The Ultimate Style Guide To Dressing For A First Date
You’ve stumbled upon the man of your dreams (or so you hope) after a chance encounter at your local coffee shop, through the recommendation of a mutual friend, or swiping right on your favorite dating app. Now it’s time to take a leap of faith and meet up for your first date. So, what should you wear?
Nearly as important as avoiding the topic of your ex, being on time, and giving yourself a good old fashioned pep talk beforehand, choosing an appropriate outfit can make or break a first date. The cliché “first impressions are everything” is a cliché for a reason: it’s true.
You’ve likely spent hours agonizing over every possible scenario in your head, from being stood up at dinner to finding out that he’s a real-life Catfish. In 2022, dating is more difficult than ever. Although I can’t physically be on your date giving you a thumbs up from behind a suspiciously agile shrub in the corner or analyzing his body language for red flags, I can try to lessen the burden you’re facing when getting ready.
Go with the Confident and Comfortable Choice
So, let’s jump right into it, shall we? Firstly, let’s begin with the most important tip: choose an outfit you feel confident and comfortable in. Wearing an uncomfortable outfit on a first date can not only add to your nerves, but it can also make you feel self-conscious and distract you from creating a meaningful connection. If you’re fidgeting with the hemline of a too-short dress, showing excessive cleavage, or feeling so unbearably cold that you can’t feel your fingers, the overall energy of your date isn’t going to feel natural and effortless. Your guy could interpret these mannerisms to mean that you’re feeling uncomfortable in his presence or uninterested in the conversation.
You may assume that you’ll hold a man’s attention better with a low-cut blouse, but wearing something that’s considered risqué may actually hurt your chances at finding love. According to the experts, “Women who wear overly revealing outfits on a first date are often perceived as being superficial and promiscuous instead of demure and seductively sexy.”
Instead, let’s work on getting dressed in a classy and sophisticated outfit that’s going to help you radiate confidence and focus on the goal at hand: discovering if there’s a genuine spark. While emptying your savings on a new, fancy dress for each date may not be realistic (or advised), I promise that you can easily piece together a feminine and stylish look with items already hanging in your closet.
If you own these six closet staples, you can create a perfectly chic outfit for your first date without spending a dime. Whether your date is a formal setting or more casual, having a classy midi dress, neutral heels, a timeless bag, feminine flats, a flirty blouse, and everyday jeans is a guaranteed way to build an outfit that leaves a lasting impression – in a good way.
On the other hand, if you’re not at the point in your life where you own pieces that you feel comfortable and confident in (I know I didn’t at the time), I can totally understand if you feel defeated while looking into your closet in anticipation for a first date. If you are ready to invest in timeless items that you can mix and match, my guide below covers two shopping options for each wardrobe staple.