If you're like most of us, chances are you don't spend a lot of time in fine dining establishments. They're expensive, they're stuffy, and the food has funny names. Nevertheless, you're being a good boyfriend this Valentines Day, and taking your special lady to the fanciest place in town.

Now what are you supposed to wear?

Before you choose an outfit, make sure you understand the dress code. If you're going someplace really nice, then it might be black-tie only (read: tuxedo). However, more than likely you've chosen someplace with a dress code that isn't quite so well defined. Here's how to approach this potentially thorny situation:

• Call ahead. Hopefully you'll get a straight answer, like: "slacks and a shirt, no tie or jacket required."
  

• If you get a coded answer, like: "casual elegance," "proper attire," or "dressy casual," resist the temptation to ask "what the hell does that mean?" All of these cryptic responses translate into: no shorts, no t-shirts or tank tops, and no open-toed shoes. Everything else is fair game.

• If you're still worried, don't hesitate to swing by the restaurant beforehand. Wait around outside for 10 minutes, and you'll get an idea of what other guests are wearing.

• When in doubt, overdress. A tie and jacket is perfectly acceptable at any place that considers itself fine dining. And in fact, if you live on the East Coast, this might be expected. (In most other parts of the country it's rare that these will be required.)
  

Now that you know what to wear, check out the gallery so you know you'll look good wearing it.