How exciting, a first date! These are one of the most exciting times we can have – that feeling of butterflies in the tummy; the question in the back of your mind of “Is this it? Are they The One?” Lovely! However, what is not always so lovely is working out what to wear on your first date – and, perhaps more importantly, what not to wear on a first date. Let’s have a look into the ins and outs of this sometimes-tricky question.
What Not To Wear On A First Date
There are a few, relatively universal rules about what not to wear on a first date – obviously it is entirely your choice and we want you to be comfortable and entirely yourself – but we also want you to make a good impression!
There have been quite a few studies on what is actually considered the best first date attire, and while you don’t have to stick rigidly to all of these, it is a good idea to stop and have a little think about what you wear – particularly if you are super excited about the date and want to make a good first impression.
Don’t give it all away
It’s ok to show some skin, but stick to one body part, rather than all of them. Get the legs out, but go for a high top. Reveal the shoulders but keep the legs covered – you’ve got the idea. Leave some things up to the imagination, for now! The same goes for your favourite sheer top, or transparent trousers – a little modesty goes a long way.
Go for the comfy shoes
We’re not saying wear your ancient trainers with holes in the toes, but you should stay away from the stilettos for the first date. Low pumps, flat boots or open-toed sandals are ideal.
Make sure your clothes are clean
It’s all very well to spill pasta sauce on yourself in the restaurant, but try to make sure your clothes are washed, neat and smelling fresh before you start the date.
Avoid excessive perfume
No one wants to be unable to breathe because you are wearing choking clouds of Chanel No 5! A little spritz of something lovely-smelling is great, but don’t go overboard.
Make an effort
Yes I know we said be comfortable and be yourself – but no one wants to take a date to a nice restaurant with them wearing their old joggers and flat slippers. Flattering jeans, a cute dress or a smart casual trousers and blouse look is what you’re going for.
Leave the gym wear at home
Unless your first date is a rock climbing experience, you should try to make sure that you are wearing something attractive, that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Stay away from yellow
As strange as this may sound, yellow is consistently ranked as one of the least attractive clothing colours, and it may subtly put your date off. If you really love yellow, you can always bring it out for the second date!
Avoid white
Similarly to yellow, this is not considered a very attractive colour for a first date. Plus, there is always the danger of spilling your dinner down yourself and looking very technicolour for the rest of the evening.
Go for red or black
Apparently, these two colours are top of the list for enhancing a person’s attractiveness – possibly because wearing either of these colours tends to make us feel more confident.
Dress for the situation
Whether it’s a fancy dinner out or a cinema trip, make sure your clothing is appropriate. You wouldn’t want to wear a ball gown for a horse riding date!
Make sure your clothes fit well
Wearing something that is uncomfortable will make you spend the whole evening thinking about the discomfort, rather than focusing on your date and the conversation.
Don’t overpower your outfit with jewellery
A statement piece here or there is fine, but avoid going all out and bringing all your bling to the table. This will distract your date from the rest of your carefully put-together outfit.
Keep the patterns calm
For a first date, you want to keep things simple, and this means avoiding clashing colours, too many patterns and an air of the whole outfit being “busy”. Stick to block colours and simple patterns for now.
Stay away from excessive makeup
Obviously you want to make an effort and look your best – but you still want to look like you, right? Avoid covering your entire face and ending up looking like someone else just because it’s a special occasion – your date will want to see the real you.
Be adventurous – but not too adventurous
Yes, it’s great to experiment, but do you really want to try something for the first time before a first date? You’re aiming to make a good impression, so go with things that you have tried and tested and are comfortable with.
Avoid the sunglasses
Unless you’re off to the beach for date number one, make sure your date can see your eyes. No one wants to have a dinner conversation with someone who is pretending to be a celebrity not wanting to be noticed!
Make sure you feel comfortable and confident
Sticking to the above for your first date is pretty much common sense – but you have to ensure that you are wearing something you feel comfortable in, and clothes that are “you”. Again, your date has asked you out because they like you, so always make sure that you stay true to yourself.
Final Words
So there you have it – a comprehensive list of all the things that are and are not appropriate first date attire. Hopefully the first date turns into many more, and you have found the one you will spend your life with – don’t forget to thank us later.
