I'm eager for your opinions

[justanotherguy]

The look William is talking about would be a good way to go.  Even dress pants and a nice shirt and black shoes would be fine.  Yes, for the opera or such a suit would be appropriate.

lol perhaps I need a wardrobe adjustment.  I have my casual clothes which I think would be too casual, my work clothes (polo's, khakis), and hand tailored suit collection... I have no middle ground   I'm all or nothing

[KenC]

lol perhaps I need a wardrobe adjustment.  I have my casual clothes which I think would be too casual, my work clothes (polo's, khakis), and hand tailored suit collection... I have no middle ground   I'm all or nothing

JAG,
It is that middle ground that would be best.  Dress slacks, good shoes and a dress shirt with sweater if the season calls for it.  I took a dressy sport coat and wore a mock turtle neck sweater with it.  That worked well for me.  I will say that the fashion in Russia is trending more casual these days though.  My wife commented on the casualness of the dress on her last visit home.
KenC

[justanotherguy]

JAG,
It is that middle ground that would be best.  Dress slacks, good shoes and a dress shirt with sweater if the season calls for it.  I took a dressy sport coat and wore a mock turtle neck sweater with it.  That worked well for me.  I will say that the fashion in Russia is trending more casual these days though.  My wife commented on the casualness of the dress on her last visit home.
KenC

I feel so out of place in slacks and a sweater, or slacks and a dress shirt.  I take it jeans are a no-no right?  Typically I when I go out it is jeans, a dress button up shirt (like a form fitting shirt untucked and not a dress shirt tucked in)  I just want to make sure my own personal tastes aren't perceived as a train-wreck when I go over there.

[KenC]

I feel so out of place in slacks and a sweater, or slacks and a dress shirt.  I take it jeans are a no-no right?  Typically I when I go out it is jeans, a dress button up shirt (like a form fitting shirt untucked and not a dress shirt tucked in)  I just want to make sure my own personal tastes aren't perceived as a train-wreck when I go over there.

JAG,
Personally, I would stay away from the jeans.  The shirt you describe sounds fine as long as it isn't a "wife beater!" 
KenC

[justanotherguy]

JAG,
Personally, I would stay away from the jeans.  The shirt you describe sounds fine as long as it isn't a "wife beater!" 
KenC

I absolutely despise wife beaters lol.

[William3rd]

Well- I 'll be darned. . . . . .

We are all in agreement here .

[groovlstk]

FWIW, I always wore jeans in the FSU, particularly in seasons other than Summer when you never know how cold it will be when the sun goes down.

Just don't wear Osh Kosh jeans or equivalents. FSU women are sophisticated enough to be able to tell the difference between a $20 pair of jeans and something high-end.

Thor and Twobitbandit have written eloquently on how to dress in Russia.

One area you won't want to skimp on is shoes. Never, ever wear athletic shoes or work/hiking boots. Choose something svelte and Italian, if possible. 

[carraig]

I would have to go with Groovlstk on this (except for the trainers)
When I was in Ukraine, I wore jeans nearly all the time, because thats what every one else was wearing! including going out at night to fancy restaurants (well, fairly fancy) I had other chino type trousers also, I wore lacoste and some long sleeve type shirts! I regularly wore Nike trainers! when I asked Ola where they ok? she looked bemused when I told her that some people thought they were a no no! why would they be? she asked looking puzzled. Because it was warm, I also wore shorts and 3/4 lengths! not a bit out of place there!!
I have 5 or 6 quality suits, but to be honest, if I had worn a suit shirt and tie like some suggested before I went, I think I would have been laughed all the way out of the Ukraine! Dress casually and comfortably, exactly like in the States and Europe and you will be fine.

[vwrw]

During all the time I was interested to meet a splendid man for a relationship I initiated contact with three men.  All they were in suits and ties on their photos… And I could not resist my desire to say them a compliment.  Men in suits really look seductive on photos.  But in real life I find seductive only those men who are self-confident and tidy and the style of dress the men prefer is of minor importance to me.
   

