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)
(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.
(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.
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What would you wear on a first date?
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Apparently men like women to wear dresses (read that somewhere) that aren’t too revealing and high heels – so that’s what I’d wear to impress.
Nothing too revealing,
During the first lunch phase.
It’s alarm I would be feeling,
If down south went his gaze.
I’ll be putting my best assets on show,
That’s my humour and intelligence he’d get to know.
I’d opt for the familiar, over something brand new,
The confidence booster of the tried and true.
A white cotton jacket with dark denim jeans,
Both perfectly fitted, the silhouette lean.
Add a unique piece, which can be an outfit maker,
My brilliant yellow Liberty scarf is always an ice-breaker.
Then the most important touch I mustn’t forget,
To brush my teeth to ensure fresh breath!
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My boyfriend and I were best friends for eight years before we decided to date. Therefore, my first-date-outfit was VERY casual (we went to the beach). However, I have always been a fan of sporty gear on a first date, as long as the lady is well groomed. I believe if a woman feels comfortable in what she wears and doesn’t appear to try too hard, the man will fall heard over heels for her. Plus, every man loves a fit and active girl. Says a lot about a person. I would opt for Lorna Jane style apparel, making sure the shoes are new or clean.
I would love to start the evening in something very different to what I finish the evening wearing. 😉
I love The Look:Evening Glamor it’s very classy
I would recommend wearing black or blue jeans with a feminine top and some heels. It’s a classy look that you can’t go wrong with and is perfect for most occasions. Sure to get a 2nd date after that =)
I would recommend a mid-length dress – feminine but not too revealing. You don’t want to give the wrong impression!
Always wear something you are comfortable in! The real you will shine through when you are relaxed – being able to walk in flats is sexier than falling over in heels!
Something cute, but comfortable, it’s better to leave lots to the imagination, and wear flats.
Widowed a few years ago, I am terrified finding myself back on the dating scene. I’ll take any advice I can get! Thank you for the great article. I don’t think I fit into any of my glamour wardrobe anymore and I haven’t worn a dress in 20 years! So I think I would have to wear black pants, black flat shoes (can’t handle high heels any more) and a colourful top to match my personality. I think I’ll have to aim for “The Girl Nextdoor”.
I’d prob wear colour demin. Is it wrong, I was dating when these were out the first time round?
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Confident, glowing and totally carefree, I’d wear a floaty summer dress teamed with a structured blazer to impress my guy!
First impressions count! I would wear something fun and flirty that isn’t too revealing, like a cute dress and heels. I would keep my makeup natural but glamourous, I would curl my hair to a achieve a flirty, wavy look and maybe finish off the look with a glamourous pair of statement earrings!
I’ve always gone for the more classy look
I love nice black pants with a jade green top
and try for a white cardigan shrug
But to be honest if he’s interested in you it doesn’t really matter what you wear as long as you feel comfortable!
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F Finding who you are should be reflected in the dress,
I It’s the first date so wear it with finesse.
R Ruffles and tight clothes are there to avoid,
S So fun and flirty dresses are there to be enjoyed.
T Try the pastels, knee lengthed and flowing,
D Double it up with a pair of wedges and you’ll be glowing.
A All natural make-up and beautiful wavy hair,
T Trust me, all he’ll be able to do is stop and stare!
E Easy beauty is the way to go, making you the star of the show!
I’m married but for a friend I would recommend something very flattering but not too much flesh, a glimpse to get him interested but not the full show 🙂
It really depends on the date, the weather and how into the guy you are.
If I was really into the guy I’d wear a nice blue dress (to bring out my eyes), with high heels and a little touch of cleavage to see where he pays attention during the night, to my face or elsewhere!
Red men love red,but dont over do it.
Nothing extravagent or revealing,
I keep things casual yet cute.
A simple pair of flats,
Or my black ankle boots.
For my clothes it would depend,
On what the weather may be.
I’d opt for a cute floral dress.
Or just coloured denim and a tee.
Wear something that defines you,
Because it’s not just about what you wear.
Make your personality your selling point,
Clothing just accompanies your natural flair.
And show off your natural flare.
I would recommend something that makes you feel good about yourself, we’re more confident and relaxed if we feel good about how we look.
Loving the ballet flat shoes, I think confidence is the best a date no matter what gorgeous item you choose.
I think it depends on where you are going. If it’s somewhere fancy Evening Glamour is good and The Girl Next Door for something more casual. Both outfits are great for any season but wear what you feel comfortable in and be yourself.
