A Stylist’s Advice on Making a Great First-Date Impression

First dates for most people are awkward. There’s this immense pressure to present well, say the right things, have enough to say, but not so much you dominate the conversation, all the while being cute, flirtatious and not drunk after two glasses of Pinot Grigio on a Tuesday night.

But for a lot of women, the pressure also lies in picking the perfect date night outfit.

Have you ever been on a date in an outfit you’re really not feeling? Maybe you raced from work to make it on time and felt a little dishevelled? Or the top you put on was pulling and the tag was itchy? Your jeans weren’t feeling like they should. Those little things we tell ourselves we can get past; are often the things we are distracted by on a date, rather than being present and attentive and enjoying ourselves.

Some may argue that many (particularly men) don’t even pay attention to what you wear, and while that does hold merit to some degree, as a stylist, I know the power a great outfit can have on our ability to feel confident, sexy, beautiful, or simply like you’re putting your best foot forward.

To make sure this opinion was accurate, I reached out to some past flames to get their opinion on if what we wear really makes a difference, and I think you’ll be surprised by their answers…

Nine out of 10 of these lovely gents were quick to say that what their date wears isn’t as important as great eye contact or engaging conversation. In fact, all of them agreed that a date who has a certain level of confidence is what they’re likely to pay attention to.

While Matty K (28) said he does pay attention to his date’s overall appearance and demeanour, he is more attracted to someone who can match their look to the vibe of the date. For example, if you’re going to play mini golf, maybe leave the cocktail dress and heels for a fancy dinner or night on the town. Casual drinks at the pub? Think a dress that makes you feel hot and a pair of heeled boots or those jeans that make your butt look insane with your favourite top and leather jacket.

Matty finished our conversation by saying ‘(while) putting zero effort into your outfit/appearance is a turn off, going all out for drinks at the pub is equally so.’

Andy (30) and Brett (35) agreed. But added that confidence is the ultimate attractive quality and sometimes is the determining factor between asking for a second date or not. “But that doesn’t necessarily mean being overly loud”, Andy said. It is a confidence that shows you’re comfortable, present and easy to talk to. Mitch (29) believes that if what his date wears makes them feel attractive, then that will be reflected in the vibe of the date and how it goes. And I have to agree with him.

So with that in mind, and some great contribution from the boys, what makes for the perfect date night look? Here’s my conclusion:

  • Consider what activity you’re doing for the date, and dress accordingly.
  • Be comfortable so you’re not distracted. Being present and engaged on your date is going to make a better impression than your shoes matching your handbag.
  • Be yourself. And show that through your style. Trust me when I say this will also help you be the most authentic version of yourself. No catfishing here!
  • Wear something that you’re going to feel amazing in! Confidence is so attractive, so dress to be the most confident version of yourself.

It’s a short and concise list, but I promise if you focus more on how your outfit makes you feel and less about what your date is going to think about it, the only way the date won’t be successful is if the spark doesn’t ignite. It certainly won’t be because you didn’t present the most fabulous version of yourself. Because you are fabulous—don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

*** As a straight woman, I can only really understand what it’s like to date men. But that in no way means that the advice provided in this article can’t be applied regardless of who you’re attracted to and who you date.

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