A Date With My Closet
Would you take swim instructions from someone who’s never swam? Not likely.
That’s always how I’ve felt when sharing about first date outfits on my platforms. A sham!
You see, “dates” are not something people associate with me. More like “man repeller.”
But what I lack in dating experience, I make up for with years of styling work, invites to themed events, and plenty of first-time meetings with other people.
I see all of those things as being intertwined. If you really think about it, what is a date but a way to make a first impression on somebody?
So in that spirit, I’m going to share more about my thoughts on the perfect first date outfit and recreate what I wore on my past dating adventures! Let’s go!
The Perfect First Date Outfit
Getting ready to meet a stranger for a first date is nerve-wracking enough; you don’t want to get hung up on planning an outfit, too!
Hopefully, these tips help take some of that pressure off and make outfit planning a breeze.
The perfect first date outfit should be comfortable, versatile, and match the occasion. (You started with drinks, and now bowling sounds like a good idea? You’re prepared with the right outfit!)
A perfect first date outfit should also express who you are. If you feel the need to buy something new before a date, isn’t that, in essence, changing a part of who you are and not a full expression of who YOU are?
A date is a meeting with a potential partner, someone who should accept you as-is, not some alternative version of you. So please, if at all possible, pull an outfit from your closet!
Lastly, my favorite trick for meeting new people is wearing an outfit that has something interesting going on. Whether that’s a giant flower pinned to your shoulder or a funny phrase on a graphic tee, wearing something with interest is a great way to help break the ice!
What To Wear On A First Date
Now that you’re armed with tips for getting dressed, let’s look at that advice in action!
For my first date with my now ex, we had a late-fall date planned with pizza and ice skating. As much as I wanted to wear a dress or a skirt, I knew that denim was the way to go, so I went with the old Midwest millennial uniform of jeans and a nice top.
I didn’t fully think through the fact that we’d spend most of our time on ice and only had a denim jacket on. To say I was freezing after two hours would be an understatement! Don’t be like me. If you’re doing a cold-weather activity, PLEASE wear appropriate (and cute!) outerwear.
Aside from my jacket situation, I don’t think that outfit was too bad. It did the trick and got me a second date, so that’s a win! But if I had to redo it in my 30s, I would definitely add more color and flirty details.
So for a more updated look for an imaginary date of pizza and ice skating, I would wear colorful cords, a floral print top, and a denim jacket. Hey, it worked the first time. I wouldn’t want to jinx my good luck!
Rate Your Date
If all goes well, you should walk away from the date having met someone new, gained more dating experience, and maybe even gotten a funny story to share with your pals later!
Your outfit is there to help you feel comfortable and have a good time. So in some way, your outfit reflects how your date goes.
Maybe. Maybe not. What do I know? Dating is not my forte. But hopefully, you still enjoy my sense of style and will continue to follow me for more outfit ideas based on activities and events I actually participate in!