Choosing what to wear on a first date can be anything but easy. Many relationships are built on first impressions.
And while your personality and communication skills will say a lot about you as a person, what you choose to wear can also leave an imprint on your date’s mind – good or bad.
There are no hard and fast rules regarding how to dress. But four simple guidelines can help you make the right selection.
1. Dress for comfort
First dates can be awkward, and if you do not know the person well, your nerves might go into overdrive. The last thing you need to deal with is unbearable attire. For this matter, make sure that you feel good (and comfortable) in whatever you choose to wear on your first date.
Also, be yourself. Your style should reflect your everyday personality. The first date is not the time to experiment with different fashions. Besides, if you decide to be daring, you will probably spend more time worrying about how you look than getting to know your date.
For example, if you are a lady who never wears high heels, a first date is not the appropriate time to pull out your brand new five-inch high heels. You may spend the greater portion of the date wobbling as you walk, which is not going to leave the best impression.
Give your outfit a test run prior to the first date. Does your skirt or shirt ride up as you walk? Is your dress too short when you sit? Are your trousers or jeans too tight? Can your feet survive three hours in those shoes?
2. Dress for the occasion
What you decide to wear on a first date will largely depend on where you go. For example, if you and your date plan an upscale dinner, appropriate male attire can include slacks, a long-sleeve, collared shirt and dress/work shoes. For females, a dress, skirt, slacks and a nice blouse might work for the occasion, along with comfortable heels or flat shoes. Skip the tennis shoes
But if you’re planning a movie date, a slightly casual style is more appropriate. Perhaps jeans and a polo shirt for guys, and jeans and a dressier shirt for females. Shorts, t-shirts and tank tops are not appropriate for a first date (or any date for that matter), unless you’re heading to the park, an amusement park or the beach.
If you’re a guy, the first date isn’t the right time for “surprise locations.” This hardly ends well, as your date may show up in a dress for a picnic in the park.
If you’re not familiar with a particular location, Google the venue and check out the dress code. And if this doesn’t provide clues on what to wear, call up your date and ask what he or she plans to wear. This way, if you don’t dress appropriately for the venue, at least you won’t be alone in your decision.
3. Leave something to the imagination
Showing too much skin is not the way to start a first date. You’ll make an impression alright, but it won’t be the best impression. The first date is your chance to get to know another person better. But you can’t get to know a guy if he’s constantly looking down your shirt and gazing at your bare legs.
Not that you should cover from head to toe, but if you put too much of yourself on display, you might come off as desperate or cheap.
For ladies, if your skirt or dress stops above the knees or mid-thigh when you’re standing, it’ll probably be too short when you’re sitting. This might distract your date, thus blocking his ability to grasp your stunning personality. If your blouse or sweater cuts too low, wear a camisole and hide the twins.
But this suggestion doesn’t only apply to females. Although guys don’t typically show as much skin as females, some clothing choices can be equally distracting. If you’re a guy, lose the deep V-neck. If not, your date might spend the entire night staring at your chest hair – and not in a good way.
And understandably, you’re probably proud of your workout efforts and dying to show off your physique. But a first date isn’t the time to wear tight shirts that overly accentuates every muscle in your arms, chest and stomach.
4. Choose clothes that flatter your best features
Certain clothes are designed specifically for your body structure. Discover what looks best on you and wear these pieces on your first date. For example, if you’re slim, wear clothes that fit your frame. A baggy shirt or pants might come off as sloppy, thus creating a bad first impression. Likewise, if you’re a heavier set, you might stay away from slim attire, as this can inadvertently accentuate every lump and bump.
Also, don’t choose any random color or pattern to wear. Keep your body shape in mind – this applies to males and females. If you want to hide curves or unsightly lumps, choose dark colors such as black or navy. Perhaps a black shirt or sweater to draw attention away from a stomach pouch or beer gut. You can also dress up your better features with patterns or lighter colors, which also helps draw attention from your trouble spots. For example, if your stomach is flat and toned, but your hips and thighs need work, you might pair black or dark blue pants with a bright yellow or striped shirt.
