Finally, now that your body is clean and smelling good, the hair on your head is flattering to your face, your various other hairs are under control and I'd imagine your skin is looking better, too, after some inadvertent exfoliating and moisturizing from the use of body wash, you've got to get dressed. This is sometimes the hardest part for a man who has never gotten the harsh but loving feedback one can get when in a long-term relationship. First off, I suggest getting some up-to-date jeans. Go someplace with good basics like The Gap, Old Navy, Express for Men, American Eagle or Abercrombie & Fitch. Look for jeans with a dark wash and a slight fade. These are probably the most classic look. Don't be afraid to ask a salesgirl for help - someone who looks like they are good at putting together outfits! Explain that you have no idea what to get but you want something that fits properly and is in style. I can't tell you how often guys overestimate their size. It's like they have the opposite problem of girls. We girls all want to wear a size smaller than we actually are, while men seem to want to wear a size larger. The salespeople can help direct you around the jeans department and explain the different fits. The good news is, once you find a fit that you like, you can keep buying that same fit over and over again in different denim washes. You can even go to other stores and explain the fit that you like elsewhere to the salespeople and they can direct you to something similar in their store. Easy!

Next, some basic t-shirts. Girls love a guy in a basic t-shirt that fits well. It shouldn't drape shapelessly over your body but we shouldn't be able to make out your bellybutton either. Please don't buy a pack of Hanes undershirts and call it a day! Hanes makes UNDERSHIRTS, as in shirts not meant to be worn outside as an actual shirt but meant to be worn under button-down collared shirts. Go to an actual clothing retail store. Old Navy and The Gap are pretty good sources for basic stuff like this. Pick up some plain t-shirts in a couple different sizes and take them into the dressing room. Try on all the t-shirts, even if you think you've found the right size, try them all on to get a good perception of what the different sizes look like on you. Now ask a salesperson which one they think is the best fit for you to get some outside feedback. Buy the correctly sized t-shirt in several colors and consider buying classic colors like black, white, grey and blue. Every guy looks good in these colors.

Since not all of us live in L.A.-like weather, you will need something for the cooler months, too. I can't tell you how attractive it is when a man wears a casual blazer over his t-shirt and jeans. Nothing says cool, confident, and put-together like a man who has a well-fitted blazer on. I'd suggest going to a place like Men's Wearhouse or Macy's Men's Department. You can also check out Express for Men but sometimes their jackets have designs or patterns on them. For this first blazer, you really should go with something plain and classic. Something that goes with a t-shirt or a casual white oxford button-down. Go to the store in the outfit you hope to wear underneath the jacket so you can see the whole look. The salespeople will be able to help you pick out something casual to go with it and will help fit it to you. You should expect that you will need to have it tailored to fit you, but tailoring is rarely expensive and it makes a HUGE difference in the fit.

Now onto shoes. Guys, I won't lie, this is probably the toughest choice. Well-fitting jeans and a proper, flattering t-shirt will take you far in dating but the shoes are what can change that uniform from your casual date riding bikes in the park to the more sophisticated evening drinking wine at a club. You can seriously wear those classic dark wash jeans and a black t-shirt with some basic running shoes during the day, and look totally appropriate and attractive, and those same jeans and that same black t-shirt become something more impressive if you wear them with some really nice black leather shoes for an evening out and about. I can't get over how easy it is for you guys, seriously! You truly can wear this outfit almost anywhere and look cool and put together. I'm sure you can handle buying the casual shoes on your own, but if I were you, I would go to a nicer department store and have a salesman help you with picking out some really nice leather shoes to elevate your outfit. They don't have to be the most expensive shoes in the store, but know that a quality leather shoe can be an expensive shoe. Keep in mind, a good quality and classic shoe is something that can last many years, if treated properly, as you can resole them many times over for a nominal price. A cheap shoe, I guarantee, will crack and break down much faster and will soon need to be replaced as they will be unsalvageable by a shoe repairman. So invest wisely in that nice pair of shoes.

At this point, you should be clean, smelling heavenly, well-groomed, nicely dressed and looking your best. Like I said earlier, girls aren't looking for a cover model boyfriend, but it sure helps your chances when you present your very best outward appearance. This presentation of yourself is something well in your control and it's only smart to take the reins where you can.

In the next installment, we'll be discussing another aspect you can take control of, your humble abode. I'm going to assume you'll eventually want to bring a girl back to your place of residence and I can help you make sure she doesn't immediately turn heel and run when you open your front door.