10 Style Choices Girls Notice

For the most part, a woman would rather you have a good sense of humor than good hair, and only a seriously shallow girl won’t give you another chance after one style misstep. Still, there are a few key points we do get hung up on, and, if we haven’t made up our minds yet, a combination of well-made style choices are likely to tip the odds in your favor.

To that end, a little, but not too much, attention to detail goes a long way. We want you to have taste, but we’re hoping you’re not obsessed with it. Low key, under-done looks are always best, but some extra attention in certain areas won’t hurt your chances any. So, as a girl with your best interests in mind, let me spell it out for you with the 10 Style Choices Girls Notice.

J.Crew 484 Slim-Fit Jean
Buy It Now at J. Crew, $98;

Naked and Famous Skinny Guy
Buy It Now at Revolve, $140

Naked and Famous Weird Guy
Buy It Now at Revolve, $180

Yes, we notice the labels on your jeans, but embroidery, embellished pockets, and loud decals are just plain ugly. It's not 2003 anymore, guys. True Religion is a definite dealbreaker. Play it safe with simple and raw denim like the slim-fit at J.Crew and if you really want to impress us, Naked & Famous is just obscure enough to be cool.

Nudie Khaki Slim Concreted
Buy It Now at Nudie, $249

H by Hudson Ohio Boot
Buy It Now at Need Supply, $375

It's all about pairing great pants with great shoes. Sure, you can keep it traditional by matching kicks with jeans, or dressy slacks with boots and loafers, but why not mix it up? In fact, the right pair of running or training sneakers with slimmer-fitting dress pants can look really cool if you have the confidence to back it up. If you're not a risk taker, then just pair slim khakis with boots like H by Hudson, denim with understated sneakers like Vans or New Balance 574s, and suit pants with chukka boots.

Timex Andros Watch
Buy It Now at J.Crew, $145

Miansai Bight Bracelets
Buy It Now at Miansai, $115

Most girls won't appreciate it if you’re wearing more bling than she is. To that end, keep the accessorizing to a minimum. A couple rope bracelets or a nice watch are all great finishing touches. Thick rings, layers of chains, or anything with skulls and cross bones are out.

Ludlow Two-Button Blazer
Buy It Now at J. Crew, $365

Slim Secret Wash Shirt in Faded Gingham
Buy It Now at J. Crew, $65

We prefer some mystery where size and shape is concerned, but just like guys, girls want some idea of what we're getting into. It’s great if you have a six pack, but if we can see its outline, your shirt is too tight, and the same goes for your other, um, assets. We get a little nervous when our date’s jeans are tighter than ours. On the opposite spectrum, an ill-fitting blazer and an oversized shirt makes you look sloppy. Just make sure you look comfortable, but still put together.

Don't just dress for the first time we hang. We'll notice if your style falls off after a couple dates, so don’t shop for one “going out” ensemble and revert to sweats after you’ve made your first impression. Take Pharrell for example, he always looks cool and comfortable without trying too hard. All you need are some well-fitting, versatile items in your rotation: a couple pairs of jeans, a few great tees, and a quality hoodie will serve you better than a dressed up look you can’t maintain.

Happy Socks Argyle 01
Buy It Now at Happy Socks, $12

If we end up anywhere you'll be taking off your shoes (like our bedrooms), we're going to see your socks, so they better not be full of holes. Socks may seem like an afterthought, but a pop of color, an unusual pattern, or a classic argyle can take even a straightforward outfit to the next level. Black socks are fine, but boring. White gym socks with non-sneakers will definitely kill the mood. And no matter how awesome your socks are, when the rest of your clothes come off, so do they.

Kiehl's Creme with Silk Groom
Buy It Now at Kiehl's, $18 for 4.2 oz.

Who knows if it’s primal, genetic, or societal, but your hair plays a pretty big part in how attractive we find you. That doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if you’re going bald, but it does mean you should make conscious decisions about your hairstyle. Find a proper barber and ask if he has a couple easy tips that will make your hair look better.

Comme des Garcons Compact Zip Wallet
Buy It Now at Epaulet, $96

Even if we wind up splitting the bill, you're at least going to offer to pay, so we'll get a good look at your wallet. If yours has Velcro, Duct tape, or a Guess logo, we start to reconsider that after dinner drink.

Gant Rugger Doubler Sweater
Buy It Now at Urban Outfitters, $100

A.P.C. Army-Style Bomber Jacket
Buy It Now at A.P.C., $385

Women like when you’re thoughtful about your clothes, but we don’t want you to obsess over them. Know where a label lands on the douchey/awesome continuum, but don’t go out of your way to broadcast your choices. Anything monogrammed or plastered with logos is a no. As a rule, avoid any item with a big label on it, and don't brag about how much you paid for it. It’s a rare girl who cares what designer you're wearing, and if you talk about how long you lined up for that limited-edition Japanese sweatshirt, it might be time to find another selling point.

Surface to Air Index Shirt V2
Buy It Now at Surface to Air, $132,

Surface to Air Portofino Chinos V1
Buy It Now at Surface to Air, $147

This may be counter-intuitive, but consider it your woman-friendly style mantra. An easy and confident attitude is your most appealing attribute, so don’t spend too much time on your look or it’ll seem like you’re over-compensating. Yes, take into account all those other things I just told you, but find a balance that suits who you are. You want a girl to go home with you because she actually likes you, right? Well, even if you don’t care why she goes home with you, if you’re not comfortable in what you’re wearing, it’ll show.