Fashion Emergency! My Father, 70, has a First Date - UPDATE PG2

[Hillbeans]

Next week with a woman and he's very excited. It's a "friend of a friend of a friend" who is in her late 50's and my dad is so thrilled. He's had a few dates with some older lady friends, but he acts like he's 50 and wants to date a younger lady.

One part of me is grossed out since my mom and him were married for 42 years before she passed away last summer, however i'd love to see my dad happy and with someone to share the sunset years of his life (but i'm sooooo not ready for him to ever be married again).

Anyway, fashion to my father is a blue shirt, checked shorts and black knee socks o ). I know he's got some sweaters, suits, etc., but the weather is getting hot. What's appropriate for a 70 year old man to wear on a Friday night at 8:30 date for Dinner and music (maybe dancing).

Thanks.

 

[SnoWhite]

I have no fashion tips but I just have to say that's adorable! Good for him. I hope he has a great time

Lisa

 

[FroggyinArk]

depends on how he wants to impress da lady personally i would recommend full tux and tails and then go to burger king

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

Originally posted by Hillbeans
(maybe dancing).

Sorry to delete most of your quote, but this part just made me smile....

I hope he has a wonderful time and it isn't too unsettling for you. I am not in your shoes, but I can understand why it might bother you...... I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother..

Just remember, he let you go on a first date once!!

 

[arminnie]

I'm in my late 50s and can't imagine having a date with a 70 year old man!! That's because I live with my father who looks like he's in his 70s although he is 83 now.

But back to your question - nice slacks and a shirt with a jacket would be most appropriate. He could wear a suit and tie if that makes him feel better (a lot of older men like to dress up), but I don't think it's required. If they are going to a really casual place like bbq - he could even skip the jacket.

My dad dated some after my mother died and talks to women on the phone all of the time, but he doesn't want to remarry. Why should he when I am taking care of everything for him.

I tell him all of the time that I want him to marry someone young because I'd like some more brothers and sisters - that drives him crazy. I said that at his Navy reunion a couple of weeks ago in front of some of his cronies and I thought they were going to choke on their food they were laughing so hard.

 

[Hillbeans]

Originally posted by hrh_disney_queen
Sorry to delete most of your quote, but this part just made me smile....

I hope he has a wonderful time and it isn't too unsettling for you. I am not in your shoes, but I can understand why it might bother you...... I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother..

Just remember, he let you go on a first date once!!

That's a great point!!!!

Yes, the "Dancing" part.... Apparently this restaurant has "Salsa" night or something (kinda funny since it's an Italian restaurant) however if they play a slow song, he'd dance.

I know it's tough meeting people at any age, and I remember how exciting it was to go out on a first date that you're anxious for...the butterflies, anticipation, etc.....sometimes that's better than the actual date. I'll be sure to update sometime next weekend with what happened...my dad loves to share details, which can be a good or bad thing, IYKWIM.....!

 

[IamTink]

How about his blue shirt he likes with you possibly buying some other pants, light weight fabric for summer & socks & comfortable dancing shoes. Your description of the choice your father would have is hilarious! You had me laughing. Remind him that his outfit might be ok for the older gals but the younger ones will want him to be more...refined. Maybe he'll go for that.

I think it's great that your Dad is getting out there. My mother died in 1997 after 48 years of marriage & my father stopped living that day also. He died in 2001, a shell, physically of what he had been when she was alive. I wish he had been motivated to date. It will keep your Dad young. It's really good. Don't go picking out wedding invites yet. I think he just wants to socialize. Good for him. Give us an update. Good luck.

 

[Hillbeans]

Originally posted by arminnie
I'm in my late 50s and can't imagine having a date with a 70 year old man!! That's because I live with my father who looks like he's in his 70s although he is 83 now.

I tell him all of the time that I want him to marry someone young because I'd like some more brothers and sisters - that drives him crazy. I said that at his Navy reunion a couple of weeks ago in front of some of his cronies and I thought they were going to choke on their food they were laughing so hard.

LOL !!!

My dad is VERY young for his age...he never ages. He's still got about 75 percent of his hair and he's not even all grey. He works 25-30 hours a week editing a magazine, gets a great pension from the Govt, SS check, owns his house outright...he's quite a catch. He also hits on every waitress and loves women...my mom must be rolling in her grave...oy vey!I told my dad he CANNOT date anyone who can still bear children...that would just be too weird. I know it happens though..

Edit to add - This restaurant is dressy, so he'll probably opt for a blue or grey sportsjacket, slacks and shoes. Does that sound too "old" looking? I'm just not sure how to make him look young and hip.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Remember that as we age the lens of our eyes yellow and that interferes with identifying colors. So, help him put together some color coordinated ensembles and then let him do the rest.

It's not so much "cute" as it is appropriate for him to be seeking friendship and companionship (as he prefers to define it, of course). Seventy is not so very old in the grand scheme of things, so encourage him to live a full and exciting life.

He was married for 42 years to your beloved mother. This does not disrespect her in any way. Acutally, in a certain sense it can be seen as affirming his love for her. Given their strong relationship, she would not have wanted him to shrivel up and blow away, right?

Take care now and strength to you for this new phase of your life.

 

[Pin Wizard]

Originally posted by arminnie
I tell him all of the time that I want him to marry someone young because I'd like some more brothers and sisters

That is adorable!!!

I go with the shirt, slacks, and jacket. You might not be ready to see your dad with someone, but it will probably do him a lot of good!

 

[Jeafl]

How about khaki or tan pants, a light blue polo shirt and a navy sportcoat? He could always take the jacket off if he gets too warm or feels he's too dressed up.

I hope he has a wonderful time.

 

[DukeStreetKing]

Go, Daddy, go!!!

 

[marymrg]

Khaki Docker Type Pants, Navy Blue Blazer, Dress Shirt(make that short sleeve in case it's hot and he needs to take off his jacket) and tie and some nice comfy shoes.........like loafers.

 

[shortbun]

Lose the tie! Mid to late fifties women would like khakis, nice well fitting golf shirt, clean shave and a jacket. Nice watch and soft
cologne-not too much, enough to smell only in slow dancing.
Slip on deck shoes or loafers and dark blue socks.

 

[Hillbeans]

Thanks everyone...sounds like a trip to the Mall is in order!

 

[Pooh67_68]

Hehe can't resist, looking at your son(who is a cutie by the way)
have your dad take dressing pointers from him.
Now on a more serious note, hope your dad has a great time.

 

[Trish Bessette]

Please tell your dad that I said to have a great time!!! This just makes me smile. "Go Dad" "Yippee"

 

[EsmeraldaX]

That is so sweet. My 86 year old grandmother has a "gentleman friend" who comes over and takes her shopping at Wal Mart, or to Breakfast at McDonalds and then they go to church together. (My granfather died almost 15 years ago).

They are just so sweet together.

 

[IamTink]

Originally posted by EsmeraldaX
That is so sweet. My 86 year old grandmother has a "gentleman friend" who comes over and takes her shopping at Wal Mart, or to Breakfast at McDonalds and then they go to church together. (My granfather died almost 15 years ago).

They are just so sweet together.

That is sooooooo sweet. It is nice that he found someone for companionship. I know your grandmother would have wanted him to be happy. It doesn't mean she ever looses her place in his heart.

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

Originally posted by Jeafl
How about khaki or tan pants, a light blue polo shirt and a navy sportcoat? He could always take the jacket off if he gets too warm or feels he's too dressed up.

I vote for something like this too. With it being summer, I vote for khacki pants. I don't think a tie would be necessary in a situation like this. I hope he has fun.