Choosing the perfect outfit for a first date can be tricky, especially when it’s just a casual coffee date. You want an outfit that is stylish and put-together, but not over the top. For a daytime coffee date, the key is looking polished and feminine without trying too hard.
Consider the venue
The first thing to think about is where you will be going for coffee. Is it a casual, bohemian cafe with a laid-back vibe? Or is it an upscale coffee shop with a more refined atmosphere? Your outfit should fit the venue. For a relaxed cafe, an informal day dress or skirt with a nice top and booties is a great bet. For something fancier, level up with a blazer over a sleeveless blouse and trousers or a pencil skirt.
Aim for casual elegance
The vibe you want to aim for is polished casual. Skip the sweatpants and flip flops, but you don’t need to wear a cocktail dress and heels either. Look for pieces in quality fabrics like cotton, linen, or silk. Some good items to build your outfit around include:
- A sundress or day dress
- Dark wash skinny jeans with booties and a nice top
- A skirt and blouse combo
- Cigarette pants with flats and a silky camisole
- A jumpsuit
Accessories like hoop earrings, sunglasses, a crossbody bag, and a light scarf or jacket can polish off the look.
Consider color
Color is another important consideration for a coffee date outfit. Stay away from anything too loud or distracting. Some sophisticated, low-key color options include:
- Neutrals like black, white, navy, gray, taupe
- Pastels like light pink, mint, peach
- Earth tones like olive, rust, mustard
- Metallic accents like gold, rose gold, silver
Black or indigo jeans paired with a colorful top is a fail-safe combination. You could also do a monochrome look by wearing different shades of one color from head to toe.
Mind the details
It’s important to mind the details when getting ready for a date. Make sure your outfit is ironed and without wrinkles or pulls. Get a manicure and pedicure so your nails look neat and tidy. Style your hair so it looks glossy and finished, whether it’s down or up. Only apply natural-looking makeup that enhances your features. Spritz on perfume at your pulse points for a light scent.
Some first date coffee outfit ideas
Here are a few stylish, but comfortable first date coffee outfit ideas to inspire you:
| Outfit | What to Wear |
|---|---|
| Floral sundress | Spaghetti strap sundress with floral print, jean jacket, strappy sandals, crossbody bag |
| Skirt and blouse | A-line denim skirt, off the shoulder blouse, ankle boots, wide brim hat |
| Jumpsuit | Black sleeveless jumpsuit, statement earrings, low heels, leather tote |
| Casual chic | Dark slim jeans, crisp white button down, ballet flats, circular sunglasses |
| Femme fatale | Bodycon midi dress, moto jacket, booties, red lipstick |
Check the weather
One important practical consideration is the weather. Check the forecast and dress accordingly so you are comfortable. Some tips:
- Cold weather – sweater, jacket, tights, booties, infinity scarf
- Warm weather – sundress, open-toed shoes, sunglasses, hat
- Rainy weather – trenchcoat, wool dress, Chelsea boots, umbrella
Layering pieces like cardigans, kimonos and denim jackets will allow you to adjust your look throughout the date if the temperature changes.
Avoid potential wardrobe malfunctions
You want to look stylish for your date, but some outfits bring the risk of a wardrobe malfunction. Steer clear of anything too revealing, overly tight, or requiring constant adjustment. Some items to avoid include:
- Super short miniskirts
- Plunging necklines
- Loose maxi dresses or skirts that could trip you
- Backless dresses
- Strapless anything
- Ill-fitting clothing
- High slits
- Stilettos or tricky footwear
Go for an outfit in which you feel confident, secure, and free to have fun without worrying about accidental flashing or exposure.
Some things to bring
In addition to your stylish outfit, here are some things you may want to bring on your coffee date:
- A jacket or shawl in case it gets chilly
- Your favorite lip gloss or lipstick for quick touch ups
- Breath mints and perfume/body spray to freshen up
- A compact mirror
- Your ID and payment
- Pepper spray attached to your keys for safety
Having a few key items on hand will allow you to confidently handle anything that comes up on the date.
Focus on making a connection
While looking stylish and put together is important, remember that a first date is about making a connection with someone. Don’t stress excessively about your outfit. Focus more on being friendly, having fun, and looking for chemistry. If you are comfortable and confident, your personality will shine through no matter what you are wearing.
Conclusion
For a first date coffee outfit, aim for casual femininity with a touch of polish. Choose flattering fabrics and silhouettes and pay attention to details like nails and hair. Neutrals and pastels are sophisticated coffee date colors. Mind the weather and avoid potential wardrobe mishaps. Bring a few key items to touch up. Most importantly, focus on connecting with your date and don’t obsess over your outfit. Looking relaxed and radiating confidence is the best look.
