Dating can be a whirlwind of emotions. Whether you are looking forward to meeting new people or are nervous about going out with the ones you think you are hitting it off with, there is a whole spectrum of emotions to experience. Perhaps one of the more pressing issues that many daters find themselves facing is the challenge of what to wear that will impress without appearing overly ostentatious.
As you may imagine, this can cause a real headache for those not particularly au fait with the latest fashion trends. Fortunately, dressing to impress on a date isn’t as tricky as you might believe it to be. With a few pointers, you will be throwing on an ensemble that exudes style and gives you the confidence to focus on your potential new partner rather than stressing about what they might think of your clothing choices. So, without further ado, let’s jump right into things and get you well on your way to sartorial elegance.
Show Off Your Favorite Feature
Dating has changed enormously over the years, and while in days gone by, it might have been commonplace to try to hide certain features about your body out of a misplaced feeling of shame, it’s now far more acceptable to flaunt your favorite features without fear of being humiliated. This is even truer when you take into account the frequency of casual dating, which has almost become the standard. Because dating has taken on this far more relaxed atmosphere, it makes more sense to choose clothing that accentuates certain features rather than hide them… after all, this is who you are, and you can’t change that.
Moreover, we’ve all got that one thing we like best about our looks, whether it’s our eyes, legs, or smile. Letting that shine through in your clothes sends a subtle signal that you’re comfortable and confident in your own skin. People are naturally drawn to others who radiate self-assurance. Drawing attention to your favorite feature also helps you feel your best on the date. Feeling good about your appearance translates to being relaxed and fun to be around.
Aim For Flirty And Fun, Not Trashy
While it is ultimately up to you to how you present yourself, it’s probably wise to go for an outfit that doesn’t present you in a trashy light. Is that choice of verbiage a tad harsh? Yes, but remember that whatever you might think about things, you are dating another human being with their own thoughts and feelings, and if they find something about you trashy, then they will likely call it a day and look elsewhere for love. Instead, opt for styles with interesting cutouts or peek-a-boo details rather than full-on cleavage or midriff if you are a woman or something more traditional if you are a man (i.e., avoid showing off your muscles, etc). In other words, a bit of modesty can go a long way. The objective is to showcase your fun and flirty side while still commanding respect. Have fun with fashion, but keep it classy to truly wow your date and ensure the focus remains on engaging conversation, not risqué reveals.
Confidence Is Always Attractive
Do you know what a great choice of clothing can produce? The answer is confidence in the bucket loads, and confidence (not to be confused with arrogance) is highly appealing to both sexes. An air of self-assurance will make you positively glow and turn even the simplest of looks into something truly striking. Confidence comes from within, not without, so focus on feeling great about who you are rather than obsessing over your appearance. Good posture and making eye contact with your date are subtle ways to radiate self-possession. But most essentially, genuinely believe in your own worth. The proper clothing can actually have an enormous effect on your posture, so make sure to choose wisely and that anything you wear is comfortable enough to move freely…leading very nicely onto the next point.
Comfort Is Key; Be Yourself (Within Reason!)
When in the process of choosing an outfit for your all-important date, it’s utterly crucial to feel at ease in your selection so you can focus on enjoying your evening, not constantly fidgeting or adjusting, which, aside from giving off the wrong impression, just looks wrong! Picking an outfit you find comfortable to wear allows your natural personality and charisma to shine through without distraction. However, comfort does not need to come at the expense of style. Find pieces made from breathable fabrics in silhouettes that move with you rather than constrain. Opt for fits that are flexible rather than constricting. At the same time, while expressing your authentic self is essential, save any extreme fashion statements for other occasions, such as when you have become more intimate with each other.
Dress For The Occasion, Always
Just as the world of dating has changed so dramatically, so too have the types of dates that people choose to go on. Consequently, it pays to consider what you are going to be doing and dress accordingly. The ideal outfit is one explicitly tailored with the evening in mind. A date that includes a fancy dinner out calls for a more polished ensemble compared to a low-key night at a local pub. Conversely, if your date consists of walking through a beautiful flower garden, donning your best dinner suit might be slightly out of place. Doing your research on the date details and selecting an outfit accordingly shows your date thoughtfulness and respect for their efforts in planning.
Accessories Can Finish Off An Outfit
Don’t forget about the power of accessories when putting together your date night ensemble. The right shoes, bag, jewelry, or other finishing touches have the ability to truly polish off an outfit and elevate it to the next level. Even a simple look can be transformed with some well-placed additions. Statement earrings or an eye-catching necklace draw attention in a flattering way. A vibrantly colored handbag is the perfect pop of visual interest. And what outfit isn’t improved with heels that make legs look miles long? If you are male, then you can opt for a stylish watch, ring, or bracelet, as long as it doesn’t overpower the main outfit or make it look like you are attempting to channel your inner Romanian gangster!
What you wear on a date can influence the outcome more than you might imagine. While we like to believe that first impressions are a product of a less cultured past, how you present yourself will mean the difference between a second or third date and one that fizzles out into nothingness.