Knowing what to wear on a first date can be tricky! You want to look nice, but you want to feel like yourself. You want to look attractive, but not too suggestive. Achieving that balance isn’t actually all that hard – and we’re here to help. Ahead, we’ve laid out 7 no-fail tips for dressing for a first date, from being comfortable to incorporating your personal style.
First and Foremost: Make Sure You Feel Like Yourself
The first dead giveaway of a lack of confidence is an outfit that feels phony.
A first date is a first impression, but it’s also the first opportunity to showcase your best side. If you don’t often wear dresses and they make you uncomfortable (see below) then don’t wear one. It’ll end up feeling like false advertising in the end. Take this advice with a grain of salt, though.
While a T-shirt and jeans may be your go-to outfit during the week, it may not be right for the occasion of your date. (See our tips below about knowing the venue). That said, if you want to look taller and slimmer, that’s okay, too!
Second, Don’t Be Afraid To Be Comfortable
There’s nothing more distracting (and more on that below) than someone who looks like they’re ready to leap out of their own skin when they’re sitting across from you. You don’t want to be constantly adjusting your waistband, managing straps that slip or tugging at a too-tight neckline. If you can’t walk gracefully in high heels – don’t wear them! Being comfortable leads to feeling confident and relaxed, and that’s key when the whole point of this first date is getting to know someone.
(Laid-back style can be chic, don’t forget!)
Play Up Your Romantic Side
A first date is the perfect opportunity to dress like yourself, just maybe a little bit more “done up” and perhaps even a little more romantic. Most guys probably won’t notice that you look “romantic” per se, but pretty soft colors like blush and pale pink, rich burgundy or deep purple give off that feeling.
Same goes for florals in the spring and summer, as well as lace and a ruffle here or there. No need to wear your heart on your sleeve literally, just hint at your softer side. (And hint at it with a leather jacket and ripped jeans if that’s your style!)
Avoid Distracting Details
Bright red lipstick is distracting. Colorful eyeshadow? Distracting. Bold stripes, loud prints, complicated hairstyles and statement jewelry are all distracting. While these pieces certainly have their place, a first date is usually not the time to bring them out. When you’re first getting to know someone, you want them to listen to what you’re saying, not stare at your lips. You want them to look deeply into your eyes, not right above them. You know what beauty and hair tips work best for you, but our money is on a pretty, natural-with-effort look that doesn’t look fussy. Same goes for your outfit.
Suggest Skin Without Revealing Too Much
We’d all like to think that we can wear whatever we want and not be judged. While we may not judge ourselves, and our closest friends and family just go with it – first dates are a time when the person you’re with will be drawing all kinds of conclusions about you. They will base them off of what you say, how you carry yourself – and what you wear. In this regard, we hate to be prude, but limiting your skin exposure is usually a good option. Pique his imagination by pairing a mini skirt with a long-sleeve top or a sleeveless top and flare jeans. Find a balance, highlight your best assets, and leave him wanting more.
Dress For The Venue
A major key to nailing that first date look is to know ahead of time where you’re going. You don’t want to show up to a nice cocktail bar in your favorite graphic T-shirt, jeans and sneakers, and you don’t need to wear a cocktail dress to a barbecue restaurant. Look it up ahead of time and plan your look accordingly. After all – what if he wants to take you to a football game?
Show Your Personality Through Your Personal Style
The truth is, there are no hard and fast rules for what to wear on a first date, there’s only taking suggestions that make sense to you, and applying them to what you like to wear normally. Earlier we mentioned that on a first date, it’s a good idea to avoid distracting details – but don’t skip out on details altogether. Wear something with a story, or a particular accessory you really love. It could be your grandmother’s earrings or your favorite scarf, it doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re that girl who always wears a dress – wear a dress! But if you’re that girl who lives for a great pair of pants (even for dressy events) then by all means, put on your dressy pants and strut your stuff.
