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!
(Dresses: ASOS)
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.
(Left: Jeanswest Outfit / Right: J.Crew)
(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!
(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.
(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?

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A nice knee length flowing dress & Heels.
I only do first dates in coffee shops (easy escape, if required!), so I keep it fairly casual – a nice pair of jeans that i feel comfortable in, a nice top (not white in case I slop my coffee) and perhaps a pair of ‘little’ heels!
I would something lose so I can enjoy my dinner without worrying that my gut would fall out.
I would definitely wear a modest little black dress, accentuating with bright pumps. Keep it simple and the best accessory, a smile ♥
First dates are nerve racking so something comfortable and also well groomed is a good idea so you leave a really good first impression. A feminine and pretty dress accessorised with sandals, bag and jewellery will always look beautiful.
Dependant on the location but for a casual date I would wear coloured jeans a feminine print blouse.
For a more formal date my LBD never fails to impress, I just add accessories in accordance to the season!
Wear red – it has been scientifically proven to make a girl seem more sexy and alluring! How you wear it is up to the style of a girl. A sexy red dress with black pumps might look amazing, but she should wear something she’s comfortable in as the most important part about a date is to have fun. A red top paired with skinny jeans and black ankle boots can look just as attractive, so any girl should wear something that reflects her style and personality for a first date.
I’d advise to pay attention to fit. Too tight looks odd, and too baggy looks sloppy and like you don’t care about the date. Make sure your pants or skirt fit well around the waist – you should be able to put three fingers comfortably in the waistband.
Find colours that work for you, choose shades that flatter your natural colouring. To highlight blue or green eyes, try cool, dark colours such as violet or deep blue. To highlight brown or hazel eyes, try warm, light colours such as coral or cream. Try to avoid bright reds or whites as these will draw more attention to red spots on skin.
Highlight your body shape by choosing colours that flatter and set off your build. Dark colours conceal, so wear something darker on an area if you’re self conscious about it. Light colours highlight – use them to play up your favorite part of your figure.
I think it depends on the destination of the date…
And where I want things to go!
My favourite slinky red dress to speed things along,
Or jeans and lacy blouse to take things slow…
High heels for a dinner date,
Ballet flats if walking somewhere,
Nothing’s quite as glamerous,
As blisters, and bandaids to wear!
I keep my makeup simple,
But wear an exotic perfume,
I want to leave a ‘lingering’ impression,
When walking into or out of a room!
I match my jewellery to my outfit,
I think it shows a ‘casual’ care,
Earing colour usually matches blouse or dress…
And so does my underwear!
Not that I’m planning to show that off yet,
After all, it’s only the ‘First Date!’
But I think when you wear nice undies,
It always makes you feel great!
It’s not until about date twenty or so,
That ‘Granny undies’ come in, though I confess,
Sometimes ‘support hose’ makes a visit,
When wearing that ‘slinky’ dress!
I’ve ‘Liked’ eHarmony on FB!
Thanks, Guys!
For a low key date like to a theme park I’d tell them to wear the Casual Girl Next Door look. Coloured skinny jeans, a pretty top with a little cardigan and some flat shoes.
Hmm… my ideal first date would be a picnic or walk in the park, or maybe even coffee or brunch at a quirky little cafe… The perfect outfit for a bright spring date would be a cute floral dress, denim vest and simple-yet-cute flats. Sunglasses and small satchel optional, but well-presented nails and make-up are always a must – perhaps a bright coral shade, both on-trend and playful.
I have liked eHarmony on Facebook too! 🙂
Although I am now attached, my first date outfit has always been casual (but fun and flirty). But if I was to suggest a particular style to a girlfriend, my only advice would be to dress in whatever makes you feel confident and comfortable…there’s nothing worse than dressing to impress in a high cut dress that you normally would not wear only to spend the whole date pulling the dress down as it rides up feeling so unbelievably self conscious and awkward… and focussing on your discomforts instead of enjoying the hunk you are out with!!!
At the end of the day, we gotta be ourselves girls, and a happy, confident and COMFORTABLE girl will very possibly leave a remarkable impression …and lead to…a second date!
A simple elegant dress, a genuine smile and an open mind. Perfect for a first date. Have liked on facebook <3
Definitely depends on where you’re going but it’s got to be something you know you look good in, confidence can carry off anything. And always sexy undies, even if your date doesn’t know and won’t see them, knowing you are wearing them will make you feel sexy and that always shows.
First date keep it simple ladies. A crisp white tailored shirt, skinny jeans and heels. Your bag should be small clutch. Keep the date short so he will want more.
I am attached, and a man, so I’d advise my best friend Catherine to wear her Raiders’ jersey. She will ONLY be happy with a man who likes the Raiders, so I figure it’s best she’s upfront about it 😉
PS I am a Liker on Facebook of eHarmony.
A little red dress and some sparkling flats if its a formalish date, or just jeans and nice top if its a casual date
I’m definitely a fan of the daytime polished, yet slightly casual look 🙂 My favourite look would be a pair of skinny jeans teamed with a semi-structured white blazer. It could even be paired with some sassy black ballet flats or perhaps red or black pumps.
For jewelry, i think the the appearance of a lovely silver bracelet would look very stylish. Lastly, glossy, tousled hair and a little mascara will create a gorgeous look that would suit a cute little French patisserie visit or a trip to the Tapas bar for lunch 🙂
It very much depends where we meet, the time of year, the time of day. Low key, but nice and age appropriate. If I don’t have an idea where we are going to go. A simple but elegant dress so I won’t look out of place anywhere we might go, neutral in colour and simple half heel shoes (we might do a lot of walking). A coat in case its going to be mainly outdoors and the nights get cool.
