Picture this: you've just landed a date with the person of your dreams and you are getting ready for the big day. Your hair is beautiful, your makeup is on point, and you are feeling flirty and confident. Now comes the hard part: trying to figure out what to wear! You have a closet full of clothes but nothing seems to be working for you. More importantly, you aren't sure which outfit you should be throwing together for the type of date you are going on.
Sound familiar?
Coming up with the right outfit for a first date can be much more stress-inducing than putting your day-to-day outfit selection together. Are you having trouble finding an outfit that will have the right impact on your date? If so, take a look at this comprehensive first date fashion guide to learn all of the tips that will help you thrive in your chosen outfit as well as on your date.
What To Wear On A First Date: The Guide To Making A Fashionable First Impression
Before You Dress: Important Things to Consider
Fashion is a form of self-expression. Before you begin planning your first date outfit or look for ideas, you need to understand why you are dressing a certain way and how you can get the most out of the outfit you choose. Here are some important things to consider that will play a key role in what you wear for your date.
What Are You Trying to Feel or Achieve With Your Outfit?
An outfit is an extension of yourself and an expression of your emotions and goals. When you dress up, you should dress to express who you are and what you want to get out of the situation that you are dressing for. In the case of a first date, you are going to want to choose an outfit that makes you feel sexy, happy, and confident. When you feel great, you look even better!
Another important thing to focus on when you are deciding your outfit is your end goal. Are you trying to simply get to know this person for a short time or are you attempting to pursue a long-term relationship with the person you are dating? While you are mostly dressing for yourself, you are still dressing for the person that you are going on a date with. Keep this in mind when you are going through your clothes and looking for something to wear.
When and Where Is the Date Taking Place?
When it comes to choosing an outfit for a date, you are not going to be wearing the same outfit that you would wear at a high-class restaurant to a beachside lunch date. Making sure to dress appropriately is very important on a first date and you should always ask where you are going before you decide on an outfit. You don't want to overdress or underdress and give off the wrong impression. This will also help you to select a comfortable outfit ahead of time.
Location isn't the only thing that you need to take into account, however. The time of day and the atmosphere of the date will dictate your outfit decision as well. Are you going to be outside or inside? Will be it during the day or the night? Are you in a place where the locals are more serious or are you in a fun, vibrant place? You want to dress to match your surroundings and the mood of the setting.
Do You Have Anything in Your Wardrobe Right Now?
If you are someone who has a relatively large wardrobe, it can be easy to think you have a piece somewhere in your closet when this isn't actually the case. When you're going on a date, you don't want to be tearing through your wardrobe out the last minute and discover that the outfit you had planned isn't there, which is a familiar situation for many women.
You should always check your closet right after you are asked out on a date. This way, you have plenty of time to coordinate your outfit before you go on the date and you give yourself enough time to go shopping if there is a piece you need that you do not currently own.
Do You Plan on Wearing Accessories?
Too many accessories can kill an outfit but the right amount can add some extra flair and draw attention to certain areas of your body. Many women have their everyday accessories that they use to boost their work or casual wear and accessories that they reserve for special occasions. Are there any accessories that you want to wear? Do they match the outfit that you are planning out?
If you do plan on adding accessories to your outfit, here are some helpful tips that will make sure they work for you rather than against you.
- Don't overdo it when you are putting on accessories. Having 20 bracelets on with a pair of oversized earrings and a massive necklace looks good on absolutely no one!
- Use your jewelry to bring attention to certain areas. For example, a pair of earrings that match your eyes can properly frame your face and draw attention to that feature.
- Stick to neutral tones so that your jewelry doesn't take away from or clash with your outfit. If you choose bright colors or patterns, make sure that they work with your chosen first date outfit.
- Choose accessories that complement each other. Your accessories shouldn't be competing with each other.
- If you have more than one accessory on, make sure that only one is a statement piece. If you have too many pieces that draw someone's attention, it will take away from the main outfit you took time to plan out.
Do You Have Any Outfits That Attract Attention When You're in Public?
When you are planning an outfit out, it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether or not it is a great outfit in the moment. If you do have something to wear and you don't have to shop for a new outfit that works specifically for the date you are going on, take a look at some of your pieces that have already received compliments from people at work or out in public. After all, it can be hard to argue with an outfit that is already a crowd favorite.
What Feels Right to You? What Would You Consider Wearing?
Although there are many amazing outfit ideas out there, not all of them are going to be suited for you and you are definitely not going to want to wear something that you are not comfortable in or something that doesn't reflect who you are. Remember, your outfit represents you. You should never feel pressured to wear something simply because it is a common fashion choice or because others hold it in high regards.
Only wear what is comfortable for you, what feels right to you, and what makes you feel sexy and happy. If it makes you feel uncomfortable in any way, it is not the right piece for you and it certainly won't make for a great first date outfit.
