Lyst lets you shop from thousands of your favourite stores and designers, all in one place. For more ideas on what to wear on a date check out The LongLyst’s stories of first-time encounters.
First dates can be a nerve-wracking experience, and often one of the biggest things people worry about is what to wear. Together with fashion shopping platform Lyst we’ve put together some tips to make choosing your first date outfit a little bit simpler.
1) Be yourself
Your clothes speak before you do, and you’ll be surprised how much people read into your outfit. Make sure the first impression you present is a true one. Yes, you should look like you’ve made an effort, but don’t let that disguise who you really are. If you’re a die-hard denim fan, make sure you’re in your very best jeans. If you only wear black, buy a lint roller. Don’t worry about following the latest trends, if you don’t like it or it doesn’t suit you.
2) Be comfortable
You need to be comfortable, and wearing styles that you already feel at home in will put you at ease. If you don’t regularly wear high heels, opt for your trainers instead. Likewise, if you wouldn’t normally wear a suit, don’t force yourself into one for the sake of it. Fidgeting and grimaces of pain aren’t overly attractive looks!
3) Be bold
Don’t be afraid to wear a bright colour, or a bold pattern, provided they are items of clothing you’re comfortable wearing. The splash of colour will make you appear confident, even if you’re not feeling it inside. In a world where people often go on several first dates a week, what you’re wearing will also help you stand out amongst the crowd.
4) Be creative
If you do want to splash out on something new for the date, then opt for a new accessory. You’re less likely to fidget than you would in a new item of clothing, but splashing out will help the occasion feel special. If you’ve just bought something you wanted for a while, like a bag or a piece of jewellery, it will make you feel good and could even be a conversation-starter.
5) Be prepared
If you don’t know what you’ll be doing on your date, then hedge your bets and make sure your outfit isn’t too restrictive. Stumbling around a mini-golf course in stilettos is not cute. Equally, trousers are probably a safer option than a skirt. When it comes to the casual vs. smart debate, go for the middle ground – a shirt and a nice pair of jeans never fails.
6) Be reliable
Dating in 2015 can be a numbers game, and the more dates you go on, the more you learn about yourself and what you need in a partner. It doesn’t hurt to develop a dating uniform, once you’ve recognised which outfits make you feel most comfortable and confident. The more relaxed and happy you are on the date, the better the first impression you’re likely to make.
