Nearly 80% of single women surveyed by Match.com said their main wish for a first date is to feel at ease. Relationship anxiety is a real and normal thing.
You could calm your nerves with some pre-date pampering. Listen to some music to hype yourself up. Get in an hour of stress-relieving yoga.
Or remove the stress of getting ready altogether by learning how to dress for a first date, casual and formal alike.
Check out these five tips for what to wear on a first date.
1. Choose Comfort
If you’re worried about your physical comfort during a date, it contributes to your overall nervousness. Choose clothes that maximize comfort without sacrificing style.
A pair of clean, skinny or tapered leg jeans can be dressed up or down. A white t-shirt and a blazer turn “t-shirt and jeans” comfort into a stylish first date outfit.
If you can’t imagine going on a date without wearing a dress, reach for a simple shift dress under a denim jacket. Make sure you can breathe and eat in whatever you choose.
Your footwear will set the tone for your ensemble. If you’re comfortable in heels, go for it. Otherwise, stick to flats or even a nice pair of canvas shoes.
2. Know Your Colors
Different complexions are complemented by different colors. It’s as straightforward as a color wheel.
Check your skin tone against a piece of printer paper. Warm skin tones will look yellow, green or light brown in contrast to the white paper. Cool skin tones will look pink or blue.
Creams, corals, and olive greens complement warm skin. Choose ruby reds, deep purples, and blues if you have cool skin.
It’s possible you already know your colors and you just haven’t realized it yet. If you’ve noticed you get compliments when you wear a particular blouse or dress, it’s probably a color that works well with your skin tone.
3. Feel like Yourself
You can follow every fashion rule and still come up lacking if you don’t feel like yourself. The best outfits to wear on a date are the ones that are true to your personality.
You might be the girl who wears dresses and heels every day. So wear a dress and heels for your date.
If you’ve never worn a dress in your life, don’t start now. A tailored pantsuit is dressy enough for an evening date.
In the end, your date wants to know who you are. Relationships can’t thrive without honesty.
4. Dress for the Occasion
What to wear on a date during the day and what to wear to a dinner date are different things. You don’t want to be underdressed or overdressed.
Neutral is better if you’re not sure what the date entails. You can play it safe with a casual dress and some statement jewelry.
5. Don’t Do Too Much
Try not to go overboard with any of your first date prep.
Keep your makeup classic. A bold eye or a bold lip is enough.
Don’t show all your skin. Again, choose one area to highlight. Balance a short hemline with sleeves. Temper a low cut top with jeans or a maxi skirt.
Now That You Know What to Wear on a First Date, Enjoy Yourself
Knowing what to wear on a first date is really a matter of knowing yourself. Pick something that you personally feel comfortable in. Stick to neutral makeup and clothes that can be dressed up or dressed down.
If you’re looking for outfit ideas for your first or second or third date, check out our Outfits archives. You’ll get more in-depth information on putting pieces together for a stylish finished look.