[SANDRO43]

I suppose I was thinking more, suit without a tie maybe?  Sometimes when I go out, I wear a suit, with a shirt that is appropriate not to be tucked in, and without a tie. like this http://images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/20070611/trendspy.open.shirt.061107.gif

A suit and a shirt not tucked into your trousers ? Bit grungy, IMHO. And, if you're not wearing a tie, wear a coloured shirt, not a white one (as in 3 out of 4 of your examples ).

[mspanky]

 I did have some men come to Nikolaev to meet me.  Most were very nice.  A lot of those men to be honest had looks and manner mistakes, that had they known how to actually act around a FSU woman they would have done so much better in gaining my attention.  Or any other woman's for that matter.  It was hard because they would be nice, but as in any situation, you know very quickly if that person was right for you.  Plus I was looking for my soulmate and yes he did finally show up.  Now I am married to him and live in Los Angeles, CA.  

 Beautiful Anna, I noticed you wrote "had looks and manners mistake" which I have much respect for. Agencies will try to tell you foreign women do not care about looks,income and whatever else as long as you are a nice person and make a good husband.

 But realistically there are tons of "nice ugly guys out there" who would make great husbands. But I always believe there has to be a strong mutual physical attraction or the women settles for a lack of sexual attraction in order to gain a good husband. lack of sexual attraction is good if you want a friend. But for marriage it is very important.

  They say a RW wants a husband who is just a little better looking than a monkey. I don't believe it. I think RW are great and should expect it all in a man.

[KenC]

Let us all be honest about the cute saying regarding a man looking a little better than a monkey.  Wouldn't that be the equivalent to our "Beauty is only skin deep"?  Aren't both sayings trying to implore the youth to look deeper than just the attractiveness of the person?  I think it is only human nature to be attracted to whatever we perceive as "good looking."  These cute sayings are just trying to make us realize that there is more to consider.

In all honesty, I think that in America there are other criteria considered more important than a man's good looks.  Unfortunately, it is his financial status and has nothing to do with the depth of his soul.
KenC

[Simoni]

A suit and a shirt not tucked into your trousers ? Bit grungy, IMHO. And, if you're not wearing a tie, wear a coloured shirt, not a white one (as in 3 out of 4 of your examples ).

If you look like George Clooney, you can wear whatever you want and virtually any girl on earth would swoon...

[justanotherguy]

If you look like George Clooney, you can wear whatever you want and virtually any girl on earth would swoon...

He's like 20 years my senior, but when I do go grey I pray it is Clooney style... my point was that I just feel too awkward sporting a full suit around town.  I'm not old enough to pull that off (in my opinion).   I feel like I would just look like "a young guy trying to look important".  A big part of this whole dress thing is how it makes us feel... If I felt sophisticated and suave sporting a suit on a date I'd probably do it, but its a little too formal for me to feel comfortable.  Thats why I was thinking a step down from a suit.... a "casualized suit" if you will.

[justanotherguy]

During all the time I was interested to meet a splendid man for a relationship I initiated contact with three men.  All they were in suits and ties on their photos… And I could not resist my desire to say them a compliment.  Men in suits really look seductive on photos.  But in real life I find seductive only those men who are self-confident and tidy and the style of dress the men prefer is of minor importance to me.
   

So I should throw on a suit for a photo, regardless of whether or not I normally wear them.  Noted

[justanotherguy]

I hope you all like my pic.  There is a great story behind it 

[Kuna]

JAG,

All of the advice you're getting above is correct but the standard and quality of your attire depends on where you are and what you are doing.

Being suited with a tie in a very nice restaurant or at the opera is totally acceptable... as would no tie suit jacket and a NICE open necked shirt.

The key I think is to DRESS TO IMPRESS.  "Dressing for comfort" (except in very specific circumstances) would be seen by many as an embarrassment.

Example:

Kiev in winter??? It's easy to dress with a nice coat and winter jacket over slacks and a nice scarf to keep exposed bits warm.  In winter layers of clothes always look good.

