When going on a date, one of the biggest questions women have is what to wear. Choosing the right outfit can seem tricky, as you want to look and feel your best while also dressing appropriately for the date location and activity. While personal style and comfort should ultimately drive date night fashion choices, many women are curious about what types of outfits and clothing items men find attractive on a date.
There are a variety of factors that influence what guys may like girls to wear on dates, including the date setting, how long they’ve been dating, the time of day and season, and personal preferences. While every man has unique tastes, there are some general guidelines that may help women select a date night outfit that will catch a guy’s eye and make them feel confident and ready to have a great time.
Consider the Date Setting
One of the most important things for a woman to consider when choosing a date outfit is where the date will take place. The location often dictates the style, formality, and functionality of an ideal date night look.
Casual Settings
For casual daytime dates like meeting for coffee, going to a museum or festival, or getting ice cream, most guys appreciate date styles that are flattering yet relaxed. This could include:
- Jeans or leggings with attractive tops or blouses
- Sundresses or casual short dresses
- Rompers or jumpsuits
- Skirts with pretty tops
- Flats, sandals, casual heels, or boots
You’ll want footwear that goes with the activity while keeping your overall look feminine and put-together. Accessories like hats, sunglasses, and jewelry can add style without overdressing.
Upscale Settings
For evening dates or upscale events like plays, upscale restaurants, or concerts in the city, dressier outfits are preferable:
- Cocktail dresses or evening gowns
- Dress pants with blouses or nice tops
- Pencil skirts with embellished tops
- Strappy heels
- Sparkly jewelry
- Small clutches
Aim for a polished, elegant look with attention to fabrics, patterns, and detailing. Makeup and hair should be glamorous but not overdone.
Active Dates
For active dates like hiking, bowling, skating, or playing mini golf, function is most important. Consider:
- Athletic leggings, yoga pants, or jeans
- Tennis shoes or sporty flats
- T-shirts or tank tops, or athletic tops
- Ponytail or braid
- Minimal jewelry
Focus is more on comfort, movement, and sporty style while still looking cute. Extra makeup and accessories just get in the way.
So think about where you’re going, what you’ll be doing, and how much walking is involved when planning an outfit. This helps ensure you’re dressed appropriately.
Consider the Season & Weather
Along with the date activity, weather and seasonal conditions influence wardrobe choices.
Some ideas for warmer weather include:
- Summer dresses
- Shorts or skorts with tank tops or flowing blouses
- Skinny jeans with sandals and light tops
- Rompers or jumpsuits
- Mini skirts or sundresses with wedges or cute flats
For chillier conditions, try:
- Sweaters, cardigans, or jackets with jeans or leggings
- Boots with jeans or sweater dresses
- Leggings with oversized sweaters or sweatshirts
- Scarves, hats, and gloves
No matter what the weather, aim for figure flattery. Flowy cardigans, trench coats, pea coats, and leggings under dresses keep you warm without obscuring your shape.
Consider Your Figure
Wearing outfits suited for your body type helps you look and feel confident and attractive.
Consider these tips:
- Hourglass: Highlight your waist. Try wrap dresses, pencil skirts, or jeans with corset-style tops.
- Rectangle: Create curves with belted dresses, peplum tops, bootcut pants.
- Apple: Use details like shoulder pads, vertical stripes, collars to lengthen your torso.
- Pear: Flatter your upper body with halter tops, embellished necklines. Balance wide-leg pants or full skirts.
- Inverted triangle: Soften broad shoulders with raglan sleeves, cowl necks. Add shape with tapered pants, A-line skirts.
- Petite: Wear tailored, well-fitted clothing. Try narrow vertical stripes, high-waisted bottoms, cropped pants.
- Tall/athletic: Choose wrap dresses, v-necks, shoulder accents, belts. Pair with heels.
Picking the most flattering silhouettes and fabrics for your body shape helps you exude confidence.
Dress for the Relationship Stage
The stage of a relationship often affects date night fashion choices. Here’s a quick guide:
- First date: Lead with your personal style but pick polished, flattering items. Avoid anything too revealing.
- New relationship: Include some sexier details – short skirts, lower necklines, backless dresses – while keeping an air of mystery.
