What will your potential love interest notice on your first date? Will it be your jokes about your job, the way you talk to your server, or your appearance?
In truth, your date will notice all of those things, but of the three, they’ll care about your appearance the most. Like it or not, appearance is a vital component of attraction, and can determine whether you and your date will be getting together again. So, how can you optimize your image and ensure a second date? Read on for our five best tips on how to dress to impress on a first date!
#1: Highlight Your Best Feature
What’s your best feature? Is it long legs, thick eyelashes, or great arms?
Whatever your most appealing feature is, we recommend dressing in a way that will make your date notice it. For instance, if you have great legs, show them off with a short skirt or dress. Bold eyeshadow keeps the focus on your lashes, while a tight or sleeveless t-shirt lets you show off your guns.
If you’re lucky enough to have lots of good features, don’t try to show them all off at once. For instance, wearing a short skirt with a tight top and tons of makeup can make you look like you’re trying too hard. Instead, pick one thing to highlight and make it the centerpiece of your outfit.
#2: Keep It Casual
If you show up in a tux or an evening gown, your date will likely be freaked out. That’s because it comes across as overeager, which is a big turn-off. You’ll make a better impression by wearing clothes that are nice but aligned with the venue’s typical dress code (a.k.a. casual. Ditch the ball gown for now).
Outfits which fit that brief include:
- A button-down shirt, expensive jeans, and sleek booties—dressed up with a cool scarf.
- A shirtdress and strappy sandals.
- Loose pants, heels, and a sleeveless tunic.
#3: Choose Smart Accessories
Your first date clothes should be simple, but your accessories don’t have to be! This is your opportunity to step it up a notch and show off your taste to your date.
We suggest punctuating your look with thoughtful, expensive accessories, such as:
- A leather bag or wallet
- An intriguing ankle bracelet
- A well-made quartz watch
- Vintage sunglasses
- A silver wrist cuff
- Stacked rings
#4: Go Neutral with Your Makeup
A bold red lip or winged eye can look cool, but it can also be, well, a bit much. While “natural” makeup can take as long to apply as more theatrical types of makeup, it looks effortless, which is what first-date fashion is all about! If you don’t wear makeup, you can still put your best face forward by taking care of your skin. Universally regarded as attractive, well-kept skin is always in style.
#5: Wear Shoes You Can Walk In
Imagine you’re on a first date, and it’s going really well. Your love interest suggests walking to a nearby romantic location. You want to say yes, but unfortunately, the amazing shoes you’re wearing are really pinching your feet. You’re forced to call it a night, and he never calls you again (the screen is black and white, a violin is playing in the distance, storm clouds loom… ). Don’t let this happen to you! Instead, wear shoes that are flat, supportive, and already broken in. Bonus: half your night won’t be spent grimacing in pain.
Comfort is Key
On most first dates, half your task is simply figuring out whether you want to be friends with this person. Why? Because your relationship won’t last if you don’t enjoy hanging out together.
If you wear clothes that just aren’t “you,” you won’t act naturally, which will make it harder for you to discover whether you and your date are truly clicking. So, while it’s crucial to look nice, you should never wear your most formal or revealing clothing.
Instead, follow these style rules for first dates:
- Pick one of your best features to highlight, then plan the rest of your outfit around it.
- Wear clothes that are venue-appropriate, but not overly fancy.
- Subtly show off your personality through high-quality accessories.
- Opt for light makeup and good skincare.
- Skip the heels in favor of kicks you can walk (and groove) in.
If you get dressed with these guidelines in mind, you’ll be more than ready to have a great night. Good luck!