple of times to feel comfortable with anything new. Don’t worry, no one will notice. All they will see is the bold statement you are making with your wardrobe!

Men’s Suits – A Must Have

Every man should have at least two men’s suits. If you are on a budget, head on over to Facebook and “like” Brook Taverner’s Page. By doing so, you’ll automatically receive a code that will give you 50% off of your next men’s suit purchase. The Caterham men’s suit is just over £200.00, so it will be extremely affordable with your Facebook code. If this is your first suit, we recommend the charcoal. It can easily be worn all year round and with a variety of men’s formal shirts and silk ties, you’ll be able to achieve several looks on a budget.

For your second men’s suit, we recommend a grey or navy. Either the Avalino or the Dawlish are perfect, and would keep your total purchase price for two men’s suits at under £500.00. You can’t find a deal like that on quality merchandise anywhere!

Men’s Formal Shirts

If you only have one or two men’s suits in your wardrobe, you can still get achieve five or six different looks just by mixing and matching your suits with different formal shirt and silk tie combinations. Again, look for the deals. Brook Taverner currently offers four shirts for £100.00. Be sure one of your formal shirts is crisp, white. You’ll also need about six silk ties and you’ll have over a week’s worth of business looks.

Casual Men’s Clothing

Casual clothing doesn’t need much of an explanation or introduction. It is worth mentioning that polo shirts or casual button-collar shirts and men’s chinos or jeans are best for public appearances at informal locations, such as the local coffee shop, grocery shopping, an afternoon at the library, or even a quick walk in the park with your four-legged friend.

A couple of pairs of chinos and three or four polo shirts will run you about £500.00 altogether. The casual clothing and the business wardrobe together will be well under £2000.00 and you’ll have a solid closet full of ready to wear items. You’ll always look your best and won’t have to worry about being under-dressed or running into someone you want to impress, but not looking the part.

Let’s face it, your wardrobe is just as much of a part of you as your hair cut. If you want to look your best on a budget, look into the tips we’ve provided for you!

Who knew footwear could be so important with your men’s suits?

Dress for Men: Quality Footwear Equals Style

Whether you are at work or at play, your shoes can be a source of style, expression, and confidence. Like many men, though, you may be a little apprehensive about choosing new shoes for your suits and casual attire. After all, there are so many different types of shoes to choose from, and not all of them are multi-purpose; so it can be hard to know where to begin. Before you give up hope, consider the following information about a few shoes that will help you stand out with style.

• Oxfords- Oxfords are dress shoes made of leather, suede, or synthetic materials. Traditionally, they are available in colours like chestnut, black, burgundy, cordovan, and brown. They were originally known in England as Balmorals, and today are viewed as plain shoes with little to no embellishments. Because of this, these dress shoes work for almost every occasion. Whether you are heading into the office in a authoritative power suit, going out on a first date, or saying “I do,” these shoes can serve multiple purposes.

• Moccasins- When you hear moccasins, you may think of cowboys and Indians, however these stylish and sleek shoes are much more advanced than the rugged shoes of those days. Unlike loafers, which are often confused with moccasins, these shoes are made from one piece of soft leather, have a flexible, soft sole, and are reserved for more formal occasions.

• Dress Boots- Dress boots work well with both casual and dressy clothes, so they are a must-have in a man’s closet. These shoes are ankle-length types of boots that are slim and have a slight heel. They are generally quite snug and are often embellished with various perforations for design.

• Semi-Brogue- A semi-brogue shoe is a type of cap shoe. These shoes are very similar to oxfords, except they generally have more embellishments and decoration. These shoes generally have a extra layer of leather over the top of the toes. If this extra layer creates a simple and clean line, the shoes can be worn for both formal and casual affairs; however, if this leather band and contrast stitching add stylish flair, the shoes should be reserved for only special occasions and should only be worn with men’s clothing suits of the same quality.

Yes, the shoes do make the man; just ask any woman. The next time you decide to purchase new suits for men, don’t forget to pick up one or two pairs of dress shoes as well. Choose a style that fits your personality and attire, so you can always look your best.

Suits for Man: Dress the Part

No matter what the occasion, you always need to dress the part. For a date or dinner with your boss or girlfriend’s parents, your attire should be chosen by the location the dinner or date will be and several other factors. If you aren’t sure what you should be wearing, consider the following:

• If the dinner will be held at a restaurant with cloth napkins, you should purchase a suit. When looking for a suit, shop for one that is stylish, fitted, and comfortable. With the right suit, you will look fashionable and confident.

• If you are having dinner with your boss or co-workers, always wear a suit. These types of dinners are typically just meetings outside the workplace. You still need to appear confident, professional, and ready to handle anything that comes your way.

