How Should You Dress for a First Date?

Getting ready for a first date can be more nerve-racking than the date itself. You spend hours in front of the mirror trying to perfect your look. And if you are the kind of person who has a lot of clothes, you can drive yourself crazy trying to figure out what to wear. Should you go formal or informal? Should you tone it down or shake things up?
There is lots of advice all over the internet. This post is going to offer even more. You can take it or leave it; it’s up to you. Just know that the tips you are about to read were compiled only after hours of research.
1. Dress for the Occasion (to a degree)
There is something to be said about dressing for the occasion. If your first date consists of horseback riding and a picnic lunch, that little black dress probably isn’t appropriate. You may look fantastic in it, but good luck getting on and off the horse without injuring yourself. Likewise, your date might invite you to a black-tie affair being put on by her company. Skip the chinos and tank top. Wear a suit and tie instead.
2. Go for Comfort
The next tip is one that is pretty common across the internet: dress for comfort. The thinking here is pretty simple. First dates are already uncomfortable enough. Why wear clothes that make you even more uncomfortable? You are better off wearing something that will help you relax and be in the moment. That is the best way to put your best foot forward anyway.
3. Wear Something Authentic
If the point of a first date is to introduce yourself to someone else, you should probably wear something that’s authentic. What does that mean? The New York City-based Plurawl Latinx clothing brand describes it as wearing clothes that are true to who you are as a person. The opposite is wearing clothes that you think someone else wants you to wear. It is the difference between being who you are and pretending to be someone else.
4. Wear Clothing That Is Flexible
Next up is wearing clothing that is flexible. In this context, flexible does not mean stretchy and allowing for free movement, although that is important. Flexibility is clothing that makes it possible for you and your date to change plans midstream. It is clothing that says you are up for just about anything.
In casual settings, a comfortable pair of jeans and a hoodie are the perfect example. Your outfit is fine if you and your date have made plans to hang out with friends at the beach. But if you change your mind at the last minute and decide to hit the coffee shop on the other side of town, you are good to go. You don’t need to change clothes.
5. Wear What Makes You Feel Good About Yourself
Finally, it’s easy to go on a first date and spend the entire time feeling terrible about yourself. You might think you are not good enough for that person sitting across the table. You might be convinced that you don’t earn enough, you’re not intelligent enough, or whatever. The last thing you need is an outfit that makes you feel unattractive.
Instead, wear something that makes you feel good about yourself. Wear something that makes you feel confident, attractive, and even maybe a little bit sexy. Your confidence will rub off on your date. Maybe so much so that they will find you even more attractive.
And now, it’s time for you to go get ready. Whatever you do, enjoy yourself.