Going on a first date can be nerve-wracking. You want to make a good first impression and look your best, but you don’t want to go overboard. Finding the right balance can be tricky. Here are some tips on how to look stylish yet relaxed for a first date.
Consider the venue
The first thing to think about is where you’ll be going on the date. Is it a casual coffee shop date or a fancy restaurant dinner? Your outfit should match the formality of the venue. If you’re meeting at a laidback cafe, you’ll likely want to opt for casual pieces like jeans, a nice top, and booties. For a dinner at an upscale restaurant, choose more elevated items like a cocktail dress or a button-down shirt with trousers.
Aim for a polished, put-together look
While you don’t need to wear anything overly dressy or uncomfortable, you do want your date outfit to look polished and thoughtful. Pick pieces in colors and silhouettes that flatter your figure. Make sure clothes are properly ironed or steamed with no missing buttons, pulls, or stains. Tame flyaways and neatly style your hair. The goal is to look naturally beautiful yet effortlessly put together.
Wear date night makeup
Makeup for a first date should enhance your best features while still looking fresh-faced. Play up your eyes with some mascara, eyeliner, and eye shadow in neutral, shimmery shades. Use a lip color that brightens your complexion, like a rosy nude or pink. Add a sweep of blush on the apples of your cheeks. Set it all with a light dusting of powder. Bring along lipstick for easy touch-ups.
Accessorize minimally
Jewelry and other accessories should be minimal on a first date. A pair of dainty stud earrings, a thin bracelet, and a watch are safe options. Skip the jangly bangles and layered necklaces—you don’t want to come off as high-maintenance right away. The same goes for scarves, hats, and bold hair accessories. Let your date get to know the real you before busting out your extensive accessory collection.
Pick the right outerwear
Make sure to consider the weather and bring appropriate outerwear for the date. A trench coat is a timeless, stylish choice for spring and fall. Opt for a peacoat or wool coat in the winter months. For a summer date, a jean or leather jacket works well. The key is choosing outerwear that complements your outfit rather than overtakes it. Neutrals like black, camel, navy, or grey make ideal coat colors.
Wear date-worthy shoes
heels give you a confidence boost, but flats are better for all the walking. Opt for stylish, comfortable shoes like ballet flats, loafers, booties, or wedges. Make sure to break them in before the date so you don’t end up with blisters. Have a back-up pair of shoes in your bag like foldable ballet flats in case your feet start hurting. Avoid over-the-top platforms or sky-high stilettos for a first date—save those for once you know each other better.
Choose flattering fabrics and silhouettes
Select fabrics that gracefully drape and hug your figure in all the right places. Stretchy fabrics like ponte knit and scuba are great for a first date because they move with your body. Flowy fabrics like chiffon and crepe also have a romantic vibe perfect for a date night. Tailored silhouettes like wrap dresses, fit-and-flare dresses, and pencil skirts are universally flattering. Be sure to avoid anything too tight or revealing.
Stick to solid colors or subtle patterns
Solid colors and subtle prints or patterns tend to work best for first date outfits. They keep the look simple, refined, and sophisticated. Go for neutral, versatile colors like black, navy, gray, tan, or white. Pastels and jewel tones can also make pretty date night colors. As far as patterns, consider subtle stripes, polka dots, or florals. Save the bold neons and wild prints for future dates once you know each other better.
Get a second opinion
It never hurts to get an outside perspective when putting together a first date outfit. Enlist a stylish friend to look over your chosen ensemble. Sometimes they’ll catch something you might have overlooked. Ask them if each piece is flattering, appropriate for the venue, and free of flaws. Have them verify that the colors and patterns work well together. Take their constructive feedback and make any necessary tweaks.
Do a test run
Wear your potential date outfit for a test run around the house or out running errands. Move around and sit down the way you would on an actual date. Make sure everything is comfortable and doesn’t ride up. Check yourself out in front of a mirror to confirm the outfit is flattering from all angles. Get a feel for how confident you feel wearing it. Any doubts might be a sign to try a different outfit. You want to feel your absolute best in your clothes.
Check yourself before heading out
Right before leaving for the date, do a final mirror check. Turn and look at the outfit from every angle, front and back. Make sure your makeup is still intact. Smooth down any flyaways in your hair. Blot any lipstick smudges. Straighten seams or tug lines. Tuck in tags. Button any open buttons. Use lint rollers or tape to remove stray threads or pet hair. The last thing you want is to spot an issue once you’re already out.
Bring essentials for on-the-go touch ups
Toss a few essentials in your purse so you can freshen up on the date if needed. A mini powder compact helps fight shine and touch up makeup. Bring breath mints, lip balm, blotting papers, and perfume. Keep an extra pair of foldable flats on hand along with safety pins, a sewing kit, stain remover pen, and double-sided fashion tape. You want to be prepared for any wardrobe malfunctions that could happen during the date!
Feel confident and comfortable
The most important thing is feeling confident and comfortable in what you wear on a first date. If you love how you look, it will shine through. Don’t wear anything that is too tight, revealing, or outside your normal style—it likely won’t feel like “you.” Stick to pieces that represent your personal tastes and make you feel beautiful. Your date outfit should reflect your personality. When you feel relaxed and confident, you’ll have a much better date experience.
Example date night outfit combinations
Here are some examples of stylish yet comfortable first date outfit ideas:
| Date Venue | Outfit Combination |
|---|---|
| Casual coffee date | Dark skinny jeans, oversized button-down shirt, ankle boots, jean jacket |
| Dinner at a nice restaurant | Black fit & flare dress, dainty necklace, black pumps, leather crossbody bag |
| Museum date | Patterned midi skirt, solid color top, flat sandals, wide-brim sunhat |
| Mini golf date | Denim shorts, sleeveless blouse, white sneakers, baseball cap |
| Outdoor concert | Dark skinny jeans, loose blouse, ankle booties, moto jacket |
| Beach boardwalk stroll | Sundress, sandals, crossbody bag, sunhat |
Key takeaways
Here are the key tips to keep in mind when choosing an outfit for a first date:
- Opt for stylish yet comfortable pieces that suit the date location
- Aim for a polished, put-together look with neat hair and natural makeup
- Wear shoes you can walk in comfortably all day or night
- Pick flattering fabrics like ponte knit and silhouettes like wrap dresses
- Stick to solid neutrals and subtle prints and patterns
- Bring essentials like powder and lipstick for on-the-go touch ups
- Focus on feeling confident and comfortable above all else
Conclusion
Your first date outfit should properly represent your personal style while remaining comfortable, appropriate, and confident-boosting. Keep the venue, weather, and activities in mind when choosing pieces. Aim for a flattering, polished look with neutral colors, minimal accessories, and comfortable shoes. Remember to do a trial run and final check before heading out. Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel beautiful, relaxed, and excited for the date ahead!
