When you’re getting ready for a first date, one of the biggest decisions is what to wear. Should you dress up in something fancy or keep it casual? This choice can seem stressful since you want to make a good first impression. Ultimately, the best approach is thinking about your personal style, the date activity, and communicating with your date ahead of time about expectations. With the right mindset, you can feel confident and comfortable on a first date, no matter your outfit choice.
Consider venue and activity
One major factor in deciding what to wear is considering the venue and activity planned for the first date. More formal dates like dinner at an upscale restaurant typically call for dressier attire, while casual dates like meeting for coffee or a walk in the park allow for more relaxed outfits.
| Date Activity | Sample Outfits |
|---|---|
| Dinner at nice restaurant | Cocktail dress or blouse and dress pants for women; button-down shirt and slacks for men |
| Movie and drinks | Nice jeans with blouse or sweater for women; casual button-down and jeans for men |
| Hiking or picnic in the park | Outdoor gear like leggings or shorts and t-shirt for women; shorts and polo for men |
| Coffee date | Casual sundress or jeans with cute top for women; khakis and casual shirt for men |
As seen in the table, an outdoor activity like hiking calls for casual clothes you feel comfortable moving around in, while dinner at a elegant restaurant requires more formal attire. Consider what you’ll be doing and where you’ll be going to help guide your outfit choice.
Reflect personal style
While you want to dress appropriately for the date activity, it’s also important to wear something that aligns with your personal style. After all, you want your date to get to know the real you. The first date is not the time to try out an overly bold look or wear something you normally wouldn’t. Instead, stick to pieces you feel most yourself in so you can focus on enjoying your time together versus worrying about your outfit.
For example, if you tend to gravitate toward feminine or boho looks, wear a cute floral dress or romper. If you have an edgy street style, opt for distressed denim with leather booties and a moto jacket. Think about the clothing, accessories, colors and silhouettes you are regularly drawn to. Then assemble a first date outfit using those elements so you look and feel authentically you.
Set expectations with your date
Since people have different perceptions of dressing up, it can be helpful to check in with your date about the dress code ahead of time. This allows you both to calibrate so one person doesn’t show up overdressed while the other is underdressed.
You can simply ask your date something like, “How dressed up do people tend to get for this restaurant/concert/play we’re going to? I’m trying to figure out what to wear.” Or if you want to provide more context, you can say “I’m planning to wear a casual sundress, but let me know if you think that’s inappropriate for where we’re going so I can adjust accordingly.”
Setting aligned expectations upfront takes the guesswork out of deciding what to wear. Then you can focus your outfit choice on venue, activity and personal style as discussed above.
Aim for neat and tidy
No matter if you opt for dressy or casual pieces, make sure your first date outfit is neat and tidy. Wrinkly, stained, or ripped clothing sends the wrong impression. Ensure any dressy pieces are properly pressed and casual items are clean and presentable without holes, stains or excessive fading.
It’s also important that your clothes fit properly. Baggy and ill-fitting clothing looks sloppy, while pieces that are too small come across as uncomfortable. Make sure everything is smoothed and tucked in neatly and fits your frame appropriately. Proper fit is key for an put together, confident look.
Accessorize thoughtfully
Accessories like jewelry, handbags and shoes provide great opportunities to add polish to any first date outfit. For a casual daytime look, accessorize with subtle gold or silver jewelry, a nice leather crossbody bag and flattering flats. Dress up an evening outfit with statement earrings and heels. Limit accessories to two or three eye-catching statement pieces that complement, not overwhelm your look.
Well-chosen accessories show you’ve put thought into your appearance for the date, without going overboard. Keep accessories simple, neat and appropriate for the occasion when deciding how to complement your outfit.
Focus on grooming
In addition to putting thought into your clothing, don’t forget the importance of general grooming and hygiene for a first date. Shower, style your hair neatly, trim any facial hair, brush your teeth and apply deodorant. Make sure hands and nails are clean and clothes are free of lint, pet hair or anything else unsightly. These grooming touches make you look put together.
You also want to apply tasteful makeup if desired and have on a signature scent. Taking time on these personal grooming habits demonstrates you take care of yourself and put effort into your appearance for special occasions like a first date.
The importance of confidence
More important than any specific outfit choice is the confidence you radiate on a first date. You want to be comfortable both physically and mentally so you can focus on connecting with your date, not on whether you chose the “right thing to wear.”
The way you carry yourself with grace, poise and self-assurance speaks volumes beyond clothing. Cultivate confidence by choosing an outfit you feel great in, focusing on positive self-talk and even doing a power pose in the mirror before heading out. Confidence and comfort in your own skin always looks good.
Sample first date outfits
To summarize key points around optimal first date outfits, here are some examples of appropriate attire for common date scenarios:
Women’s Outfits
| Date | Sample Outfit |
|---|---|
| Dinner at Italian restaurant | Black cocktail dress with sparkly heels and earrings |
| Indie concert | Dark skinny jeans with silky camisole and leather jacket; cute ankle boots |
| Museum and lunch | Colorful patterned skirt with tucked in blouse; low heels or flats |
| Hiking date | Athletic leggings or shorts with moisture-wicking tank or tee; sporty sneakers |
| Beach picnic | Sundress or shorts with casual top; sandals or flip flops |
Men’s Outfits
| Date | Sample Outfit |
|---|---|
| Dinner at nice restaurant | Dress pants and button down shirt; blazer optional; dress shoes |
| Casual brunch | Dark wash jeans with polo shirt or casual button down; loafers |
| Amusement park | Shorts with graphic tee or casual shirt; sneakers |
| Art gallery opening | Khakis with dress shirt and sports jacket; dress shoes |
| Music festival | Shorts or jeans with music tee; casual sneakers |
These examples reflect appropriate attire based on the date activity that also stays true to personal style. Keep these factors top of mind when deciding what to wear for a great first date look.
Conclusion
Figuring out what to wear for a first date doesn’t have to be stressful. Consider the venue, planned activities, personal style and your date’s expectations around attire. Aim for an outfit that makes you feel confident, comfortable and authentically you. Focus more on grooming and self-assuredness than any particular clothing item. With the right thoughtful preparation, you can dress to impress for an amazing first date experience.
