Look great on your first date!

• February 18, 2010
  
  
• 

  Look great on your first date!

  Dressing for a date (let alone a first one) can be seriously nerve-wracking! Often you care more about the outfit choice the date themselves. First impressions do count, don't let anyone tell you otherwise; the moment you walk up to your date they will instantly make a judgement about you (not trying to scare you here).

  So to ensure that your outfit is a success, even if your date isn’t, follow these handy tips below.

  First things first, wear something you feel comfortable in. You don’t want to feel self-conscious for the whole date, or to keep having to pull down your skirt to protect your dignity. It’s important that you feel confident in what you’re wearing and that the outfit makes the most out of what you have.

  Use bright colours to accentuate your good bits and dark colours to hide those that aren’t so good. Don’t stray too far from you’re normal personal style, dressing like a rocker when you’re really quite preppy on your first date will be difficult to keep up with and a waste of time down the line. Ultimately your date should be interested in you rather than your clothes (but it can’t hurt to look good!).

  Ladies, less is more when it comes to makeup, fake tan, hairspray and jewellery - but not when it comes to clothes. Showing some flesh is acceptable but flashing too much skin or being ‘too sexy’ can be a big turn-off - it’s better to leave something to the imagination!

  Don’t try to be too trendy – you may know all about the latest trends on the catwalk, he will not! So stick to something simple like a classic LBD if it’s a dinner date, or jeans and a trendy top for both day and night. Make sure you dress your age and wear clothes that fit properly, which should include a good fitting bra (the whole 4-boob look is not a good one!).

  Shoe choice is very important, try to find out where you will be going, if you will be walking, if so how far? Needless to say don’t wear your 6-inch heels if you’re off on a ten mile hike.

  Gentlemen, make an effort, we guarantee she’ll notice and appreciate the time you put in. Once again, wear what you feel comfortable in. Don’t feel the pressure to wear a suit if you don't feel confident wearing one. Just make sure you look clean, neat and put together. Nobody likes a sweater so to avoid it use an anti-perspirant but when it comes to aftershave, don't over do it.

  Now some general tips for both of you:

  • Don’t hide away but don’t go OTT

  • Don’t get drunk (no matter how good an outfit looks, it can’t erase you throwing up all over your date)

  • Try not to wear all black. It can drain you and make you look pasty. Accessorise to brighten up your look.

  • If you don’t know where you’re going on your date, it’s better to be a bit over dressed than underdressed.

  Once you’ve got your outfit sorted, confidence is key - stand up straight, smile and strut your stuff.

  
  To find a date that you can dress up for, register now  and find them online!