Going on a first date can be nerve-wracking. You want to make a good first impression and look your best, but you also don’t want to come across as trying too hard. The key is finding an outfit that is fashionable and flattering, but still comfortable and casual enough for a first meeting.
Consider the date location
The first thing to think about when choosing an outfit for a first date is where you will be going. This will dictate how formal or casual you should dress. Here are some common first date locations and suggestions for what to wear:
- Casual dinner or drinks: Opt for dark jeans, a nice blouse or sweater, and heels or booties. Add some simple jewelry and a leather jacket or blazer if it’s cold out.
- Movie theater: Dark jeans or casual trousers with a sweater or blouse and sneakers or flats will be comfortable for sitting for a couple hours.
- Art gallery or museum: A casual dress with tights and ballet flats or ankle boots is a cute option. Bring a cardigan in case it’s chilly inside.
- Outdoor concert or festival: Jeans or shorts with a tank top or light blouse paired with sandals or sneakers will work well. Bring layers if the weather is iffy.
- Sporting event: Jeans, tee shirts, and sneakers are standard here. Show your team spirit with a jersey or logo tee.
- Fancy restaurant: Opt for a cocktail dress and heels or a pencil skirt with a nice blouse and pumps. A blazer helps complete the look.
The most important thing is to dress appropriately for the location. You want to match the typical level of formality so you don’t stand out for the wrong reasons. When in doubt, smart casual is a safe option for a first date.
Pick flattering, figure-hugging styles
While comfort is key, a first date is still a time when you want to look your best. Choose clothes that flatter your body type and highlight your best assets. Here are some flattering styles to consider wearing on a first date:
- Wrap dresses accentuate your waistline
- V-neck tops and dresses elongate your neck and torso
- Boot cut or flare leg pants and jeans balance out curvier hips and thighs
- Dark solid colors are slimming and sophisticated
- Open-toed shoes show off nicely pedicured feet
- Skirts that hit just above the knee draw attention to toned legs
- Tops and dresses with fitted waistbands cinch in the narrowest part of your body
Focus on finding cuts, fabrics, and silhouettes that enhance your best assets. Tailored, figure-hugging styles in luxe materials like silk and cashmere will ooze confidence and femininity. Avoid anything too revealing or distractingly ornate for a first date when you want the focus to be on your face, personality, and conversation skills.
Color considerations
Color is another important consideration when dressing for a first date. You want hues that are flattering, but still reflect your personal style. Here are some colors that are foolproof options for a first date:
- Black: Sophisticated and slimming, the little black dress is a first date staple.
- Navy: Equally slimming and polished, navy is an elegant neutral that works for day or night.
- Emerald and ruby: Jewel-toned greens and reds showcase confidence.
- Nude: Flesh-toned clothing elongates and flatters.
- White and cream: Crisp, classic, and elegant.
- Metallics: Subtly flashy golds, bronzes and silvers exude glamour.
Stay away from neon brights, loud prints, or distracting patterns on a first date when the focus should be more on your companion. But don’t be afraid to wear a pop of color or showcase your style in more subtle ways through your clothing cut, silhouette, or accessories.
| Color | Mood | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Black | Sophisticated, elegant | Day or night dates |
| Navy | Polished, professional | Office to evening transitions |
| Emerald, Ruby | Confident, passionate | Making a colorful statement |
| Nude | Natural, effortless | Drawing attention to you, not your clothes |
| White, Cream | Fresh, breezy | Daytime dates |
| Metallics | Glamorous, radiant | Cocktail parties and nights out |
Pick versatile accessories
The right accessories can easily dress up a simple outfit for an elegant first date look. Go for accessories in high-quality materials like leather, suede, and metals that you can wear again and again. Here are some chic accessory ideas:
- Leather tote or crossbody bag
- Clutch wallet
- Metal watch
- Stackable rings
- Hoop earrings or dangling gemstone earrings
- Fine-gauge long necklaces
- Skinny belt
- Silk scarf
Stick to one statement accessory as the focal point, like bold earrings or an eye-catching bag. Choose shoes in neutral colors that go with everything and are comfortable enough for walking around all evening. A low block heel or riding boots are perfect finishing touches.
Check the weather
One essential thing you’ll need to do before firming up your first date outfit is check the weather forecast. The elements can really throw off an outfit if you’re not prepared. Here are some tips for dressing for all types of weather:
- Hot: Choose breathable natural fabrics, short sleeve tops, skirts or shorts, open-toed shoes, sunglasses.
- Cold: Opt for wool, cashmere, silk, layers like tanks under sweaters, opaque tights, boots, scarves.
- Rain: Water-resistant trench coat, waterproof boots, umbrella.
- Snow: Down jacket, waterproof boots, hat, mittens.
- Wind: Form-fitting tops or dresses so nothing flies up, fitted jacket or coat.
Having back-up plans and layers for unpredictable weather is a must. Check the forecast the day before and pack extra layers, umbrellas, coats, or fans in your bag or car so you’re ready for anything.
Pick fabrics that suit the season
Fabric choice is another important consideration based on the season and weather. Here are the best fabric options for each season:
- Spring: Lightweight cottons, linens, silks, and breathable blends to help transition from winter.
- Summer: Cottons, lightweight linens, breathable knits, and flowy chiffon or crepe fabrics.
- Fall: Wools, cashmeres, outerwear with warm interiors, transitional knitwear.
- Winter: Heavy knits, wool, fleece, flannel, waterproof and insulated materials.
The same outfit made out of linen versus velvet would have very different effects based on the season. Stay away from heavy, restrictive fabrics in warmer months and flimsy sheer fabrics in colder weather. Choosing seasonally appropriate fabrics will keep you comfortable on your date.
Get a second opinion
An objective second opinion can be invaluable when putting together a first date look. Some things to consider getting other perspectives on include:
- Does this outfit flatter my body type?
- Do the colors suit my skin tone and hair color?
- Is the overall styling on point for a first date?
- Is anything too revealing?
- Do I look approachable and friendly?
Trusted friends and family members can give you honest feedback and confidence before your date. You can also capture some outfit selfies to get opinions from close friends. If you’re still unsure, a stylist could help pull some options together. Having a second set of eyes will ensure you look and feel your best.
Stay true to your personal style
While you want to look chic, stylish, and put-together for a first date, it’s equally important to stay true to your own personal style. Don’t completely transform into someone you’re not. You want your date to like you for you. The right person will appreciate and compliment your individual fashion sense and look.
So feel free to incorporate these signature elements that express your style identity and personality:
- Your favorite colors and color palettes
- Go-to silhouettes that flatter your shape
- Stylistic touches like unique jewelry or scarves
- prints and patterns you gravitate to
- Interesting fabric textures and embellishments
- Shoes that express your style, whether sneakers, boots, or stilettos
Finding the sweet spot between looking stylishly put-together yet effortlessly you for a first date is the goal. You got this!
Conclusion
Dressing for a first date is all about balancing stylish and chic with comfortable and confidently you. Keep the date location, weather, and your personal style in mind when deciding what to wear. Opt for flattering silhouettes, figure-hugging fabrics, versatile neutral colors, and seasonally appropriate materials. Accessories provide the finishing touch, so choose eye-catching shoes, jewelry, bags, or other accents that express your individual flair. Getting a trusted outside opinion can give you added confidence too. Remember, the right person will be focused on getting to know you, not scrutinizing your outfit. Dressing in clothes you feel amazing in will let your inner sparkle shine through.