Need to impress gf's parents

[dmm26]

So here's the deal, I usually wear a t shirt and jeans with a ball cap or do my hair. I don't really have anything dressy at all.

My gf's parents want her and I to go with them to see a play next month and I have nothing to wear. Should I go out and buy a suit or would that be too much?

I was thinking maybe something like this: http://www.tiptop.ca/casual.php

That way I can be dressed up but not over dressed for the evening.

A little tid bit about my girlfriends parents that may put things in to focus.

Their from England and quite proper, so I have to look sharp and "good enough" to be with their only daughter. Their super nice people and I just want to keep on impressing them!

Just realized my link doesn't go to the page I want. It's the second outfit from the left with the brown shirt.

 

[Austin]

I like that look on a young gent. If you really want to impress them, wear a suit with a tie. Don't forget a close shave.

 

[DunEdinRanger]

You may not need a suit, but I would suggest a tie. You can always remove the tie, but it is much harder to add one if you're under dressed.

Have you considered asking the GF what her parents consider proper attire, or how they are going dressed?

 

[Jim]

What is the venue and in what city? What time of day is the show? Are you going out to dinner before or after?

 

[SaintClarence27]

For that matter, there's absolutely nothing wrong with asking the parents what would be appropriate attire for the evening.

 

[Go West Young Man]

Looks good, with the proviso that for evening wear I'd chose darker colors.

Unless you're going to an extremely formal event, I think the suit may be a bit of overkill. It's going to be obvious you're wearing a brand new suit and you may come off as trying too hard.

 

[dmm26]

Were going to see joseph and the technicolor dream coat in the evening around 8, in winnipeg. Going for dinner before that. I'm sure it'll be hot as summer is in full swing now. Her parents usually wear like an evening dress for her mum and a sport coat and slacks for her dad.

@ ranger, I was also thinking about getting a tie =) just looks more complete

 

[RichGem]

A suit is probably overdoing it for a play, imho. But, nice pants, blazer, long sleeve button down, and tie would impress and not come off as trying too hard. A good shave, subtle (and not cheap smelling) scent, and well-done hair for the bonus score.

 

[Doc4]

Were going to see joseph and the technicolor dream coat in the evening around 8, in winnipeg. Going for dinner before that. I'm sure it'll be hot as summer is in full swing now. Her parents usually wear like an evening dress for her mum and a sport coat and slacks for her dad.

@ ranger, I was also thinking about getting a tie =) just looks more complete

Take your cue from the old man and dress similarly.

 

[RichGem]

Were going to see joseph and the technicolor dream coat in the evening around 8, in winnipeg. Going for dinner before that. I'm sure it'll be hot as summer is in full swing now. Her parents usually wear like an evening dress for her mum and a sport coat and slacks for her dad.

@ ranger, I was also thinking about getting a tie =) just looks more complete

Don't wear a dream coat of any kind, socks with sandals (however, socks and ones of proper length with shoes!), or anything with a maple leaf on it.

 

[Barber-Eile]

The second outfit looks great! Very nice summer formal but not overly formal. I love the brown and cream colours too. The play isn't a "posh" play so it seems nicely dressy. Slightly darker trousers though would look better but at least three shades lighter than the shirt. More suit-trousers than smart-summer-trousers.
Do wear a smart tie and make sure it matches well, preferably with your shoes.

And be picky about your shoes. Dads always look at shoes. And watches.

If you don't have a nice dressy watch don't wear any.

And have a neat wallet. Nothing held together with duct tape!

Be very well groomed - ears, nose, teeth, face, hair, fingernails ... and smell subtly like a man but nothing overpowering.

I hope that helps!

 

[DunEdinRanger]

A suit is probably overdoing it for a play, imho. But, nice pants, blazer, long sleeve button down, and tie would impress and not come off as trying too hard. A good shave, subtle (and not cheap smelling) scent, and well-done hair for the bonus score.

+1

Take your cue from the old man and dress similarly.

My sentiments exactly.

 

[The Knize]

Sounds like you are getting good advice. I would take the cue from the Dad. My wife and I go to a lot of plays. Around here, for most plays that I can think of, a suit would be over doing it, and I think maybe a tie would be, too. Except you can always take a tie off, and if her Dad is wearing one, at least you know you will not be the only only one at the play wearing a tie. I like ties myself! Sports coat, etc., just fine though. (Opera might be different!)

 

[Kouros]

A sport coat and dark, dressy jeans with dress shoes and a white dress shirt will suffice.

 

[RichGem]

A sport coat and dark, dressy jeans with dress shoes and a white dress shirt will suffice.

I'd nix the jeans idea. Sorry Kouros, but many parents still don't consider them dressy enough or appropriate for a play.

 

[Barber-Eile]

A sport coat and dark, dressy jeans with dress shoes and a white dress shirt will suffice.

I have to agree with Richgem and say a no to this.
If her parents are English and of a proper background then denim, esp. with a white shirt, will not be suitable.
I'm not saying to won't look good. It very well might. But it will not impress.

 

[dmm26]

Wow, this is getting more attention than I thought it would! Thanks for all the tips. So by the looks of things I'm going on a shopping spree of sorts. Totally new outfit and shoes!

I have a few nice watches already, as I have a bit of a watch fetish, i'm totally anal about finger nails and nose hair so I have that covered for sure! I've been entertaining the idea of getting a money clip rather than my balck leather wallet that's just a huge lump in the pocket. Thanks for the advice on the tie too barber eile, never would have thought of it that way.

Now I think I'll have to post a few pics when I get dressed up that night =)

 

[DavyRay]

Looks good, with the proviso that for evening wear I'd chose darker colors.

Unless you're going to an extremely formal event, I think the suit may be a bit of overkill. It's going to be obvious you're wearing a brand new suit and you may come off as trying too hard.

Just to add one little thing. Good point above. After you get your new clothes, wear them a bit. The jacket, especially, will benefit from a couple of hours on you before you are seen by her parents. You will benefit from some time in the jacket, too, to get comfortable with it and perhaps to correct your posture if need be. A brand new sport coat on someone with no time in one will be sort of obvious.

Relax and enjoy. The parents are old coots, like many of us. They will know you are showing some respect for their sensibilities, and will probably respect you in turn.

 

[mouscacha]

Make sure to do a before and after shot. I'm sure we'd like to see the difference.

Have fun shopping. I hope you have turned too metro on us =P

 

[Doc4]

Make sure to do a before and after shot. I'm sure we'd like to see the difference.

Maybe a couple of shots during intermission too ... just don't get too hammered.