What to wear on a first date

We’re in February, the month of love. The romantics are gearing up for St. Valentine’s Day which is just around the corner. For those of you who have been single for some time and are looking forward to your first date, there is no reason to panic. We have a few tips on what to wear so your first date is less stressful. The rest is up to you to work your charm.

Being well dressed on a first date is extremely important as it is like personal branding. What you wear says a lot about you, and will attract the kind of person you want. Follow these pointers for him and for her and you’re sure to achieve the results you’re looking for.

For HER:

1. Dress up to look and feel confident; and to do that you need to be comfortable in what you wear. How you feel will dictate how your date goes. If you are comfortable, most likely that your date will feel comfortable as well. Avoid clothes that require constant adjustment. A good fit will boost your confidence. Avoid oversized clothing; instead go in for something that shows off your figure, but it shouldn’t be too tight.
2. Wear what matches your personality. For example, if you are always in feminine clothes, going in for an androgynous look is not going to serve your purpose.
3. Avoid showing too much skin. It can be a turn off and send out the wrong signal. Choose one of your best features and highlight only that. For example, if you have great legs, you may choose to wear a mini skirt and high heels. Pair it up with a long sleeved high neck top.
4. Keep your make up minimal and natural.
5. Go in for a colour or outfit you are most complimented on. Research has proved that our perceived chemistry and attraction is often linked inextricably to what colour outfits we wear. And it should come as no surprise that red is the top of the lover's list. Red indicates passion and desire in women.
6. Wear season appropriate clothing. You wouldn’t want to shiver and die of hypothermia if it’s too cold, and you definitely don’t want to be overdressed in warm weather.
7. Plan your outfit well in advance, accessories et al. Running around at the last minute is only going to make it all the more stressful. Make sure your clothes are steamed, ironed, and well-coordinated.
8. Research your venue. You wouldn’t want to end up at the beach in high heels, or stick out like a sore thumb at a fine dining restaurant. Make sure what the dress code is and plan accordingly. If your date wants to surprise you with the venue, at least ask what the dress code is in order to avoid embarrassment or feeling out of place.

For HIM

1. Dress up to look and feel confident. Women love a man who is confident and comfortable in his own skin. Choosing the right outfit will give you the confidence to walk into the date with the right attitude and behaviours.
2. Wear what makes you feel comfortable and presents your best and most authentic self. But having said that, do make an effort to dress up as dressing well sets the right tone because it demonstrates your respect for your date and lets them know you are invested in their time.
3. Make sure you are well groomed. Get a fresh shave if you have to; or trim your beard if you have one. Maybe even a fresh haircut would do. Clip your nails. Getting your brows and any stray ear or nose hairs in check will refresh your entire face.
4. Less is more. Keep your accessories to a minimum and go in for an effortless look. Too much sends a desperate “try-hard” signal, and won’t give off the same cool air of sophistication that a more minimal choice can.
5. Go easy on the cologne. Apply cologne an hour before you leave the house, and only use a small amount. You don’t want to overdo it.
6. Colour impacts our psychology and can play a pivotal role in our choices. Red is an attractive colour on women, and when worn by men, it invokes status, power and virility. That doesn’t mean you wear red from head-to-toe. Just use it as an accent or in an accessory. Other colours to opt for are black, grey and navy blue. Don’t be afraid to try out patterns like polka dots.
7. Wear weather appropriate clothing.
8. Make sure you are dressed right for the venue and the occasion to avoid embarrassment to yourself and to your date.

I hope that these tips make dressing for that first date even a tad less stressful. Remember that in the end it’s all about wearing what makes you feel good about yourself. The most important thing is to just be you; be stylish!