Before Dinner

When you are on a date, there are certain rules of etiquette you need to follow before you even reach the restaurant.

• Offer her your arm when walking down the sidewalk, and position yourself on the outside, near the street. In the old days, this was done to prevent a woman’s clothes from being ruined by splashing mud from the road. In today’s society, it is done to keep a woman protected from would-be assailants hiding around and between parked cars.

• Open the car door for her. It’s charming and shows you are a true gentleman.

• Open the door at the restaurant for her as well, but be sure you are on the side where the door hinges. Otherwise, she has to duck under your arm.

When you are out with your boss, the rules change of course. It may be charming to offer your boss’ wife your arm as you walk down the sidewalk, but if your boss or co-worker is female, this gesture will seem too flirtatious. The same rule applies to car doors. When you arrive at the restaurant with your boss, you can hold the door for him or her, but it should be done differently than when you are a date. Instead of standing on the outside, go through the door and hold it open from the inside.

During Dinner

• If you are on a date, pull out your date’s chair before you sit down. If you are having dinner with your boss or co-workers, just sit at the table.

• Place your napkin in your lap as soon as you sit down and leave it there for the entire meal. If it, or anything else, falls on the floor, don’t reach down and pick it up. Simply ask the waiter for a new one.

• If there is more than one fork or spoon on the table, it generally means there will be more than one course. Start with the fork on the outside for the first course and leave the fork on your plate when you are done.

• Remember the manners your mother tried to teach you: elbows off the table, use your napkin to wipe your hands, not your suits and shirts, chew with your mouth closed, and cut your food into small, manageable bites.

• Be aware of your dinner partner’s eating habits and preferences. If he or she is a vegetarian, skip ordering the steak.

The Bill

When dinner is over and the bill comes, you may not be sure who is going to pay. For a date, you should always offer to pay. Some women like to split the bill, but some women believe the man should pay for the date. Always bring enough cash to pay for the entire meal.

If you are out to dinner with your girlfriend’s parents, always offer to pay for the meal. If they insist on paying though, let them. You can always use the extra money to purchase something nice for their daughter.

Business dinners are always paid for by the individual who did the inviting. If your boss asked you to the meal, let him pay. Don’t look at the check or even touch it.

If you are heading out with your girlfriend, her parents, or your boss, make sure you are dressed to impress in men’s suits and are following these basic rules of dinner etiquette.

Such is the power of the perfect suit, at least until you compromise its message with an unsavoury accessory. You may not realize it, but your accessories can affect the entire look of your suit, for the better or worse. So, you have to ask yourself: do your accessories agree with the message you want to send?

Whether You’re a Man or Woman: How Accessories Can Affect Suits, Dresses, and Other Clothing

While you may know the latest trends and styles for men’s clothes, you may not be as up-to-date with your accessories. Here are just a few accessories you may be carrying around and some information on what message you are sending with them.

• That Old Velcro Wallet- Arranging a nice business dinner, dressing well, and paying for the meal might impress your clients, but if you pull an old Velcro wallet, or any old tattered wallet, out of your luxurious suit jacket, your entire ensemble will change. Instead of sending the message that you are a professional, powerful man, you send the message that you don’t generally dress in business suits- you are just playing the part today. Spend a little extra on a sleek, fine quality, genuine leather wallet.

• Your Grandfather’s Briefcase- There are certain heirlooms that should stay in a box in your attic. Your grandfather’s briefcase should be one of them. While it may have been able to stand up to a lot of rough years, the gold clasps and green tinged leather don’t exactly scream success when you walk into the office. Retire the antique briefcase and purchase a new, more stylish workbag. You can choose from a variety of styles, including a solid briefcase, tote bag, portfolio bag, or messenger bag depending on the amount of papers and items you carry in it every day.

• The Watch- A trendy watch is great for weekends and backyard barbecues, but for the office, on dates, and for meetings, you want all of your accessories, including your watch, to exude success and style. For this reason, a more elegant and finely crafted watch is needed.  Choose a watch with a crisp, graceful design that is made from high quality materials.

• Pens- Novelty pens, logo pens, and ball point pens should never come within two feet of your suit. These not only seem cheap and un-business-like, but may stain your suit if they leak. When carrying a pen in your suit pocket, always place it on the inside pocket instead of the outside. Also, make sure the pen is elegant and classy; a pen your client will be impressed with you pull it out of your pocket and hand it to them to sign a contract.

Most men in suits think of themselves as classy, stylish, and authoritative figures. While the right suit can bring out these qualities, you need to be sure your accessories do as well so you always look your best.