Technology has made it so easy for singles seeking partners to connect with prospective partners. By joining a dating site, people can be matched according to various factors, from those sharing their hobbies and interests to site users in closest proximity. If it’s relatively easy to arrange a first date, the age-old dilemmas remain. What to wear? Should you dress to impress, or exude a more relaxed air? Dating experts from datingadvisor.ca had asked this question to their users and they came up with some fashion tips for a first date.
Dress appropriately for the occasion
The most basic consideration of all is wearing something suitable for your first date location. If you’re going to be meeting in a classy restaurant, or your partner has splashed out on tickets for the opening night of a theater production, it would be best to put more of an effort into your getup. Perhaps that chic cocktail dress you’ve been keeping for a special occasion? This could be offset with a choker or necklace – also drawing his attention to your neck. High heels would be a given (with backup slip-ons easily poked into your handbag for dancing or walking to a taxi rank.) If it’s going to be a less formal affair, like a trip to a bowling alley, coffee shop, or the cinema, then smart/casual would be the preferred option.
Think sensual rather than fixating on sexy
There might be a temptation to arrive for your first date as if you’re hoping this guy will fall at your feet with his tongue hanging out. But much as a short skirt and plunging neckline will instantly get his pulse racing, it’s going to have the same effect on many of the other males in the vicinity. The inaugural date is all about connecting, swapping anecdotes, flirting a little. He’s only going to feel irritated if you’re turning everyone’s head along with his when you stroll into the date location. It would be more preferable to rely on suggestiveness rather than going for the hormonal jugular. A hint of cleavage would get his blood racing far more intimately than a push-up bra presenting your assets but leaving the potentially embarrassing possibility of you spilling out in front of a captive audience.
Focus on comfort over style
Much as the thought of click-clicking to your designated table in a candlelit corner of a restaurant is appealing, you need to think with your head as much as your heart. After a couple of glasses of wine, unfamiliar heels can prove treacherous. The last thing you’ll want to do during this important liaison is to tumble awkwardly, snapping your heel, and bruising your dignity in equal measures!
Put some thought into accessorizing
Smart, designer jeans plus a neat, fitted (but not overly tight) blouse would be perfect for any situation. As well as the clothes you don for your first date, think of the jewelry you’ll add to compliment your attire. A cute clutch bag rather than a bulky handbag? Check. Bangles jangling along your forearms? Check. Appealing ear-rings, again drawing attention to your neck? Check. Overloaded with bling like an extra from a Snoop Doggy Dogg video? No!Â
Avoid a faux-pas
What not to wear is an equally crucial decision. You don’t want to emulate Julia Roberts’ character in Pretty Woman by donning thigh-length boots or extravagantly-high heels. Remember what she did for a living in that movie? Branded clothing is terrific, as long as the logos are subtle, not icons branded across your chest. And always think smart and eye-catching – save that tatty Nirvana t-shirt for when you’re home decorating.
