There are three critical factors to take into consideration when dressing for a first date: location, time of day, and of course, the weather. Since we don’t know your specifics, here are some general tips….
Remember: First impressions are lasting impressions. When you look good, you feel good and confident. Your date will notice this and be very impressed as well as attracted to you! Make sure you are wearing something that you know makes you look good and feel fine. You don’t want to be wearing something that you constantly have to fidget with or feel conscious of. It’s also wise to go light on the make-up, perfume, or cologne. Too much (or too little) of any of these three things can scare off a potential love interest. Speaking of scents, make sure you’ve got fresh breath – bad breath is a BIG date no-no.
Ladies, you want to dress flirty, classy, and somewhat dressy. Avoid going over the top, though. Make the guy think that your look is effortless, but polished. Make him think you always look this hot! Wrap yourself in flirty fabrics like silk, chiffon, and cashmere – all are soft to a man’s touch and comfortable to wear. You can never go wrong with a pretty dress. But, if pants are your thing, don’t be afraid to wear them. A flattering cut is an absolute must regardless if you are wearing a dress or slacks! Now is not the time to bring out your favorite, baggy college sweatshirt! Avoid anything that’s too tight, short, or revealing. A good rule of thumb is to pick one area to reveal (legs, back, décolleté) a little and cover the rest. Good grooming is an absolute must – no chipped polish, dirty nails (including toes!), etc.
Men, avoid going too flashy! That silky disco shirt that you wear on the town with the guys is probably not the best choice in making a first impression on a prospective girl (in fact, you should not even own a silky disco shirt). A nice pair of jeans in a dark or medium wash (make sure they’re clean!) and a sport coat with either a t-shirt or button up always looks hip and fashionable. It's okay to go with a print tee if the date is casual, but a plain tee or button up is a better option if you’ll be dining somewhere upscale. Don't be afraid to wear slacks instead of jeans! In terms of shoes, again, this depends on whether the date is casual. If you’ll be taking her to a nice restaurant, make sure your shoes are polished and scuff free.
If there’s something in your closet that you always get compliments, this is the perfect occasion to wear it. Wear what you KNOW makes you look good. This isn’t the ideal time to experiment!
p.s. Don't drink too much. Don't talk too much. Ask questions. Make eye contact. Avoid talking about your ex. Leave some things to the imagination. Don't give them an ultimatum on the first date. TRY to be somewhat normal. Don't go planning your future with them. Be mysterious. Don't stalk them before or after the date ( i.e. don't let them know that you Googled them before the date and know everything about them already).