W- wardrobe E- Exotic S- Special T- Taste ( in fashion, not food! ) F- Fabulous I- Independent E- Exciting L-Love D- Different
WESTFIELD!
I guess it depends where you are going? I love high waisted skirts like the one I bought from Portmans a couple of months ago with a fun flirty top. Heeelloooo instant hourglass figure!
I’m married but if my daughter was going on a first date I would make sure she looked amazing but more importantly that the guy didn’t get the wrong idea.
I would probably go for a flowing maxi dress with a few minor accessories to keep him interested.
If it’s an evening date, say meeting in a bar followed by dinner then a pretty dress, not too much flesh on show but high heels but really nice hair & make up to show I’ve made an effort but most importantly confidence & a natural smile.
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I always believe if I was a guy I would be impressed with alittle class. The look would appear casual yet feminine and give the illusion of confidence with hint of sexiness.
After 5 years and two baby boys – my fiance and i have never really had a first date. So if we went on one – say on a warm summers evening, a flattering floral print frock and a pair of mary jane heels would be just the ticket.
Something that you feel comfortable in with a hint of sexy.
Jeans, heels, singlet with chiffon top was always my choice….and i did pretty well (back in the day)!
A cross between elegant evening and casual – perhaps a LBD with some more casual shoes, bag and accessories.
It would allow be to feel and look uncomfortable, whilst showing that under my demeanour, i have an artistic, fun and slightly unconventional nature.
I’d definitely wear something figure flattering and RED! You can’t go wrong with the colour of love!
Something stylish and fun that reflects my personality, teamed with a pair of comfy flats. Saving sexy for that second date.
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You never know where a first date will go
so ladies be classy, don’t dress like a hoe.
Just a dash of perfume, don’t smell out the room,
while you have dinner or lunch, let your outfit pack the punch.
Colours stand out, so you don’t have to shout,
be comfortable yet cute, this isn’t a time for your work suit.
An accessory or two, and the right hairdo,
plus the right bra, and this date could really go far.
But mostly bring some fun and a smile, to not get thrown back on the pile.
One pair of dark blue, boot leg jeans for comfort.
Two small, silver studs for simplicity.
Three cards (ID, ATM, Bus) for practicality
Four date staples including, loose shirt, light, casual jumper tied around waist and black, leather boots (short heel).
And don’t forget the most important thing. Something that cannot be bought or borrowed.
Your SMILE………..
It really depends on the time of day or where you are going as to what you wear. Something feminine and simple that you feel comfortable in.. In some cases it’s not going to stay on very long anyway. LOL
The most important thing you could possibly wear on a first date is a charming smile!
Add a twinkle in your eye, and anything else you wear really shouldn’t matter, because your face will do the work for you 🙂
But make sure you do wear something else! Otherwise things could get awkward!
block coloured slim fitting dress,heels,and of course make up ,clean shiny hair,a smile on your face and a positive attitude.
I’m a big believer in the upmarket jeans look. Jeans, tailored plain T-shirt, sophisticated jacket with terrific accessories can work in most situations, from movies to fine dining. A first date, for me at least, always takes unexpected deviations.
I am a very casual person but still like to feel like a woman so I would go for jeans and jazz them up with something nice
You can’t go wrong with that little black dress and a colourful pair of heels, and if it’s a bit cold outside wear with nude stockings and a blazar that matches your shoe colour
I like to look nice and be comfortable at the same time. I really love the featured casual girl-next-door look. I love jewellery so I’d put a lot of thought into that!
I like the “Casual Girl Next Door” look.
You don’t want to look under dress but you also don’t want to look over dressed. Its the worst feeling going into a place and the hole night you’ve got in your head i wish i had wore that instead of this. Its just casual you’ll feel comfortable and you still look amazing. do it up with some bling, nice handbag hair and make up, fake nails and your set for a great night . Thats what i would wear anyway take me as i am or watch me as i leave i say. Its not about flaunting your body to impress! A guy should accept you for you & your beautiful smile regardless if he likes you.
I would wear a big smile and open myself up to a new experience
What I would wear on my first date someing that I feel comfortable in and looks great.like a maxi dress, al depends where we go.
Something plain and simple for it’s me; my personality and life experiences that I am selling not my wardrobe. I am single and haven’t had a date for years. Yes I am part of eHarmony on FB!