Many girls agonize over what to wear for a first date. They want to look attractive and stylish, but also don’t want to send the wrong message or make the guy feel uncomfortable. So do guys really care what a girl wears on the first date? Here are some quick answers to that question:
Most guys care to some extent
While every guy is different, the majority do care at least a little bit about how a girl dresses for the first date. After all, her style and wardrobe choices give clues about her personality, interests, and how serious she is about making a good impression. However, most guys won’t judge too harshly if a girl’s outfit for the date is not perfect.
Key factors guys consider
When deciding what to wear, there are a few key factors savvy girls will keep in mind:
- Comfort – Choose an outfit you feel confident and comfortable in. Don’t wear anything too tight, short, or revealing.
- Appropriateness – Make sure your outfit suits the date location. A cocktail dress may be too formal for a casual lunch date.
- Neatness – Details matter, so make sure clothes are clean, pressed, and free of holes, stains, or excessive wrinkles.
- Style – Pick clothes that flatter your body type and showcase your unique personal style.
Outfits to avoid
There are a few types of outfits girls may want to avoid for a first date, including:
- Overly sexy or revealing outfits – These tend to send the wrong message.
- Sweatpants, torn jeans, baggy t-shirts – Too casual and sloppy.
- Athletic clothes – Unless you’re doing an athletic date, opt for something more polished.
- Outdated styles – Make sure your look is modern and fashionable.
What to wear for common first date ideas
Here are some outfit ideas tailored to popular first date locations:
| Date Location | Outfit Ideas |
|---|---|
| Casual lunch or coffee date | Jeans or casual dress with flats or booties |
| Dinner at a nice restaurant | Cocktail dress or dressy top with skirt or pants |
| Museum or art gallery date | Dressy casual outfit like a blouse and skirt |
| Sporting event or concert | Jeans with team jersey or band t-shirt |
| Hiking or picnic date | Outdoor-friendly attire like jeans and sneakers |
How to subtly ask what to wear
If you’re unsure what to wear, you can subtly ask for clues without directly asking the guy. Say something like:
- “What do you have planned for our date?”
- “Where are we going?”
- “How should I dress for our plans?”
- “Is it a casual or dressy location?”
His responses should give you hints to select the right outfit. If still unsure, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Don’t overthink it
While putting some thought into your first date outfit is wise, don’t drive yourself crazy agonizing over it. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable, confident, and true to yourself. Wear an outfit that reflects your personality.
Sure, some guys have strong preferences for dressy, casual, sporty, or girly date style. But the right guy for you will appreciate you for who you are, not just your clothes. If possible, avoid choosing first date outfits you don’t feel like yourself in just to impress him.
Focus more on grooming
While your outfit matters, your overall grooming and presentation likely matter more. Be sure hair, makeup, nails, hygiene and accessories are date-ready. Scent and fragrance can also leave a lasting impression. Pay attention to details like fresh breath, neat hair, trimmed nails, and well-groomed eyebrows.
Ask a trusted friend
When in doubt about date outfits, ask a trusted friend whose style you admire for advice. But take their input as just a suggestion. Only you can decide what outfit helps you feel most confident and authentic.
Plan date-ready options
Reduce first date outfit anxiety by planning ahead. Shop for and set aside a few polished, date-worthy outfit options so you’re prepared when a date arises. Then you’ll have go-to combinations you feel great wearing.
Keep accessories minimal
Accessories like jewelry, scarves, belts, and handbags can complement a first date outfit. But keep them simple and minimal. The focus should remain on you, not loud, distracting accessories. Skip carrying 10 different items and only bring essentials like a phone, small purse or wallet, and keys.
Show thought, not skin
A good rule of thumb is showing just enough skin to look stylish, not so much that you look desperate for attention. Revealing attire can send the wrong vibe. Keep private areas private for initial meetings, despite current revealing fashion trends.
Comfort impacts confidence
Wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable in your own skin. Tugging at a too-short hemline or adjusting an uncomfortable bra strap throughout a date undermines confidence. If an outfit requires constant adjustments, it’s not the right choice.
Don’t copy celebrity looks
While it’s fun to take inspiration from stylish celebrities and influencers, avoid outright copying their distinctive looks for first dates. Outfits tailored for the red carpet or social media may seem over-the-top. The goal is to look and feel like the best version of you.
Keep makeup simple
Makeup can help you look polished for a first date without caking on heavy products. Focus on drawing attention to your best features. For most women, that means playing up your eyes or lips, but keeping the rest of makeup minimal.
Match makeup to outfit
Choose makeup that complements your first date outfit colors and style. For example, rock smoky eye makeup with an edgy moto jacket. With a cute floral dress, opt for a more natural makeup palette. Coordinated makeup and clothing create a harmonious look.
Set a time buffer
Building extra time into your date prep schedule helps prevent a rushed, frazzled mood. If you feel hurried and stressed about things like shaving, doing your hair, or picking an outfit, it detracts from confidence on the date.
Focus on personal strengths
Play up your best assets instead of trying to hide perceived flaws when choosing outfits. For example, if you love your shoulders, opt for an off-the-shoulder top. If you have great legs, pick a cute skirt. Accentuating your positives boosts self-image.
Don’t forget shoes
Coordinate your shoes with your date outfit as much as possible. Heels dress up an outfit, while casual or athletic shoes bring it down a notch. Choose shoes suitable for the activity and easy to walk in so you stay comfortable all evening.
Have emergency backup options
Bring extra shoes and accessories in your car or purse in case of a wardrobe malfunction. An extra pair of flats, makeup for touch-ups, deodorant, breath mints, bobby pins etc. can be lifesavers. You’ll feel more confident prepared for clothing emergencies.
Check the weather
Check the weather forecast to select attire fabric, weight, and accessories suitable for the temperature and precipitation. A lightweight dress for hot weather or an umbrella and rain boots for storms will maximize comfort.
Take dressing cues from him
If your date provides clues about his own style, factor that into your outfit selection. If he dresses preppy, opt for matching elements. If he’s trendy, embrace bold choices. Avoid clashing styles.
Feel empowered, not objectified
Wear clothing that makes you feel strong, sexy, and empowered – not objectified. The goal is feeling confident in how you represent yourself, not appealing to someone else’s distorted ideals.
Avoid wardrobe malfunctions
To prevent embarrassing malfunctions, choose outfits with: secure hemlines, appropriate necklines, strapless bra if needed, no gaps, seams intact, and fabric not too tight or sheer. Check yourself thoroughly in a mirror first.
Reflect your unique style
Date outfits don’t require changing your entire personal style. The guy was attracted to the real you, not someone pretending to be someone else. Just polish up your normal look by playing up features you love.
Conclusion
Most guys do care at least somewhat how a girl dresses for a first date, wanting to see effort was made to look nice and stylish. But an outfit doesn’t need to be overly fancy or trendy if that’s not your style. The right guy will be interested in you for you. Focus mostly on feeling confident, comfortable, and authentic – not seeking someone else’s approval. With the right preparation and self-assurance, first date outfits can become less daunting.
