What to Wear on a First Date
When you're deciding what to wear on a first date, there are several factors that come into play.
You've picked a location, you've nailed down a time, you're flirting up a storm in advance by text. Everything is in place for the big first date... and then, of course, comes the eternal question: "What should I wear?"
When you're deciding what to wear on a first date, there are several factors that come into play. Your look has to suit the tone, whether you're going super formal or keeping it nice and casual. It should be practical and comfortable, because nobody wants the button flying off a too-tight shirt across the dinner table. Above all, it should showcase you at your best. Choosing what to wear on a first date seems complicated at first, but if you keep a few useful tips in mind, it all becomes easy.
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For day dates, whatever the weather
Planning a picnic in the park or a visit to a museum? If you’re not sure what to wear on a first date out and about, you won’t go wrong with a sundress. Sundresses come in all kinds of shapes and styles, so it’s easy to pick a silhouette which flatters you. Fit and flare skirts look good on almost everyone, as do bateau necklines. Combine the two for a look that’s adorably retro yet still flirtatious. A sundress is also the perfect canvas for bright colours and bold prints that stand out from the crowd.
Our Outfit Tips For The First Date
- You won't go wrong with a sundress.
- Fit and flare skirts look good on almost everyone.
- Layer your dress with a classic trench if the weather isn't playing along.
- Avoid obviously casual fabrics like denim and corduroy for restaurants.
- A button-through chiffon blouse with sleek trousers can offer the perfect balance.
- A monochrome top with printed trousers can be a fun alternative.
- A denim jacket or a cardigan over a mini dress is the perfect combination for the cinema.
- Pair a skirt with an oversized jumper, or match a low-cut top with luxe, loose trousers.
It’s your first chance to make a great impression, so don’t shy away from the spotlight. Layer your dress with a classic trench if the weather isn’t playing along, for a look that’s straight out of Hollywood in the 50s.
For an intimate dinner à deux
So you’ve been invited to a restaurant you’ve never visited before and no amount of googling can tell you what the dress code is. It’s tricky deciding what to wear on a first date when you’re not sure how formal you need to look.
To be on the safe side, avoid obviously casual fabrics like denim and corduroy. A button-through chiffon blouse with sleek trousers can offer the perfect balance, so you’ll never feel over or under-dressed. Go for a slim-fit top with wide-leg pants, or wear something billowy over a pair of skinnies. A cute print top with dark pants is a no-brainer, but a monochrome top with printed trousers can be a fun alternative. Throw on a leather jacket and the whole thing will seem effortless.
Purchase high quality clothing, shoes and accessories for your next date at Lounge by Zalando, where our daily sales deliver discounts of up to 80%*.
For a night at the movies
The cinema is a first date classic for a reason - it’s a place where you can feel like you’re alone with someone even when you’re surrounded by hordes of people. It might seem easy to choose what to wear on a first date that mostly takes place in the dark, but there’s a surprising pitfall you’ll need to be aware of. Remember how cold it gets in the cinema? It’s no fun shivering under omnipresent air conditioning when you’re trying to hold hands with your date, so make sure you stay warm with a layer or two.
A denim jacket or a long cardigan over a mini dress with tights is the perfect combination. Again, we can’t help but vouch for print: it does a much better job of hiding any errant bits of popcorn clinging to your clothes.
For drinks late into the night
What to wear on a first date that looks sexy but not sleazy?
Many of us like to show a little skin on occasions like this, but as a rule of thumb, less is more. Pair a short skirt with an oversized jumper, or match a low-cut top with luxe, loose trousers. Or if you’d rather not dare to bare, no problem. At the end of the day, there’s nothing sexier than someone who’s comfortable in their own skin, so the ultimate answer to what to wear on a first date is something that makes you feel good.
Pick out your favourite styles and colours, those pieces that always look great on you, and let your inner sexiness shine through.
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