TJ and I have always been fans of “date nights…” ever since we started dating. In college, we’d head out for a mid week Taco Tuesday at our favorite spot in San Diego (World Famous) and pick a weekend evening to grab a bite to eat before meeting up with friends later in the evening. When we became actual adults, date nights became a little more refined, and after becoming parents we’ve had to get creative. They’ve changed over the years,but have kept the same meaning: an opportunity to connect and have some fun together (because, isn’t that the crux of any relationship??)…

I can still recall what TJ and I wore on our first date together. I wore a pair of distressed jeans (surprise), a black silk button-up top, some gold accessories, and a cute blush heel. TJ showed up in a pair of jeans, a classic button-up, and a pair of loafers. Obviously, not much has changed with our style since then…. we still love a good jean to take us through our date nights. Yet, a few weeks ago, TJ decided he wanted to refresh his “date night” pieces so we headed to Nordstrom men’s department to pick up some items (he loves their selection). He ended up opting for this ribbed henley + half zip pullover. Both pieces he can easily dress up and down, depending on the occassion (he also loves this half zip fleece, stripe henley, and this thermal henley).

After that, we just needed to decide what we wanted to do. As we sat there thinking about what sounded fun, we realized that we typically choose one of five date options depending on our mood. So, today, I decided to share them with you… and I’d love to know your favorite date ideas with your special someone…..

1. The Obvious: Dinner + Cocktails. Choose your favorite spot and get dolled up for an evening out. TJ and I typically have a few favorite spots we rotate between and each require the same attire. We’re typically a “jeans and a nice top” type couple…. nothing too fancy, but nice enough to bust out some of our “nicer” not “everyday” pieces. For TJ that includes these new suede shoes he received as a birthday gift, and for me these OTK boots (which were an investment made several years ago). A few other “nicer” items that TJ will pull out include these perforated sneakers and sports coat (which he also wears to work meetings).

2. Themed Dinner At Home: Pick a cuisine (we typically choose Mexican…) and make the accompanying dish and cocktails. It’s a more relaxed option when you’re looking to lay low, and doesn’t cost much at all. When we’re having one of those evenings, we opt for loungewear like cozy joggers and a soft tee.

3. Day Date: Work It Out: We chatted a little about that in this post, but picking an athletic challenge, and accomplishing it together, is a pretty great feeling.

4. The Ambitious Date: Overnight: This was a little easier before little miss arrived, but nevertheless, they’re one of my favorites. TJ and I used to drive to Vegas or Santa Barbara for a day/evening away. We always thought it was the perfect day…. a little day date and dinner + cocktails… kind of like a two-for-one. Simply toss a few items into this weekender bag and the guy in your life will be ready for anything.

5. The Lazy Date: Movie Marathon: These are typically reserved for those chilly fall and winter days…. make some soup in the crockpot, get a bottle of vino, toss on comfy his + her slippers, and pick your movies. For us, this happens during little miss’ nap time and after she goes to bed… but if you’re kiddo-less I say go lazy the entire day.
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(Outfit Details || TJ’s Thermal Top | TJ’s Pullover | TJ’s Jeans | TJ’s Shoes | TJ’s Sunglasses | My Pullover (wearing S, comes in beige too) | My Jeans | My Boots (less expensive option) | My Sunglasses)

Thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post.