Whether to wear a dress or not on a first date is a common question many women ponder. The choice of attire for a first date can seem stressful since you want to make the right first impression. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal style, the season and weather, the date location and activity, and your comfort level. Considering these key factors can help determine if wearing a dress is the right choice for your first date outfit.
Advantages of Wearing a Dress
There are several advantages that make wearing a dress a good idea for many first dates:
- Dresses are versatile – They come in many styles, allowing you to pick one that suits your personality and the date activity. You can choose casual, formal, flirty, conservative, etc.
- Dresses are feminine and flattering – For many body types, dresses highlight your best assets in a feminine way. This can help you feel confident and attractive on the date.
- Dresses convey effort – Putting on a dress shows you put thought and effort into looking nice for the date. This is usually appreciated and can make a good impression.
- Dresses are comfortable – Compared to more constructed outfits like suits or separates, dresses tend to offer ease of movement. This can help you feel relaxed and confident.
- Dresses are quick – Rather than coordinating separates, a dress is a one-piece outfit you can throw on. This makes getting ready for the date fast and easy.
So if you enjoy wearing dresses and have the right style for the date plan, a dress is often a smart choice that offers many perks.
Disadvantages of Wearing a Dress
However, there are also some potential drawbacks of wearing a dress on a first date:
- Limited movement – Some dresses can restrict movement, especially longer, tighter fitted, or formal styles. This may be problematic for active dates.
- Revealing – Depending on the cut, some dresses can show more skin than intended if you need to bend over or move around. This could lead to wardrobe malfunctions.
- Weather concerns – Dresses usually leave your legs exposed, so they may not provide enough warmth or protection in very cold or wet weather.
- Not your style – If you typically only wear dresses for special occasions, wearing one on a casual first date may look overdressed.
- Uncomfortable – If you don’t wear dresses often, you may not feel like yourself or relaxed in one during the date.
So dresses do have some drawbacks to consider depending on the date activity, weather, and your comfort level wearing them.
Key Factors to Consider
When deciding if a dress is the right choice for a first date outfit, here are some key factors to consider:
Your usual style
Think about if dresses are a normal part of your wardrobe. If so, wear a style you feel represents you. But if you only wear dresses occasionally, you might feel more confident in separates that better reflect your everyday style.
The date location
If your date is somewhere active like a beach, park, hiking trail, or arcade, a dress may not be the most practical choice. But for dinner, concerts, museums, or movies, a dress is likely perfectly appropriate.
The planned activities
Consider if the date involves activities where a dress could be restrictive. For example, mini golf, ice skating, or dancing at a club may be easier in pants. But activities like walking through a botanic garden, trying a wine tasting, or visiting an observatory deck could pair well with a dress.
Weather/season
In very hot weather, a breezy sundress could be perfect. But cold weather may require tights and a coat which detracts from the dress. Seasons like winter or fall with extra layers like sweaters or cardigans can make dresses less ideal.
Comfort level
Most importantly, would you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourself in a dress for this date? Or would you constantly be adjusting and feel out of place? Wear something you feel good in.
First Date Dress Guidelines
If you decide to wear a dress for the first date, here are some tips to get the look right:
- Aim for modest – Avoid ultra mini, low cut, or transparent dresses. Leave something to the imagination until you know each other better.
- Pick a style you can wear a bra with – Look for styles with enough coverage and support so you can wear a bra comfortably.
- Don’t try anything too new – This likely isn’t the time for a style you’ve never worn before and aren’t used to moving in.
- Consider layers – Have a sweater, jacket, or tights available in case the weather shifts or the venue is chilly.
- Prioritize comfort – The date will go better if you aren’t constantly fidgeting with clothing you aren’t comfortable in.
- Match the formality – If the date is casual, avoid overly formal dresses. Make sure it aligns with the planned activities.
- Check yourself before sitting – Be aware how the dress rides up and shows leg when you are seated if the style is form-fitting.
- Bring emergency supplies – Pack backups like band-aids, fashion tape, or a shawl in case the dress needs quick adjustments.
Following these tips can help you feel chic, confident, and comfortable in a first date dress.
Best Dress Styles for Common First Dates
Here are some recommended dress styles for popular first date locations and activities:
Casual lunch or coffee date
- Sundress – Pick one with fun prints or patterns.
- T-shirt dress – Aim for interesting details like lace-up accents.
- Day dress – Look for belted waists or wrap styles.
- Peplum dress – Ruffles at the waist create a flirty touch.
Upscale dinner date
- Cocktail dress – Look for a classy midi length in lace, satin, or chiffon.
- Wrap dress – Flattering ruched styles work well.
- Off the shoulder dress – Bare shoulders add elegance for dinner dates.
- Bodycon dress – Avoid ultra tight bands and opt for knee length.
Outdoor park or hiking date
- T-shirt dress – Relaxed cotton styles allow you to move.
- Tank dress – Pick sportier fabrics like jersey knits.
- Skater dress – Full, short skirts enable active movement.
- Short shirtdress – Button fronts feel casual yet put together.
Museum, show, or artsy date
- Shift dress – Loose silhouettes don’t restrict movement as you explore.
- Long sleeve dress – Provides more coverage for cooler indoor venues.
- Maxi dress – Flowy and feminine for cultural dates.
- Midi dress – Provides more coverage at venues with seating.
Choosing the right dress style for your date activities makes it easier to feel relaxed, confident, and dressed appropriately.
Conclusion
Deciding whether or not to wear a dress on a first date depends on the event, weather, your comfort level, and personal style preferences. For many women, a dress offers an easy way to look feminine, put together, and make a solid first impression. But dresses aren’t for everyone or suitable to every date. Consider the practical disadvantages and pick styles carefully based on the date plans. Most importantly, opt for ensembles you feel best reflects you. Focus on comfort over impressing your date. Wearing a dress you constantly have to adjust defeats the purpose. But when selected thoughtfully, dresses can be a great option for first dates.
Should You Wear a Dress for Your First Date? – Quick Takeaways
- Dresses are versatile, flattering, and can convey effort for first dates.
- Potential drawbacks include limited movement, weather issues, and comfort levels.
- Key factors to consider are your usual style, the date activity, weather, and comfort level.
- Pick modest, comfortable dresses you can wear bra with.
- Style tips: avoid ultra mini, low cut, or transparent dresses.
- Recommended dress styles depend on the date plans from sundresses to cocktail dresses.
- Focus on comfort over impressing. Only wear a dress you feel great in.
