First dates happen all the time, though this doesn’t make choosing the perfect outfit for your first date any less stressful. As you set up a date and get ready to go, you may be wondering what to wear to best flatter your appearance and make a great first impression on the person you are seeing.
Our article is here to help you understand first date outfit style and give you some ideas on what to wear to a first date to make sure your date’s eyes never leave yours.
How Should I Dress for a First Date?
Dressing for a first date is often a hot topic, as there are many different variables and factors that might affect your outfit. In general, you should choose an outfit that flatters your appearance, allows you to feel confident, and is fitted and clean.
Stay away from old clothing, stained or damaged clothing, or ill-fitting outfits that you might wear around the home for comfort. Take the time to select an outfit that will impress your date.
Remember, a first date is your best time to make a good impression and show your date that you are interested in getting to know them better. An outfit that looks like you didn’t try or didn’t care to dress properly for the other person can leave your date upset or end the date early if they feel like the consideration isn’t there.
Things to Keep In Mind When Choosing an Outfit
As you start to think about what to wear for your first date, you should take into account the following factors. These will help you narrow down your outfit options and land on something that is both appropriate for the venue and flattering to your appearance.
Formality
First date locations and ideas have a wide range, and everyone’s preferences are different. While you might agree on a casual coffee first date, someone else might want to go for drinks at a hotel bar or a picnic in the park.
It’s important to keep in mind the general formality of your date so you know how casual to dress. Coffee dates and picnics don’t require too much styling, while evening drink dates or dates at a fancy cocktail bar might require high heels and cocktail dresses.
Season
The season is very important to keep in mind for your date, as you want to be as comfortable as possible. This means not wearing very short dresses or skirts without a jacket or tights if you are going on an outdoor date during the colder months. You also don’t want to be bundled up in a turtleneck sweater during a summertime date.
Check the weather the day before and the day of your date to make sure that you are properly prepared. Consider layering so you can be comfortable no matter the weather temperature.
Time of Day
In addition to the season and the overall formality of your date, the time of day is important. A daytime date will usually take place at a casual restaurant or coffee shop, while an evening date might take place at a nicer restaurant, a bar, or a hotel lounge.
In general, evening dates are more formal and might require more upscale outfits than a breezy or lowkey daytime date.
Venue
Where you are going for your date is important to keep in mind, as some venues have dress codes. Hotel bars and more upscale restaurants are good examples of places where you might need to wear a dress or heels, or where men might need to put on dress pants and a collared shirt.
If you are concerned about a certain dress code, take the time to research the venue ahead of time. Don’t be afraid to suggest a different place if you aren’t comfortable with the overall vibe for a first date.
Comfort
When you’re on a first date, the most important thing is making a good impression. You can’t do this if you are wearing a brand-new outfit that leaves you fidgeting or constantly worried about how the outfit looks on you.
As you choose a first date outfit, make sure the clothing is something well-fitted and flattering, but also comfortable and not likely to cause any last-minute fashion disasters.
First Date Outfit Ideas for Women
The following first date outfit ideas help you get started thinking about what to wear the next time you go out. You should always take into account the weather, the venue, and the time of day before settling on an outfit to wear.
- Fitted jeans and a shirt or crop top that you can layer a jacket on top of
- A cocktail dress and heels for more formal dates
- A breezy summer dress or skirt and shirt outfit
- Miniskirt or longer skirt and a crop top or blouse
- Shorts and a blouse
If you are still having trouble deciding on a first date outfit, you can always invite a few friends over to help you go through your closet and pick out a few go-to first date outfits. You can mix and match these pairings or utilize one of the outfits each time you have a new first date.
Additionally, if you aren’t too sure about the dress code a specific venue might have or how the weather will be, don’t hesitate to dress in layers that you can dress up or down as needed. You may also want to look online for pictures of a specific location to see how others are dressing for it and base your first date outfit on these examples.
First Date Outfit Ideas for Men
When it comes to first date outfits, men should also be looking to make a good impression. We list some of our favorite options for first date outfits below.
- Fitted jeans and a fitted T-shirt, you can wear a jacket on top if the weather calls for it
- Dress pants and a collared shirt for more formal venues
- Nice shorts and a fitted shirt for warmer weather
Make sure that any T-shirt or pair of pants you wear is properly fitted and not ripped, stained, or baggy, as these can leave a bad impression. Even when you are keeping your outfit casual, clean and fresh clothing is essential.
Preparing for Your First Date
In addition to a nice first date outfit, there are a few other tips you can follow to properly prepare for your first date. We give you some pointers to help you shake away the first-date jitters and get ready to know someone better.
Be On Time
Ensuring you show up to your date on time is one of the most important things, as no good first impression comes from making your date wait. You should aim to be right on time for your date or even a few minutes early so you can scope out the venue and shake off any anxiety before meeting your date.
Stay Off Your Phone
Giving your date your full attention is important, and you no doubt want them to do the same. Don’t text or constantly check notifications on your phone, and don’t hold your phone or constantly glance down at it. This leaves you looking like you aren’t too interested and can derail what might have otherwise been a nice date.
Actively Listen
Actively listening is important. Even if you don’t quite feel a connection with your date, listening to them closely and asking questions is a great way to show that you value their time. You would want your date to do the same, and asking questions about each other after actively listening is one of the best ways to start building a bond if you are interested in a second date.
Be Honest
Being honest and communicating with your date about what you’re looking for – don’t waste your time or your date’s time if you aren’t looking for similar things.
While being honest is great, try not to spend too much time talking about your ex, past relationships, or why you feel like you were wronged. Simply make sure you and your first date partner are on the same page to feel out if you would like to see each other again.
Know When to Leave
Sometimes, first dates don’t work out, and sometimes they can be weird. Know when to leave, and don’t be afraid to cut a date short if you need to. On the other hand, don’t hesitate to extend something like a coffee date into lunch or dinner if you are getting along well with the other person and want to continue talking to them.
The Best Outfit for a First Impression
Choosing your first date outfit is step one to creating a great first impression on your partner and ensuring that you leave them thinking of you long after the date is over. Take your time selecting a first date outfit that is suitable for the season, your date location, and makes you feel your most comfortable and confident, and you will be on your way to a great first date.
