Written by stylist Gayle Elizabeth Rich
What
to wear every day can be challenging. Now add on the pressure of choosing an
outfit for a first date! One can become anxious with indecision, and the
fear factor rises.
Before
we get to your wardrobe choices, there is one thing you need to wear first that
no designer can make for you – it’s called CONFIDENCE. Practice on a daily
basis, whether you are dating or not, some positive self-talk and
self-soothing. It is good to approach dating as if meeting a potential friend,
that way there is less stress put on the occasion. Leave romantic possibilities
outside your vision. Be true to your real self while dating and allow your
clothing choices to reflect that.
Generally
speaking, your outfit should convey an effortless and comfortable you. Your
choices should be flattering and represent your best self. This is who
you are. This is your style personality. Of course, this
requires knowing yourself, your style, and some careful planning for the
event. Anyone can just grab a tee shirt and jeans, but if you want to
leave a more lasting impression on your date, put some thought into what you
wear. Don’t know where to start? No worries, keep on reading and let me stir
your imagination by providing some styling choices for possible first date
scenarios.
Remember
that the clothing you choose is the way you want the world to see who you
are. Use this advice by showing your date who you are, and also by
reaffirming it to yourself. Honor your authentic beautiful self.
Please keep in mind that these are general
recommendations that might not suit any individual body type and personality.
Café Dating
Meeting
at a café is a perfect daytime
first date meeting place. A daytime date contains less pressure, and is
emotionally safer all around. The following are some wardrobe choices I
would recommend:
—The 3.1Phillip Lim short sleeve ruffle top worn with stylish jogger pants available at Saks
Fifth Avenue.
Brunch Dating
A brunch first date welcomes a pretty blouse
and slacks, a casual dress, or a soft jumpsuit. Enjoy your food, your
company, and the beautiful day that is ahead of you while looking gorgeously
elegant and relaxed.
—A more tailored classic
jumpsuit choice comes from Intermix. The jumpsuit is called "Delia Chambray" by L'agence.
—From Moda Operandi, consider a fun Giza cigarette pants by SemSem in cobalt blue. It would look stunning with the J.O.A.ruffle sleeve top from Nordstrom. This black blouse has a beautiful and
subtle white star print.
—Or choose Alice& Olivia “Idalla Cold Shoulder” silk blouse from Saks Fifth
Avenue to wear with a tapered pleated pant by Piazza Sempione in a soft eggplant tone. It
is also available at Saks Fifth
Avenue.
Walk in the Park Date
Some people like to approach their first date
in a more casual and relaxed way like meeting for a walk in the park. This
walk can continue to dinner later, who knows…
—A striped shirting tie back dress by Tibi is a perfect dress for a
casual stroll in the park, which can work well at an outdoor cafe for
appetizers later. You can accessorize with a light fun small bag such as Khokoh Thembi Bucket Bag available at Intermix.
—Or try a tie-front striped cotton poplin shirt by Alexander Wang at Net-a-Porter. Wear it with A.L.C.khaki “Marley Teak” trouser pants from Intermix.
—As
for your choice of shoes, pick something that is comfortable to walk in
and yet nice enough in case you decide to go to a restaurant later. Try
Carrie Forbes Driss Slide from Club Monaco, or Loeffler Randall Rhinestone Studded Blush Suede Sandals from Intermix.
Sports Game Date
Maybe you found out that you are both fans of
the local sports team and would like your first date to be at the game. If you
run out of discussion ideas you can always talk about the game. You can make a sports
game first date memorable by wearing jeans in a fun color like the Rag& Bone mid-rise skinny jeans in red at Saks Fifth Avenue.
With the jeans, wear a tee with some detailing like the Current/Elliott ruffle roadie tee in sugar. Cute sneakers to add are the
grey gingham print sneakers by Superga. Both the tee and
sneakers are available at Nordstrom.
Boating Date
And for the adventurous ones, who dare to go on a first date into the depth of the sea. Very
courageous. A boating first date requires some extra planning. Be
prepared for swimming and a casual meal out later. An easy one
piece swim suit in sky blue by STAUD, available at Net-a-Porter,
can be worn under light color shorts, tee, and faded denim jacket and sneakers, all available at Anthropologie. Be sure to take a beach bag, such as TRUSS Weekender large woven raffia-effect tote available at Net-a-Porter. To change
later into an embroidered
“cape blouse” by Hemant
& Nandita, available at Saks
Fifth Avenue, and add some sandals.
Dinner Date
Finally, the classic choice of a date night –
dinner, where you can get to know each other over the dimmed light of candles
and the soft sound of music in the background. A dinner first date
should be elevated with a dress, or skirt and top combination. Just make
sure you don’t over do it with over the top jewelry, dramatic make-up, or
cocktail attire. Making choices that resonate loudly with ‘trying too hard’
(or not trying at all) makes a negative impression.
Two dinner
first date choices I like are:
—The off-the-shoulder postcard print dress, sandals, and earrings from J. Crew…and instead of the
sandals, another fun choice could be the Loeffler Randall “Vera Heel,” available at Rebecca Taylor.
—Another idea to inspire you is from Net-a-Porter.
The grosgrain-trimmed printed cotton poplin skirt by Jason Wu worn with a mustard yellow cropped knitted sweater by DKNY. Simple ballet flats in
black complete the look.
Remember to have fun choosing outfits for
dating. Put your best self out there in the world; and the first step is to
care about the clothing you choose to wear. Others in your peer group, work
colleagues and friends, may not care about their wardrobe choices, but let
yourself shine with confidence when you spend some time making a creative
effort to step up your wardrobe.
Now, go have fun and dress as who you want to
be.
Gayle Elizabeth Rich is a stylist from the
Seattle area. To learn more about her style philosophy read The Meaning of Being Stylist.
