Read our latest magazine

5 October 2022

Exposed Magazine

What Do I Wear?!

Choosing an outfit to wear for any big day can be daunting, so it is natural to feel nervous about deciding what to wear for a first date. We all know the importance of nailing your first impression, as you only get one shot at it. Don’t worry about what you see fashion influencers buying on Instagram, as it is likely that you already have a wardrobe full of clothes that need some lovin.

The key thing is to be yourself and be comfortable! If you’re secure with your outfit choice, you’ll be more relaxed on the date and more confident in yourself – an overall winning formula!

Read below to find out some stylish tips to think about when choosing an outfit for a first date.

Top Fashion Tips

Casual First Date Tips

If you opt for a daytime date, what you wear will be more casual than if it were the evening. For this reason, jeans and a nice top is always the safest option. If you are going for a walk, make sure to wear flat shoes that your feet will be comfortable in, whether that is boots or some stylish sneakers. If you are looking to layer up, a trench coat or classic blazer will keep you warm and looking smart! You can allow yourself to be more creative in your accessories. They are a great way of showing off your personality, whether that is through a fun belt, jewellery or a handbag. This will help to spice up your outfit!

Evening First Date Tips

Evening dates require some more thought. If you are dashing straight from work, maybe a midi-type dress could be appropriate. If you are going to a venue that is considered ‘swanky’, you can pair your outfit with a pair of heels. If you are going to a casual bar, a pair of sneakers will help give your outfit a ‘not trying too hard’ edge. If you don’t like wearing dresses, you can also wear jeans and a nice blouse matched with strapped sandals or mules. If you want a dressier take, avoid detailed denim jeans and opt instead for darker shades. Mom jeans are a great choice as they are flattering for all body types sitting high on the waist and flaring out more at the leg. They are great for dressing up or down without looking too done up. Also, they can come in awesome vintage designs, giving you an incredible fashion taste

What colours should I pick?

It is easy to get bogged down with all of these so-called ‘rules’ when it comes to colours on a first date. There is lots of research to show that some of the best colours to wear on a first date are either red or black. Studies say that especially if you are a woman, wearing two romantic colours helps you to appear more attractive and desirable on a date. Red is often associated with romance as it nods towards Valentine’s Day, like roses and love hearts. But what if red just isn’t your colour? Don’t worry! The fashion trends of 2022 have dished up some great ideas for colour coordinating your outfits, and what we can take from it is… the future is neutral! This sort of trend is all about mood-boosting colours, so if you really want to make a splash with your outfit involving some bright colours, the best way to add this pop is through one key accessory whilst the rest of your outfit is a muted colour. However, this is all so dependent on a person’s personality and general vibe, so if you are a fan of wearing bright colours, be confident in doing so on your first date. Let your date know exactly what kind of person you are from the get-go!

Be Comfortable!

As mentioned previously, the outfit will help you on a first date, but the critical component to success is making sure you are comfortable. Wearing an uncomfortable outfit on a first date is a certain way to send your date non-verbal signals that you aren’t having the best time, even if you don’t mean to. Psychology has proven that outfits can affect our overall body language, which is crucial for making a great impression on a first date. Small cues such as subtly leaning in or making prolonged eye contact when you’re talking are ways to communicate that you’re attracted to your date without directly telling them. If you are uncomfortable with your outfit choice, you might give off negative signals like crossing your arms. This could be really down to the fact you didn’t bring a warm enough jacket or are covering a top that is too tight, but to your date, this could look closed off. Don’t let body language ruin the vibe – always, always, always opt for comfort. You owe it to yourself!