Ask Chris Black: What Should I Wear on a First Date?
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If you’re looking for the most powerfulhair dryeror handiestchef’s knife, those things can be easy enough to find. Other objects of desire are a little more taste-based. What’s the next statuswater bottleorhand wash, for instance? Regular readers of the Strategist will know that we’ve previously turned to resident Cool GuyChris Black(he’s a partner at brand consultancyPublic Announcement) to help us answer both of those questions. For more of Chris’s advice, he’s now answering reader questions for us in a regular column. If you have a burning question about the next fanny pack or Noah rugby shirt, drop us an email with the subject line “Ask Chris” at strategist@nymag.com.
I’m getting back into dating. What types of clothes would you recommend to make a stylish (but subtle) first impression?
Leave the Balenciaga and Fear of God in thecloset. You’ve got to avoid logos or anything that even looks like an attempt to scream, “I’m rich!” I’d recommend asimple, understated outfitthat lets your good looks and captivating personality do all the talking.
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A cotton single-pleatchinoin navy from Entireworld would work well. It’s a classic look, but the single pleat lets your date know you care more about style more than the bankers in Bonobos and Hugo Boss that she usually goes out with.
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If that’s too fussy, reach for you trustyLevis 501s. A home-run pair ofpantsfor any occasion.
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Since it’s the dead ofsummer, pair it with an Alex Mill slub cottonT-shirt in white. Not too thin, not too thick, and of course, fits well.
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If you need somethinga little more formal, go for a Sunspel cotton-piqué polo shirt in navy or white. Sunspel’s polos are logo-free, and made of super-soft Pima cotton.
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If New Balances seem too casual for a Friday night atFlora(get the purple endive salad), then pull out the Bass Weejuns (make sure they are polished). But the real key to looking good? Pick up the tab. Nothing looks worse than being cheap.
Any recommendations for a go-to (unisex) summerrain shoe? Ideally something less suffocating than a fullrubber boot, and less precious than any of the sneakers or sandals in my daily rotation. But, of course,still looks nice.
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When itrainsin New York City, I see a lot of people wearingConverse Chuck Taylors. AshoeI genuinely love, but makes absolutely no sense for wet conditions. A new method I have noticed is wearing asandal, and honestly, it makes sense. A pair of streamlined and durable black Chaco Z/1 Classics lets the feet breathe (get a pedicure before wearing), and the lack ofsocksprevents soggy, wet cotton from ruining your day. At $100, these aren’t cheap for a dedicated rain shoe. But you can wear them onhikes(the straps are secure and provide excellent support) and to thebeach. Multi-use sandals are always a solid investment!
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If the sandal doesn’t work for you, then you must go with something more HIGH TECH. You needGore-Tex®, the fabric of the gods, to protect your dogs from thosepesky puddles. The La Sportiva Akyra GTX Trail-Running Shoes look incredibly cool and are lined with Gore but engineered to still breathe. Plus, you can comfortably break into a full sprint to make it to Whole Foods before it closes. If you’re not into the black-and-green style, it also comes ina bright blue–and-green version, too.
I’m lucky enough to bemoving into my first house, and now feels like the time to upgrade from the standard issueIkea Lack furnitureI bought when I graduated. Can you recommend some nice pieces of furniture and brands that are a bit more sophisticated (but won’t require me to open a line of credit at Restoration Hardware)?
I’ve got to level with you chief: Realfurnitureis expensive. I can’t recommend buying knockoffs, I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night. Almost everything in my apartment is vintage or custom built.Bi-Rite,Lichen,Home Union, andOpen Air Modernare all stores in Brooklyn that I follow on Instagram. They have great taste and the stuff isreasonably priced. But, if you must buy new, Ikea isn’t that bad, you just have to pick the good stuff.
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The Malm six-drawerdresser is simple and classic. Because of that, it is also easy to customize if you are feeling crafty. [Editor’s note: If you like the look but want something more affordable, Amazon sellsa less expensive but very similar-looking dresser.]
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This Besta sideboard has threecabinetsfor storage, and could be wall mounted (just remove the legs) in a long row to look like higher-end built-ins.
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Another affordable trick is the Herman Miller Nelson Saucer hanginglamp— it’s reasonably priced, noticeable in a good way, and looks great in almost any home.
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The Aalto Stool 60 is one of my absolute favorites. It comes in some fun colors, and theprice is definitely on the lower endformid-century seating. Taste is more important than brand or price — do some studying, trust your instincts, and start furnishing your new home with confidence!
The Strategistis designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the bestacne treatments,rolling luggage,pillows for side sleepers,natural anxiety remedies, andbath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
