What to Wear on a First Date

Going on a first date can be daunting and choosing an outfit can play a big part in how you look, feel and act. You want to feel confident and still dress appropriately for the occasion.

Here are a few looks to experiment with, just remember to always dress your shape and your personality:

The Look: Evening Glamour

You can never go past a little black dress – it is always going to be a hit. There are so many designs to choose from and it is important to choose the right shape for your body type. A little black dress can always look different just by mixing and matching your accessories so if you find the right “one” you will always have something to wear out.

A short dress and heels is probably not going to be suitable for a daytime date, but for a nice evening meal or a night out it is perfect. You can always add a bit of extra personality with a pair of bright pumps. If the date doesn’t work out, you are dressed and ready for a girl’s night out!

asos little black dresses

(Dresses: ASOS)

red pumps
(Shoes: MIDAS)

The Look: Casual Girl Next Door

A casual lunch or a day at the movies requires something with a little less impact than a cocktail dress. This doesn’t mean you can wear trackies, but something along the lines of jeans. Jeans are always a safe option as you can dress them up or down.

You can stick with the traditional denim or choose a coloured pair. A nice top, loose hair and a pair of ballet flats (or heels if you are comfortable walking in them) and you are ready to go.

jeans west jeans and top

(Left: Jeanswest Outfit / Right: J.Crew)

 ballet flats

(Ballet flats: J.Crew)

The Look: Sporty Girl

There may be times when you go on a first date which is a little more non traditional. Rock climbing, bike riding, or any other physical activity is a bit trickier to dress for. You want to be appropriate while still looking cute. Hair in a pony tail and minimal makeup will work well with workout gear. Anything unflattering or sweat stained is a no – and if you are wearing leggings (and you don’t have a perfect bod) choose a longer top. Brands like Lorna Jane and Running Bare were created so that women could look and feel amazing while working out so make the most of it!

lorna jane

(Leggings and top: Lorna Jane)

The Look: Feminine

For a feminine daytime look which would suit a picnic or outdoor BBQ, you could choose a maxi dress. Maxi dresses hide your flaws, make you feel feminine without having any worries about them riding up!

If maxi isn’t your style (this shape isn’t’ for everyone) go for a shorter, floral print instead – you will still get that femininity and show off your legs.

teresa frill dress

(Left: Jeans West / Right: ASOS)

If you have worked out your outfit but don’t have a date lined up, check out eHarmony Australia to find your match. The website caters to everyone with a diverse range of members in varying age ranges, ethnic background and location. This formula gives you the best chance at finding your most compatible partner. For example, if you are specifically looking for an Asian partner you can visit this page.

This competition is now closed.

What would you wear on a first date?

258 thoughts on “What to Wear on a First Date

  1. Something sexy but not slutty,not too short.not too strappy,keep them guessing,plus if it doesnt work out,you dont want a new stalker because you gave them too much to think about

  2. Ok…well…Hopefully for this first date we are going somewhere low key and i can wear a lovely soft pink flowing blouse which would look amazing with my blonde hair and blue eyes and then match that with a very feminine maxi skirt in crisp white with a pair of strappy sandles and of course most important of all…a killer smile.

  3. I would recommend one dress modestly for a first date, so as to look more respectable ! It depends on where you are going, if it is at a restaurant wear a formal pretty dress atleast knee length and heels. Never wear Jeans or leggings as they are not lady like enough I feel. Trousers and a pretty blouse would be great too if its outdoors….but I recommend lovely heels either way!

  4. Well as I am a granny, I guess my first date outfit would need to be a bit subdued to suit my age. I would be hoping for a night out with dinner and a movie so I think a pair of my fave jeans, a softly feminine peach coloured top to complement my face and blondie grey hair and a black jacket. I would of course feel the need to buy some new coloured fashion flats, some pretties for my hair and new bling (cause I don’t feel comfortable without these).This would definitely be a good excuse for a new handbag. Guess that all put together sounds like me so I would feel confident and comfy on the night.

  5. I would suggest to a friend that she should wear something she feels comfortable in. Like a nice top, jeans, heels or flats and cute accessories <3

  6. I like to wear something sexy and black but it has to be conservative as well and not show to much skin or it becomes messy.

  7. This all depends on the nature of the guy! Most times go for the feminine look because I think it’s male instinct to be overwhelmed by feminine at the first stage. Feminine but not “princessy”!

  8. I guess it’d depend on where we were going, to the movies i’d go basic jeans and button up blouse with ballet flats and accessorise with bling

  9. I have tried to cover all my bases so i have liked on eharmony as well and if i was going on a first day i would want to dress that is feminine and i would wear flats just incase he was shorter than me.

  10. Jeans are always a winner! Can dress them up or down. Shoes are also really important, nothing worse then limping around with sore feet. So I’d suss out the location first.them find some hot shoes to match. A cute top showing off your best assets never goes astray either ;-P

  11. I’d honestly just wear something simple, which shows how I am… my perfect date would be hiking in a forest, so I’d wear some good hiking boots and a flattering cami and shorts most likely!

  12. A pretty floaty dress is great for a flirty date, it shows that it’s not serious just casual and fun 🙂

  13. A comfortable pair of shoes incase you need to do a runner really quick!! No just something comfy, versatile such as the ASOS black numbers above…love them both!