The Only Outfit Planning Guide You'll Ever Need
Now that we've taken a look at some of the most important aspects of the date that you should consider before you plan out your first date outfit, we need to discuss what you need to know in order to put together your perfect outfit. After all, ideas only serve as placeholders. Knowing how to go about planning your clothing choices out is an invaluable skill that will help you dress for many dates to come.
If you want to dress well both inside and outside of the dating world, here are the four steps you need to know to make sure that you look great every time.
Step 1. Choose Your Base
Like a house needs a strong foundation, your outfit is going to be built upon your base. What is the base? As you may have already guessed, the base that makes up the first part of your outfit is your bottoms. If you are going to be in a warmer area, you will want to wear looser bottoms or reach for a skirt. If you are going to be in a cooler area and you will most likely be layering up, you should choose a good pair of jeans that can easily be matched with other pieces of your outfit.
If you are wearing a dress, you can move on from this step and move straight into the accessorizing phase of your outfit planning.
Step 2. Choose a Basic Top to Complement Your Base
When you have decided on your bottoms, you are going to want to decide on your top. Tops can be neutral in nature or can feature a little bit of color and style. However, you are going to want to avoid any tops that attract the bulk of the attention in the outfit. Why? If you remember the accessory tips in the previous section, having multiple pieces in your outfit that pop out can cause clashing and take away from the outfit.
If you are only wearing a base and a top and you are not layering on extra accessories, you can choose a top that has more style and designs. If you plan on wearing extra pieces, however, you will want to make sure that your top doesn't request all of the attention.
Step 3. Choose Your Statement Piece(s)
After the bottoms and the top have been chosen out, you are going to want to focus on selecting your statement piece. Your statement piece is generally another garment that helps to add a little extra flavor to your outfit. This piece could be anything from a cardigan to a leather jacket. However, you should know once you see it that it undeniably makes a statement.
When it comes to statement pieces, you can actually have several statement pieces in your outfit. One can be a garment and the other can be an accessory. For example, a large watch, a very attractive necklace, or some dangling earrings can be the extra piece to tie it all together and make your outfit pop. Just make sure that these pieces work well together and don't have to compete with each other.
Step 4. Choose Your Shoes, Bag, and Extra Accessories
Do you have your pants, top, and main accessories and garments chosen out? If so, we can move on to the final stage of the outfit planning process: accessories! These pieces, such as your shoes, bag, and minor accessories will all depend upon the main pieces that you have chosen.
For shoes, you are going to want to select shoes that match with your outfit but are also comfortable. If you are going somewhere nice, you are probably going to want to choose out a neutral heel that matches your bottoms and top. If you are going somewhere casual, a nice wedge or a pair of flat will work well. If you're doing anything active or if you plan on going anywhere you may need the support, you should make sure to have a good shoe with you.
Moving onto the bag, these are accessories that can truly build upon your outfit without taking too much away from it. If you are in a casual setting, a larger bag will work just fine and will help to add more comfort to your outfit. With these outfits, you can also choose to use a comfortable handbag with a small strap that keeps things light. For more semi-formal or formal situations, you will want to choose smaller bags or clutches as these purses have an air of sophistication. Make sure that the function and the style of the bag are appropriate for the situation that you are in.
Once you've taken care of those pieces, the rest of your focus can go toward choosing out your accessories. Selecting accessories can be a long process as you will want accessories that build upon your outfit but do not take away from your garments or the other statement pieces that you have on. For example, you may want to choose out a few small rings, a light necklace, or small earrings are perfect accessories to choose so that you add value to the outfit without taking too much away from your main items.
After all of these items have been thought out and put together, you will have successfully put together your own perfect first date outfit. Now it's up to you to go out there and dazzle your date.
First Date Outfit Ideas to Get You Started
Coming up with your outfit for a first date can be difficult and while the steps above can certainly be helpful as you become more confident in picking out your outfit, having a few ideas on hand can go a long way when you are just dipping your toes into the water. If you need some ideas to get you started, here are a few timeless outfit ideas that will help you with a first date in absolutely any setting.
For the Dressy Dinner Date
Dinner dates at nice restaurants will almost always require you to pick out a formal outfit. When you are invited to this kind of date, it is best to select a dress that fits your body snugly and outlines your best features. Build upon this dress with a pair of comfortable heels (make sure to bring along some flats if your feet get tired) and a statement piece with some rings, a necklace, or some small earrings.
If it is cold out, consider bringing along a light jacket or sweater that complements your dress. If you plan on carrying personal things along with you, go for a clutch that can tie around your wrist or choose a small bag with a thin strap that you can easily tote around.
For the Afternoon Lunch Date
Lunch dates can be perfect for busy individuals who are looking to get to know more about each other in a casual setting. If you have been invited to a date during the day, a great pair of jeans or khakis can never go wrong as your base. You can build upon this with a comfortable blouse or top that can also double as a statement piece if you don't need to wear anything on top. If it is a bit cooler out, you could always wear a light sweater or cardigan over your top.
