One of life’s many lessons is never judge a book by its cover, but we all do it anyway.
The mismatched outfits, bad haircuts and poor grooming techniques, can ultimately create labels that can never shake. And when it comes to first dates, unfortunately that can mean the difference between happily ever after and “he/she was just some guy/girl I went out with once”.
There is a saying that you never get a second chance to make a good first impression, so when dating someone for the first time, it is absolutely vital that you look your best.
In today’s fashion-conscious world, taking into consideration your body type and combining it with up-to-date trends for your dating attire may become overwhelming. What’s important to remember is that today’s first date dress style is definitely more laid back, but don’t misinterpret that for casual.
For men, blazers with jeans, or a stylish button-up shirt with suit pants. Avoid sneakers and go with a more formal pair of shoes instead.
Shoes mean a lot to a woman. Make sure your shoes are always clean. If they are smart shoes, ensure they are polished, and get into the habit of not scuffing your feet as you walk.
Suits will never go out of fashion. Ensure your jacket is not too long and don’t button it. Have a clean, ironed shirt and only wear a waistcoat if you are trying to be super smart. If it’s a hot night and you choose to roll up your sleeves, ensure they remain below elbow length, no matter how big your think your arms are!
For women, outfits tend to vary according to the date itself. For a nice dinner, concert, or cocktail night, I personally would go with a simple black pencil skirt. It is perfect for basically every occasion and you won’t look overdone, or too casual. Some black peep-toe heels would look great with this, or even a strappy shoe.
Top-wise, there are so many options. Call me crazy, but I’m a fan of the whole belted shirt. However, I’d go with a brighter shirt since the skirt and shoes would be black. A nice plum colour would be great and it’s really big right now.
For the more casual date, I don’t think there is anything wrong with a nice pair of dark-wash jeans with heels. A nice pair of ballet flats would work too. I love a nice bold sweater. You could add some nice bold silver jewellery to pull it all together. If a sweater seems too hot, go for a fitted three-quarter length top instead.
Whatever you do, or when in doubt, remember to keep it simple. Wear what works for you, your personality, skin tone and the date itself. Following these steps will go a long way receiving a great first impression and securing that elusive second date!