  14. First dates are always a little nerve-racking so I always tend to go with something I’m comfortable in. Nothing worse than pulling at an uncomfortable item of clothing all night! My favourite first date outfit is sexy skinny jeans, a cute strappy top with a jacket over-top, flats for day and heels for night – hair out and not too much make-up so he can see the real me shine through!

  15. Some fabulous lingerie. Black lace or trim worn under a flimsy camisole is always sexy and pretty. You don’t want something ripped out of the page of a sex catalog. And don’t make it complicated with too many clasps and hooks. The simpler the better.

    Who says you can’t have sex on the first date?!!

  16. I’d wear a smile. Sounds lame, but being positive about the date is important, as much as just being yourself. As for clothes, I’d wear something comfortable – you don’t need to spend time adjusting and checking your clothes. Be yourself is the best attitude to wear!

  17. skinny jeans with a tank tee, a jacket over the top, nice heels, a long chunky necklace and ring and a big smile on my face.

  18. Something feminine..
    It would have to be something I have worn before.
    Nothing worse than going out feeling uncomfortable, pulling and tugging at your clothes. I would be nervous enough without having something on that wasn’t comfy..
    I love wearing a nice dress that was simple in style.
    It would probably come to the knees with a light jacket
    with a nice pair of leather sandals..
    Dont go over board on the make up either.
    Wear a nice light lippy and a big smile…:-)

  19. I would opt for a relaxed date at the movies or for a drink. Keeping it casual by wearing skinny colour jeans, some heels (not too high) and a see through top with a pretty singlet underneath to show the curves and little skin without giving everything away.

  20. It all depends on location of the date, but I will go with a dinner date. Something feminine and simple, not too much print or colour. Choose to show either legs or cleavage but do not do both! Wear shoes that are comfy enough to last the date, you don’t know how much walking may be involved!

  21. I’d wear a beautiful flirty pastel dress that flows, and pair it with a lovely pair of wedges. It’s comfortable, beautiful and just perfect enough for a first date!

  22. id wear something that looks nice but is also comfortable, not too dressy but not underdressed either and just be yourself and have fun

  23. I’d wear a pretty dress that’s smart-casual. I wouldn’t want to go overboard with my style.
    I’d team it with a lovely pair of heels and either a necklace or bracelet to finish the look.

  24. As I am attached, I’d say to a friend, just be yourself, whatever you enjoy wearing is what you should wear, in the end, if the guy likes you, it doesn’t matter what you wear or look like, he’ll like you for you.

  25. I always think it’s best to dress so that you’re comfortable, but still looking like you’ve made an effort. Nice skinny jeans and a silk shirt, or maybe a black dress with a statement necklace. It really depends on where you’re going, but as long as you’re comfortable you’ll find yourself acting more confident.

  26. Feminine and floaty, the perfect dress to wear for a walk along the beach, if the date is a dud at least you’ve had the chance to feel the sand between your toes and the sunshine on your face.

  27. Depends where they’re going for the first date. My first date was dinner and drinks at a nice restaurant, and I wore a nice black dress with pink jacket and shoes! Seemed to work because we’re now married! I’d recommend to wear something casual but fun, and don’t go over the top.Wear something you will feel comfortable but pretty in!

  28. something confident but not too confident – nice trousers and a pretty top with heels always goes good on the 1st dates…

  29. I would choose something,that you feel good in,and are comfortable,but also pretty and chic,depending on where you are going a dress with a jacket a pair of nice jeans or pants with a bright jacket and peeptoe wedges,when you look good you feel good and that’s always a winning look.

  30. LBD (little black dress), flats and a cute cardi.
    Can never go wrong if you feel comfortable and keep it simple!

  31. I like the ‘Keep’ rules:

    Keep it Classic (eg. fitted white shirt, smart denim or trousers)

    Keep it Simple (minimal accessories)

    Keep it Comfortable (the last thing you need is to spend the entire night tugging your clothes back into place!)

  32. I would wear my skinny black jeans with wedges so I can walk if needed with a lovely lacy feminine top and add some colour with bold bracelets and clutch.

  33. Something comfortable and modest, classic without being frumpy. Don’t want to scare them away on the first date!

  34. I actually LOVE the first picture in the above blog post, the simple, gorgeously and yet stylishly cut black dress. It’s not a mini, just the perfect length, it shows off nothing that shouldn’t be shown off and being black I could team it with whatever coloured accessories I was in the mood for, most likely accessories that are emerald green in colour.

  35. Depending on the date –

    Casual coffee – black or tan ballet flats, skinny leg jeans, a breton striped tshirt/long sleeved top, hair down, not too much jewellery, not too much makeup!

    Dinner – As much as I want to say a dress, I think sometimes for a first date it’s a bit much. I’d be more tempted to go for a pair of killer pumps, embellished/beaded/patterned mini skirt with a loose silk tank top tucked in. Keep the jewellery minimal, a spritz of perfume and a sparkle in your eye 🙂

    Of course this would be for me, but realistically if you love crazy makeup & jewellery, and want to dress all in black, white or rainbow colours you should really just go for it.

  36. Some people say you only need confidence, but first impressions count, and you need to be dressed for the occasion.
    Something that is not too fancy or intimidating, but elegant and beautiful.
    A feminine dress that flows behind you when you walk would be perfect. Eye-catching and simple.

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