Dnepr in summer in the centre of the city???  Jeans and a nice shirt untucked when you go "to centre" is acceptable but you'll still see people getting around in shorts and t-shirts.

Dnepr in Summer around my girls apartment???  Shorts and a T-Shirt... and thing more would have had me committed to an asylum because it was often 40 celcius outside.  We spent 2 days walking in 40 degree heat to find me "summer shoes" (sandals) even though I would never wear them at home.  (If we hadn't walked so much for those 2 days I wouldn't have needed them)...   

When you look at the people around you you should be trying to dress like the best dressed not the worst dressed.

If you're going there to impress the girl(s) you'll meet you need to dress appropriately.

Once you get to know her she will change your dress style anyway because you'll become just like your home... It's her domain and she'll "make order" how she sees fit.   

It will do you no harm being among the best dressed when in her company.

Good luck,

Kuna

[SANDRO43]

A big part of this whole dress thing is how it makes us feel... If I felt sophisticated and suave sporting a suit on a date I'd probably do it, but its a little too formal for me to feel comfortable.

If you don't get some practice in, you'll NEVER feel comfortable. Maybe you could start your training with some local girls, or would they consider you weird if you did ?

[KenC]

JAG,

All of the advice you're getting above is correct but the standard and quality of your attire depends on where you are and what you are doing.

Being suited with a tie in a very nice restaurant or at the opera is totally acceptable... as would no tie suit jacket and a NICE open necked shirt.

The key I think is to DRESS TO IMPRESS.  "Dressing for comfort" (except in very specific circumstances) would be seen by many as an embarrassment.

Example:

Kiev in winter??? It's easy to dress with a nice coat and winter jacket over slacks and a nice scarf to keep exposed bits warm.  In winter layers of clothes always look good.

Dnepr in summer in the centre of the city???  Jeans and a nice shirt untucked when you go "to centre" is acceptable but you'll still see people getting around in shorts and t-shirts.

Dnepr in Summer around my girls apartment???  Shorts and a T-Shirt... and thing more would have had me committed to an asylum because it was often 40 celcius outside.  We spent 2 days walking in 40 degree heat to find me "summer shoes" (sandals) even though I would never wear them at home.  (If we hadn't walked so much for those 2 days I wouldn't have needed them)...   

When you look at the people around you you should be trying to dress like the best dressed not the worst dressed.

If you're going there to impress the girl(s) you'll meet you need to dress appropriately.

Once you get to know her she will change your dress style anyway because you'll become just like your home... It's her domain and she'll "make order" how she sees fit.   

It will do you no harm being among the best dressed when in her company.

Good luck,

Kuna

Great advice Kuna!  We also have to remember that we foreigners are also competing with the Russian guys and they tend to look very sharp out in public.
KenC

[chivo]

As was mentioned earlier, the style of dress in Russia has become much more casual than even a few years ago.

I have to disagree with whoever said that jeans are a no-no. Athletic shoes also. I have been on numerous dates wearing these with no problem and have blended in well. Moscow is no different than most of the FSU in this regard.

Matter of fact the one time I dressed up for a routine date to the movies, my date thought I was overdressed and initially felt uncomfortable. This was a RW, 24, and very attractive. She was dressed nice in JEANS with a nice blouse.

On any given day in Moscow the dress is 70% jeans, men and women. How can you feel out of place?

You should have a nice mix of both, even some sport clothes. One thing I like to do, and did when I would visit before I moved here was to go rollerblading with my dates...maybe nice slacks and a sweater would be OK ?

Believe me a nice pair of jeans (do you know that Levi's go for about $100 here), with a nice pair of trainers, a nice cotton shirt, and a nice jacket be it a sport coat or regular coat would be appropriate on most occasions...easily, and you'll never be out of place in your dress.