Because these day dates are all about being casual and comfortable, your accessories don't have to be too serious. Fun and flirty earrings, necklaces, or even chunkier watches are all perfect for this occasion. Additionally, you can increase the size of your bag and go for a medium-sized purse that is easy to carry around but still adds to the comfort level of the outfit that you are wearing. If you plan on engaging in any physical activity after the date, make sure to bring comfortable shoes and lighter outerwear so that you don't end up becoming overheated.
For the Classic Dinner and a Movie
Despite the changing social landscape, the popular date featuring dinner and a movie is still alive and kicking. However, the challenge for many women can be finding the comfortable medium between the dressier attire that may be required for the spot where they will be having dinner and the movie theater that they will be going to once they have finished.
Much like with other dates, a pair of jeans is always a great go-to base if you don't want to be too casual once you go from one place to the next. You can then take a nicer top and pair it with a small statement layer that will help to keep you a bit warmer in the air-conditioned theater. Wrap this entire outfit up with a small, thinly-strapped bag and a couple of minor accessories such as rings, a necklace, and some earrings to have the perfect outfit that helps you come off as relaxed and prepared for the course of the evening.
For the Active Date
If you're a lover for all things active and you meet someone who shares these passions, you may find yourself on a first date where your potential partner has decided to ask you to do something active with them. Perhaps your date has asked you to go hiking with them at a popular local trail or to go running with them down the pier. No matter where you may be going, dressing up for the occasion involves a little bit more effort than your average date.
You will want to make sure that you are wearing a loose, breathable base that gives you protection from the elements but also gives you the comfort you need to move around freely. Bases such as compression pants, certain workout shorts, and some skirts can be perfect for these activities. Once you've settled on the bottoms, you can then choose a top that functions in the same way. Some women may want to opt for a sports bra and others may go for a compression tee that gives you support during more rigorous exercises.
Because this type of date is not your average date, you may want to keep accessories to a minimum and make your tops and bottoms your statement pieces. However, you could always accessorize with colorful hair ties, headphones and bands, and with water bottles that you will be taking with you. Your shoes can also pop out from the rest of your outfit, which is a popular trend for women's activewear. If you choose to bring a bag with you, make it a very compact one so that it doesn't get in your way and consider leaving it in your car to avoid losing it when you are out on the date.
For the Beach/Poolside Date
During the summer, beach dates or poolside dates can offer you and your date a way to have fun and kick back while you are learning more about each other. These dates also present you with an easy way to create an outfit that is fun, flirty, and freeing. From a poolside date at a classy hotel to a beach date with sand and sun, you can easily throw a quick outfit together if you have the right swimwear and accessories.
If you plan on going swimming or soaking in the sun, your base is mostly going to consist of bikini bottoms, which can be more than colorful if they are getting most of the attention and will be your statement piece along with your bikini top. If you are going to be walking around the beach and don't feel comfortable just wearing your bikini the entire time, you can easily throw a tearaway skirt or a pair of small shorts that can be put over your bikini bottoms.
The same goes for your bikini top, which can be covered by a cute tank top or a loose-fitting shirt. If you have a small necklace or some bracelets or watches that you can add to this outfit, these are some of the best pieces to include as you do not want to accessorize too much and run the risk of losing these pieces when you are at the beach or pool. A pair of flip flops or open-toed shoes and an oversize bag or beach tote can tie this outfit idea together perfectly. If you have a summer hat that you have been dying to wear, this can be the perfect time to throw it on and give your outfit a little extra sizzle.
For the At-Home Date
If you've known someone for a while and are comfortable doing a date where you go to one or the other's house for dinner or a movie, you can plan for a very casual date vibe and outfit. You may even be able to get away with wearing some pieces that are a bit oversized or considered too comfortable for most other date situations.
As always, a great base for a casual date is a pair of jeans that are comfortable to be in for the course of the date. These jeans don't have to be too serious as you will be spending most, if not all of your time at your house or at your date's house. If you have a pair of nicer yoga pants or leggings, you may also be able to wear these on your date. However, you will want to avoid clothing that is too casual, such as loose sweats.
Once you have your base, go for a looser top that is basic and serves to keep your comfort level up. You can put on a small garment over it that works as the statement piece but can be removed when you begin to settle in during the date. Although you can wear multiple accessories during these kinds of dates, this will often be unnecessary. You can instead go for a couple of light pieces such as a necklace, some small earrings, or a couple of bracelets. For your shoes, you can go with casual footwear that can easily be taken off and doesn't carry too much of the outfit. For bags, you can go with a medium or large purse.
Of course, you may also not need as many pieces if you are hosting the date. If you do not have to plan out your whole outfit, dress accordingly to prepare for the date when they arrive at your place.
Hopefully, this article has armed you with all of the information you need to come up with the perfect outfit for your first date and has given you the confidence you need to be able to build your own date outfits in the future. If you ever need any help with your fashion choices in the future, return to this guide as a reference to remind you of all of the helpful tips, tricks, and considerations to make when it comes to your first date fashion choices!