Feminine, fresh and flirty,
Is my first-date look key,
Not showing too much skin,
Is another great way to begin,
Don’t wear excessive makeup,
Or indulge in too much gossip,
Super high heels can be just fine,
If his height they don’t undermine,
But overall try to remember just to be yourself,
Or he won’t be dating the REAL you – instead someone else!
One of my classic, pretty, but demure Leona Edmiston dresses, ballet flats and a black leather clutch.
Something Casual yet with a feminine touch such as ballet flats with a maxi dress. Also the nude make up look with out over doing it
It’s hard to go past a tailored, dark pair of skinny leg jeans. Dress up with a flirty, sparkly top and colourful heel at night or go more low key for a daytime date with ballet flats, flattering sunglasses and a cute loosely fitted top with shoestring straps (in summer months embrace floral prints or break out vibrant colours). Go light on accessories and make up – you just want to look like a more beautiful version of your natural self!
It is not about the clothes, it is about wearing a smile, open mind and a positive attitude.
Something that accentuates & flatters your best asset, not assets or it’s over the top. Dress it up or down depending on the date.
Now married, and glad to have all those first dates behind me, on my first date with my now hubby I wore a short black skirt & killer heels (giving him a lot of my best asset………legs, at 6′ 2″ they’re pretty much all of me), with a demure top to tone it down so I’d not look slutty. Don’t ever look slutty, or they’ll only want you for one thing, not the long haul.
Wherever you’re going, whatever you’re doing, KEEP IT NATURAL! Men love the natural look, with free flowing hair that they can touch & not have you cringe when he reaches for it ‘because he might mess up your do’. Something you’re comfortable in, this ensures you can be yourself & aren’t constantly worrying or stressing about how you’re looking, or if something is riding up where it shouldn’t be!
This advice was given to me by a dear old married friend. It worked for her, and it worked for me too. First dates are now ancient history, thank God 🙂
An outfit that’s sleek but shows not too much boob.
You want to impress not rollover the sweet dude.
Keep that for later if it succeeds into going nude.
Wear your favourite outfit. If you’re comfortable and happy, your date will see you at your most natural. If you’re focusing on your underwear riding up, or worrying about spilling something on your new outfit, you won’t be concentrating on them.
Maxi dress. flattering and feminine on all shapes and sizes 🙂
I find it’s most important to be yourself and not give off false airs so that your new partner to be can get an honest feel to who you are. As for dressing for the occasion if a daytime date was involved I would go smart casual and for night I dress up and make a special effort to enhance my best features without going over the top as I like my proposed partner to see me for who I truly am and not what I think he may want. Afterall if your relationship becomes serious your partner needs to know the real you.
I would wear a pair of nice jeans with a tank tee and a jacket over the top. Some sexy heels to give me some added height and a long chunky necklace and bangle.
like eHarmony on Facebook too.
I would wear jeans and a nice top with a nice pair of heels – something comfy, but still sexy.. something that says this is me..
on your first date you dont want to over do and go to a nice classy restaurant, and defiantly a big no for the cinemas cause you cant talk and get know on another, so keep it simple with a nice tidy cafe with good service, and what i normally wear is a pair of nice jeans or leggings, with a nice blouse and maybe a cardigan to top it off, dont wear high heels because a guy would rather a plain simple girl, also lay off the make up, give it your natural look!
On a first date I usually go somewhere casual and I will wear a nice pair of jeans, comfortable shoes and a nice blouse. I keep my jewellery simple and i only wear a smidge of make up.
I reckon, go with something you are comfortable in and something that you feel really confident in. This may be that hot, red dress that makes your body look so feminine and sexy and mid-high heels so you can still walk and still highlight your pins. Sexy, loose hair will frame the face and light makeup.
For an evening date I would dress to impress with a little black dress or for day time I would choose a feminine floral frock.
A first date outfit should be sassy and chic – whatever your style! For the laidback lass on a daytime date, it would be ideal to reflect your easygoing nature by sporting your favourite pair of jeans, coupled with cute ballet flats and a casual blazer. For the girl who enjoys her glitz and glam and is off to a dinner date, a lovely statement necklace coupled with a sparkling cocktail ring would be the perfect accompaniment to a flattering A-line dress and understated heels. Whatever your style, your first date outfit should be comfortable and allow you to enjoy yourself. It’s an outfit that, above all, makes you feel pretty and polished!
have liked eharmony on facebook
til i am comftable with the person i would wear black slacks with a lovlely shirt with a nice dinner jacket and black or matching to my top shoes with accesories and clutch bag
Romantic and feminine, a flowing dress that does not show too much will tantalise and make you feel amazing and sophisticated, in case he turns out to be the one.
i would wear that beautiful floral dress above from jeans west and a simple heal and subtle make up and a nice gentle floral perfume and a little jewlery. Oh and a smile 🙂
Something girly, fun and fresh… and that smile that only comes with first dates
Wear a smile and heaps of confidence and you will pull off any look – don’t go over the top with clothes = it is more about your attitude!
I’d be looking at my man. Was he wearing a three-piece when you met him in the line for the movies? Or was he sporting ripped jeans at a cocktail bar?
If I’d never laid eyes on my date before, I’d go casual but sexy for daytime (jeans, top, little heels), and frock up at night.
But yes, I think you as a person will be the real selling point!
I would wear on my first date something that I would feel comfortable in like a maxi dress all depends where we were going.
If I was on a casual date, I’d wear something smart, yet comfortable. I’d want the person to like me for me – not what I wear.
I have a wonderful partner already,
4 years so far and still going steady!
but one thing i can, to the girls, recommend,
don’t try to impress him with all the latest trends,
a little make-up and a nice outfit will do,
no towering heels and nothing see-through!
if you just be yourself you”ll attract an honest man,
if you put on a front you’ll be back to where you began!