How's this for relativity: Levi's, $100, nice pair of trainers which are way more frequent these days, $125-150, nice cotton shirt $50, and coat be it sport of casual $80-200. Thats $325-500 worth of casual. Take away the coat and you're still at $250+. these are Moscow prices now so keep this in mind, but that's the price in her head.

Of course if you're going to something more upscale then you should dress accordingly. With the influx of movies, TV, and all the magazines like Cosmo, Glamour, Marie Claire, Forbes, Mens, GQ, etc. here, Russia/Russian style has become quite similar to the west. These mags are more inclined to be about fashion than sex and relationships like out west also.

As vwrw said aptly, just make sure its clean, ironed, and of decent quality or above. This I think is what a woman will look at/for.

When I go to work in a suit (its optional for me) I do get more compliments and the women look at me different, but it was the same in the states. "Girls go crazy for a sharp dressed man" yes, but still understand the situation and dress to it.

Nothing wrong with looking sharp, or dressing to impress, especially if your meeting the family, but casual times call for casual clothes, and even George would look silly wearing that outfit Rollerblading.

Don't overdo or under do your wardrobe, and be yourself. Its not much different here. Just leave the Hawaiian shirts at home if this applies . Good luck.

chivo

[ScottinCrimea]

If you are going to wear sport shoes, avoid white.  Black or grey are more typical there and won't stand out.  Never underestimate the importance of your shoes.  I know one woman here who rejected a Canadian off hand just because of the shoes he was wearing.  It seems they place a much greater emphasis on this there.  they also must be clean and polished.  I don't know how RM manage to keep their shoes looking so nice given the conditions there, but they do.  Many times I wasn't allowed to go out by my wife, even to the market, until I cleaned my shoes.  I would also avoid untucked shirts unless the style allows this.  It looks sloppy and they don't tolerate sloppy.  Jeans are fine in most situations but typically not the best thing for a first date unless you are planning some activity that requires them.  They should be nice fitting and not cheap.  As someone mentioned before, they know the difference between nice jeans and the $15 Walmart specials.  Don't try to fool them.

I was also one of those who preferrred comfort over style in my dress, but I found it was a lot easier to change my attitude than hers, and the benefits definitely outweighed the trouble.

[SANDRO43]

Never underestimate the importance of your shoes.

Here's a helpful page on the "Care and feed of your shoes" : http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/Clothes%20Articles/perfect_shoeshine.htm.

I don't know how RM manage to keep their shoes looking so nice given the conditions there, but they do.

Maybe an old, time-honoured profession (NOT what first springs to your mind ) ?

[justanotherguy]

If you are going to wear sport shoes, avoid white.  Black or grey are more typical there and won't stand out.  Never underestimate the importance of your shoes.  I know one woman here who rejected a Canadian off hand just because of the shoes he was wearing.  It seems they place a much greater emphasis on this there.  they also must be clean and polished.  I don't know how RM manage to keep their shoes looking so nice given the conditions there, but they do.  Many times I wasn't allowed to go out by my wife, even to the market, until I cleaned my shoes.  I would also avoid untucked shirts unless the style allows this.  It looks sloppy and they don't tolerate sloppy.  Jeans are fine in most situations but typically not the best thing for a first date unless you are planning some activity that requires them.  They should be nice fitting and not cheap.  As someone mentioned before, they know the difference between nice jeans and the $15 Walmart specials.  Don't try to fool them.

I was also one of those who preferrred comfort over style in my dress, but I found it was a lot easier to change my attitude than hers, and the benefits definitely outweighed the trouble.

As a former Marine, I'm pretty well acquainted with keeping shoes clean and polished so I got that going for me  .

[ScottinCrimea]

As a former Marine, I'm pretty well acquainted with keeping shoes clean and polished so I got that going for me  .

So thaat's one down and ??? to go!   

[AnnaFBA]

If you are going to wear sport shoes, avoid white.

I totally agree with this! I saw so many guys wearing weird and funny looking shoes:) I understand that it is all about comfort for men in general, but I have to say that there are so many comfortable and STYLISH men's shoes!
for example, here are some unattractive shoes:(