Dress to impress on your first date with these 3 simple steps.

First dates can be exciting, nerve-wracking, and fun.

They can also be a great opportunity to get to know someone new and see if there is a potential for a romantic connection.

But how do you make sure that your first date goes well and leaves a positive impression on both of you?

One of the most important factors is how you dress for the occasion. Your outfit can say a lot about your personality, your style, and your intentions.

It can also affect how you feel about yourself and how confident you are.

In fact, researchers in a 2012 study found that our clothing choice on a date can drastically change our psychological state and even our anxiety and performance during the date.

So, if you can’t figure out what to wear read on because I teach you how to dress to impress from real world examples and research.

Find Out What the Date Entails 

Before you decide on what to wear, you need to find out what the date entails.

This will help you choose an outfit that is appropriate, comfortable, and flattering for the activity and the location.

Your date location and activity is what matters most when choosing an outfit.

Throwing on a hoodie when your going for a nice dinner is one of those dating mistakes you have to avoid.

If you are going to a casual coffee shop, you will want to dress down in something relaxed and cozy.

If you are going to an outdoor adventure, you will want to dress in something practical and durable.

Here are some examples of outfits that work well for different types of dates: 

• For a classic dinner and a movie date, you can wear a figure-flattering dress in a neutral or earthy tone, paired with a chic blazer or a leather jacket. You can also accessorize with some simple jewelry, a clutch bag, and a pair of heels or flats. For men, you can wear a pair of tailored trousers and a crisp shirt, with or without a tie. Research has also shown that the way our clothes shape our bodies, like how high heels shape a woman’s leg, can boost attraction.

• For a coffee and walk date, you can wear something casual but not too informal, such as jeans and a sweater or t-shirt. You can also add some layers, such as a scarf, a hat, or a coat, depending on the weather. You can also wear some comfortable shoes, such as sneakers or boots. For men, you can wear something similar, such as jeans and a shirt or hoodie. You can also add some accessories, such as sunglasses, a belt, or a backpack. 

• For an outdoor adventure date, such as hiking or biking, you can wear something that is breathable, airy, and effortless, such as leggings and a tank top or shorts and a polo shirt. You can also wear some sporty shoes, such as trainers or hiking boots. You can also bring some extra clothes, such as a jacket or a hoodie, in case it gets cold or wet. For men, you can wear something similar, such as shorts and a t-shirt or pants and a sweatshirt. You can also bring some essentials, such as water, sunscreen, or snacks. 

Choose an Outfit That Reflects Your Personality 

Another tip for dressing to impress on your first date is to choose an outfit that reflects your personality and your style.

A first date is all about getting to know each other and building rapport.

So, you want to show your date who you are and what you like, without pretending to be someone else or trying too hard.

You also want to feel comfortable and confident in your own skin, which will make you more attractive and relaxed so you can really dive deep into your conversations.

Here are some tips on how to choose an outfit that reflects your personality: 

• Wear your favorite color or print. If you have a color or print that makes you happy and brings out the best in you, don’t be afraid to wear it on your first date. It will show your date that you have a sense of style and flair. However, avoid wearing too many colors or prints at once, as it might look too busy or overwhelming. Stick to one or two colors or prints that complement each other. 

• Wear something that suits your body type and shape. If you have a body type and shape that you love and want to accentuate, don’t be shy to wear something that flatters it on your first date. It will show your date that you are confident and proud of yourself. Your clothes and especially your body language can be used to enhance your flirting throughout the date. Choose something that fits well and shows off your best features. 

• Wear something that expresses your interests or hobbies. If you have an interest or hobby that is important to you and defines who you are, don’t be afraid to wear something that expresses it on your first date. It will show your date that you have a passion and a personality. However, avoid wearing something that is too obvious or cliché, such as a band t-shirt or a sports jersey. Choose something that is subtle and tasteful. 

Avoid Common Wardrobe Pitfalls 

The last tip for how to dress on a first date is to avoid some common wardrobe pitfalls that might ruin your chances of making a good impression.

You want to ace your first date and a part of that is showing up ready, with a good attitude and the right clothing.

Take a moment before getting dressed to think about what you are going to put on and how it could help or harm the date.

I was on a date with my wife once where she had worn boots that were a little less stable than she realized for us walking a dirt trail around a lake and she rolled her ankle. It wasn’t a big deal but it could’ve been one pretty easily. And it did end up slowing us down, taking attention from the date and our conversations.

These are some of the things that you should avoid wearing or doing on your first date: 

• Don’t wear something new that you haven’t tried on before. You might be tempted to buy something new for your first date, but it might not fit well, look good, or feel comfortable. You might also have some wardrobe malfunctions, such as a zipper breaking, a button popping, or a stain appearing. It’s better to wear something that you already own and love, and that you know works for you. 

• Don’t wear something too trendy or too outdated. You might want to impress your date with your fashion sense, but you don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard or not trying at all. You don’t want to wear something that is too trendy or too outdated, as it might look out of place or out of touch. You want to wear something that is timeless and classic, but also up-to-date and relevant. 

• Don’t wear something too casual or too formal. You might want to dress for the occasion, but you don’t want to dress too casually or too formally for your first date. You don’t want to wear something that is too casual, such as sweatpants, flip-flops, or pajamas, as it might look like you don’t care or respect your date. You also want to look at how provocatively you’re dressed, a 2010 study showed that women dress provocatively to attract men while men perceive women dressing as a way to seduce them. 

Conclusion 

Dressing to impress on your first date can be challenging, but it can also be fun and rewarding.

By following these tips and examples, you can choose an outfit that is appropriate, comfortable, and flattering for your first date.

You can also show your personality, style, and intentions to your date.

Remember to be yourself, have fun, and keep an open mind. You never know when you might find your perfect match!

David N. Brace

David N. Brace is a relationship expert that lives what he preaches having built a 20-year happy marriage. Relationships take work and effort but if we are willing to do so and to keep growing as individuals, we can build something amazing that lasts a lifetime.

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