Going on a first date is one of the most thrilling experiences in the world. You’re giggly, you’re excited, you’re animated, and you have no idea what to wear!
Your first-date outfit is a statement that tells the other person a story, but it is also your armor, something that keeps you comfortable and cozy and gives you confidence. Can all those things co-exist? Sure they can! Today we’ll share the tips, the tricks, and the no-gos of dressing up for a first date in collaboration with Flure.
Why Your First Date Outfit Matters
If you think that it’s not important what to wear on a first date, and it’s the personality that counts, you’re not wrong. However, you’re not exactly right either.
The way you style yourself not only covers up your body and provides warmth, but also creates an impression. When you’re meeting someone for a date, the way you present yourself sticks. It only really takes a few seconds for someone to scan you and come to a conclusion about who you are as a person and the type of things you probably like and enjoy.
Naturally, once you get to know each other, those first impressions will be diluted by the things you talk about and the opinions you share. Yet still, humans inevitably judge each other based on the first moments of seeing each other.
With your outfit, you naturally want to convey confidence and effortlessness, and that takes putting a few thoughts into choosing what to wear.
Besides giving you confidence and creating a fire first impression, a cleverly thought-out first-date outfit will:
● Provide a glimpse of what your personality is like
● Demonstrate to your date that you care about them
● Help set the right mood for the date
Note: When working out the best date night looks, it’s important to strike a balance between making a fashion statement and dressing up for your comfort and confidence.
The Golden Rules of First Date Fashion
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the thought of picking up an outfit for your upcoming date, don’t be! At Flure, we specialize in connecting people who appreciate quality, style, and exclusivity in all aspects of life, including fashion, and we’ve come prepared to help you make the right choice.
For starters, let’s go over the golden rules of first-date fashion.
Comfort is King
No matter how good the outfit looks in the mirror, you’re not wearing it to your first date unless you can comfortably sit, eat, talk, walk, and pick up something from the ground in it. You’d think a little bit of discomfort is not going to cause an issue, but it will easily spoil the mood and the fun. Imagine worrying about your tight top instead of getting to know the person in front of you. What a waste of time! Also, how are you going to look like a baddie when everything’s too tight and hurting?
Time and Place
The next golden rule of first-date outfits is dressing for the occasion. You may look great in equestrian gear, but it’s hardly a good choice for a movie and dinner date or a romantic picnic on the beach. Always try to dress for the type of date that you’re having, and if your partner wants to keep your plans a secret, ask them for guidelines.
Add Some Personality to It
Last but not least, make sure that you are wearing the outfit you’ve picked up and not the other way around.
A little touch of personality will make a huge difference and transform it from a costume to something that feels like second skin. Here are a few tips on making it happen.
● Statement detail that reflects your style and personality, such as a necklace, a broch, funky shoes, or a unique purse. Bonus points if your accessories are meaningful and tell a story, for example, you wear a watch that’s been in your family for 50 years or something that you made yourself.
● Incorporate colors and patterns. A subtle or bold color choice along with a unique pattern will tell a lot about your fashion preferences and the type of person that you are.
● Add textures. The look is not only about the shape and the color but also the texture. For example, you can wear more or less classic trousers but have them in a funky or rare texture that will make them stand out.
● Pick a signature fragrance. Add a scent that aligns with how you feel. This is a tiny little detail that will leave a lasting impression on your date.
The final tip: Pay a visit to the tailor. When you look at celebrity photos, you can’t help but wonder how they look so perfectly. Sure, vigorous diets, intense workout routines, and questionable cosmetic procedures play a role. However, something else that they do is tailor the clothes to fit their figures. You don’t have to wear designer to do it, by the way.
Photo by Jep Gambardella
Outfit Ideas Based on Different First Date Scenarios
Regardless of the style you prefer, you should always strive to be dressed appropriately. An elegant date night fashion gown will be an excellent choice for a romantic date in a fine dining establishment, but will hardly be appropriate if your date is taking you to watch the sunset on their boat.
Here are some tips for making the best first impressions in dating depending on what your plans are.
Casual Coffee Date
Quick coffee dates are all the rage these days. It’s a wonderful way to meet new people and get to know them without too much damage to our busy schedules. If you like each other after a casual coffee date, you can then schedule a proper romantic meet-up and dedicate more time to each other.
Coffee dates are laid back, and they call for more relaxed outfits too. Think layering, such as a coat or a blazer with a cozy sweater underneath with relaxed jeans and sneakers. Alternatively, you can go more classic but still chill fit, for example by swapping sneakers for a classic boot or heel. If you’re meeting someone in the warmer part of the world, still carry a cardigan or a thin sweater as those air conditioners are not a joke!
Art Gallery or Cultural Event
Dates in art galleries and other cultural events are our favorites! You get to learn about something, you move around, and you have something to discuss without awkward silences.
Contrary to what TikTok will tell you, you don’t necessarily have to emulate old money or dark academia styles to go to such events. Instead, pick something that is a little bit smart and toned down, and that aligns with your everyday fashion choices.