- Long-term: Comfort becomes more important but don’t drop style. Add some surprises like new lingerie under a classic dress.
In general, show a bit more skin as the relationship progresses, while keeping the rest classy. Treat first dates more conservatively until you know him better.
Ask Him His Preferences
While considering all these factors, don’t forget to simply ask the guy what he finds attractive. His specific tastes may surprise you!
Before a date, ask casual questions like:
- “Do you like when I wear my hair up or down?”
- “Do you have a favorite color on me?”
- “Are you more into dresses or jeans?”
His answers will reveal preferences to work into your wardrobe choices. Guys appreciate being asked – it shows you care about pleasing him visually.
Top Outfits Guys Love
Although tastes vary, here are some of the top date night outfit ideas most men go crazy over:
| Outfit | Why He’ll Love It |
|---|---|
| Little black dress | Classic, elegant, and sexy – LBDs flatter every figure |
| Dark skinny jeans with heels | Makes legs look long and lean |
| Bodycon dress | Hugs curves in all the right places |
| Off-the-shoulder tops | Bares skin while keeping an air of elegance |
| Pencil skirt with heels | Creates a shapely silhouette |
| Sundress | Feminine and flirty for warm weather |
minis, fitted blazers, trench coats, and wrap dresses also tend to attract male attention on dates.
Ultimately, choose pieces that help you show off your best assets and feel sexy yet still classy. This creates a magical date night combination.
Avoid These Date Fashion Faux Pas
While you want to dress to impress on dates, there are a few outfit blunders most guys wish women would avoid:
- Anything too baggy, sloppy, or sporty – go for flattering and feminine
- Overly revealing necklines or hemlines – save for later dates
- Too much perfume – go light to avoid overwhelming him
- Uncomfortable shoes – avoid foot torture or wobbling
- Constant clothing adjustments – aim for outfits that fit well and stay in place
- Visible panty lines or underwear – go for seamless panties
Focusing on fit, comfort, and appropriateness prevents distracting wardrobe malfunctions.
Choose Classy Over Trashy
Date night style is about balancing alluring details with elegance. Stay away from outfits that seem too trashy – excessively tight, short, low-cut, or sheer. Showcase your beauty and body tastefully. Ultra-minis and plunging tops can send the wrong impression.
Accessorize Thoughtfully
Carefully chosen accessories complete any date night look:
- Jewelry like dangling earrings, layered necklaces, or a sparkly bracelet
- Stylish handbag – go for a clutch for formal dates
- Cute shoes – Sandals, booties, wedges, or strappy heels
- Statement belt for dresses
- Pashmina or pretty wrap in cool weather
Adornments like these add interest without overpowering your outfit. Let accessories be the finishing touch, not the whole look.
Top Things Guys Notice On Dates
When asked what catches their eye on a date, most men say:
- Eyes – Eye makeup emphasizing lashes and shadow
- Lips – Subtle lipstick or glossy shades over nudes
- Legs – Shapely legs in heels or boots
- Smile – Warm, flirty grins
- Hair – Down in soft waves or flirty up-dos
- Outfit colors – Rich hues like red, pink, purple
- Fit – Clothes hugging curves, not too loose
So be sure to play up these feminine assets that instinctively attract male attention.
Confidence is Key
No matter what you wear on a date, wearing it with confidence makes all the difference. Having poise and moving with grace catches a man’s eye far more than any outfit alone could.
Feeling attractive and comfortable in your own skin tops any list of what guys find appealing on dates. So choose ensembles fit for the occasion that make you feel confident, sexy, and ready for a fun night out.
With the right dose of charm and confidence, you’re sure to wow him on your next date night!
Conclusion
Determining what to wear on a date can seem daunting, but keeping these tips in mind simplifies the process:
- Consider the date location and activity
- Dress for weather and seasonal appropriateness
- Choose silhouettes and styles flattering for your figure
- Adjust to the relationship stage – save some mystery for early dates
- Ask your date for his specific preferences
- Opt for classy over too revealing
- Accessorize thoughtfully
- Emphasize your best assets – legs, lips, eyes
- Exude confidence to attract his attention
The most important rule – make sure you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to have a great time. Your beauty and charm do the rest. With the right first date outfit, you’re sure to knock him off his feet!