Monochrome ensembles always look chic, but a pop of color will make you look like you’re one of the art pieces, so don’t shy away from bright clothing.
In terms of shoes, drop the heels or anything else that makes loud noises when you’re walking. Cultural events tend to be quiet and peaceful, and you’ll feel awkward if every move you make is accompanied by the loud banging of your shoes against the floor.
Dinner at a Fancy Restaurant
Romantic dinners at fancy restaurants call for elegant yet modern styles.
Here, you’d want to cover up your body a little bit and go for midi lengths of skirts and dresses. Avoid cleavages, shorts, and t-shirts. Opt for subtle accessories, luxurious fabrics, and timeless designs.
Outdoor Adventure Date
Outdoor dates are so much fun, yet they’re tricky in terms of fashion. You want to be comfortable and not look like you’re a total city kid who doesn’t belong out in the wild. On the other hand, you want to look cute and impress your date. So what do you do?
Pick out sporty clothes that are cute and compliment your body type. For example, go for high-waisted leggings and tops that accentuate your best angles.
Make sure you test drive the clothing and the shoes before going on the date. They need to be comfortable and not cause blisters from wearing them on a walk or to a fitness class. Also, don’t forget layering. You may be hot one minute from all the speed walking up the mountain, but then freeze on top of it where you pause for the view and a quick picnic.
If you’re wearing makeup, go for waterproof alternatives. If you style your hair, choose stronger styling creams and sprays.
Cocktail Bar or Rooftop Drinks
Cocktail bars and rooftops are for fun and bold fashion choices. Here you can choose basically anything you like. Such places attract a very different crowd, so you won’t feel out of place regardless.
This is the type of date where high heels, bright colors, statement accessories, and all your party attire will shine the most.
Accessorizing to Elevate Your Look
This wouldn’t be a first date fashion tips guide without recommendations on accessorizing your look. Whether you’re a fan of petite and minimalist or bold and chunky accessories, you can always integrate them in your look to elevate it.
● Balance the outfit with the details. If you’re going for a minimalist, quiet luxury, or a similar style, you can be more adventurous with accessories. Bold earrings, a necklace, or hair details will make you trendier and more fashion-forward.
● Invest in quality pieces. More affordable options may look good online, but turn out cheap and unflattering in real life.
● Don’t overdo it. More is not more unless you’re taking it to the next level and making it camp.
● Mix and match however you like. The rule of not mixing gold with silver is not relevant anymore. Same with stones. If you paired a few different pieces and think that they look good together – go for it!
● Don’t bother matching shoes and bags. Just like nobody buys sets of furniture anymore, the same applies to fashion.
If you can’t get home and change before a date, and you’re commuting from work or other engagements, use the accessories to transform your outfits from day and mundane attire to a romantic evening look. Swap the shoes or the bag, add earrings and rings, drop the top of the suit if you have a dress code.
Last but not least, take a bag that looks like a date bag with you.
Remember the ludicrously capacious bag from Succession? Well, such bags don’t really have any place on dates either. Leave this big boy at home, and pick something smaller and elegant for your romantic outing.
Beauty & Grooming Tips to Complete the Look
The first date outfit is chosen, the accessories are picked up, now is the time for the final step – taking care of your body to make sure you’re squeaky clean and ready to go.
1. Always take a shower before the date (if you can). Nothing beats basic hygiene and freshness.
2. Moisturize your skin to help get that glowy and healthy look even without makeup.
3. Take care of your hair. Wash and style it, use conditioners, masks, and oils to make it look neat.
4. Don’t overdo the makeup. Any style of makeup is fabulous, but you need to make sure you’ll look good even after a few hours, despite any weather conditions, and even if you guys end up doing something active. Apply makeup that won’t require too many touch-ups as the night progresses, and apply setting spray to help everything stay in place.
5. Take care of the nails. You don’t need to apply polish or gel on the nails, but take care of it to help create a polished look. It’s a minor detail, but you’ll be surprised how many people pay attention to it.
6. Wear clean clothes and shoes. Freshen up your outfit prior to the date. Even if you’ve not worn it since the last time you washed it, it may get this odd closet smell from when you don’t wear something for a while. Dust your shoes and make sure there is no dirt on them as well.
7. Add a bit of perfume if you wear it. Scents are very sensual and help make a unique impression. Let your date remember not only what you look like, but your scent too and they’ll be hooked.
Find the Perfect Date to Match Your Style on Flure
The Flure dating app is a hotspot for singles who love quality experiences, well-curated dates, and fashion statements. This premium platform champions self-expression, curiosity, and open-mindedness in dating. Sign up with Flure to find your perfect match and knock them out with your impeccable style.
Fashion and style alone may not be enough for you to be compatible and fall in love, but it’s a great start. Self-expression and dressing for confidence will help you show your authentic self and create meaningful first-date moments.
Explore your fashion options, come up with stylish first-date outfits, and share your outfit ideas for dating with us on social media! Let’s get each other inspired to be our most stylish selves on dates.
Main Photo by Katerina Holmes via Pexels.com
2nd Photo by Jep Gambardella
