What to Wear on a First Date: Ideas for Men & Women

Getting ready for a first date is filled with anticipation and excitement, but what should you wear to make the best first impression and get things off to a good start? To take the stress out of your date, we’ve put together a little guide on what to wear on a first date.

We’ve included ideas for both men and women, so no matter who you are, you can step out looking and feeling your best to make the most of your first date.

Casual First Date Outfit Ideas

If you’re meeting up for a more relaxed coffee date or a cool and casual dinner, here are some outfit ideas for both men and women:

For Men Classic T-shirt & Jeans: Pair well-fitted jeans with a plain or subtly patterned T-shirt. This look is simple yet stylish and can be dressed up with a nice pair of casual shoes and a jacket. Smart Casual Attire: For a slightly more refined look, wear chinos and a polo shirt. Complement this outfit with loafers or boat shoes. Button-Down Shirt & Shorts: For a warm-weather date, a button-down shirt paired with tailored shorts can strike the perfect balance between casual and polished. Finish the look with sneakers or deck shoes.

For Women Floral Sundress: A light, flowy sundress is charming and comfortable. If it’s cooler, pair it with flat sandals or ankle boots and a light cardigan. A maxi dress is a great option if you prefer to cover up more. Jeans & a Blouse: Combine skinny or boyfriend jeans with a stylish blouse or top. Add ballet flats or stylish trainers and some light accessories. Jumpsuit: A casual jumpsuit not only looks trendy but is also effortless to wear. To complete the look, combine it with wedges or espadrilles and some minimalistic jewellery.

Sexy First Date Outfit Ideas

If you’re heading out for an evening dinner date or a night on the town with your new partner, you need something more than jeans and a nice top to win them over! 

Here are our ideas for sexy first-date outfits for men and women:

For Men Tailored Suit: A well-tailored suit is hard to beat when it comes to making a lasting impression. Opt for a dark colour like navy or charcoal. Pair it with a crisp white shirt, a slim tie, and polished dress shoes. Slim-Fit Shirt & Dark Jeans: For a sophisticated yet relaxed look, choose a slim-fit shirt and dark, fitted jeans. Tuck in the shirt and add a stylish belt. Complete the ensemble with suede or leather shoes. Leather Jacket & Fitted Trousers: A leather jacket always adds a touch of rugged charm. Pair it with a fitted T-shirt and trousers. Chelsea boots or sleek sneakers will round off the outfit perfectly.

For Women Little Black Dress: The classic little black dress is timeless and effortlessly sexy. Go for one that flatters your figure best. Pair it with high heels and delicate jewellery. Silk Blouse & Pencil Skirt: A silk blouse tucked into a form-fitting pencil skirt can be both elegant and enticing. Finish the look with strappy heels and some statement earrings. Bodycon Dress: For a bold look, choose a bodycon dress that hugs your curves in all the right places. Opt for minimalistic accessories and high heels to keep the focus on the dress.

Why is a First Date Outfit Important?

Choosing the right first date outfit is crucial because it helps make a positive first impression, reflects your personality, and boosts your confidence. 

Dressing appropriately for the occasion shows respect for your date and sets a comfortable tone for the evening.

First Impressions Count

First impressions are often made within seconds of meeting someone and can significantly impact the rest of the interaction. 

Research shows that people quickly form opinions about you based on your appearance, including your clothing. Therefore, what you wear plays a crucial role in shaping these initial perceptions.

A well-chosen outfit can convey confidence, attentiveness, and respect, making you seem more approachable and attractive to your date. It sets the tone for the evening and can help ease the nerves that come with meeting someone new.

More importantly, when you feel good about how you look, your confidence naturally increases, allowing your true personality to shine.

So, carefully choosing your outfit for a first date not only respects the occasion but also boosts your chances of making a great first impression.

The Right Outfit Can Help First-Date Nerves

Wearing the right outfit can greatly calm your first-date nerves by making you feel like yourself. When you choose clothes that reflect your style and make you comfortable, it boosts your confidence.

Confidence is key on a date, as it helps you focus on the conversation and connection instead of your appearance. Feeling good about how you look can also help you relax and enjoy the date, showing your true self.

So, spending time picking the perfect outfit isn’t just about impressing your date; it’s about feeling at ease and ready to shine.

What Does Your First Date Outfit Say About You?

The outfit you choose for a first date speaks volumes about your personality and can give your date insights into who you are without you having to say a word. Here are a few examples:

Style	Message Conveyed	Example Outfit
Classic & Timeless	Value tradition, appreciate quality	Tailored suit, little black dress
Casual & Comfortable	Easygoing, approachable	Jeans & T-shirt, casual jumpsuit
Chic & Trendy	Creative, adventurous	Bold-patterned blouse, statement shoes
Sporty & Active	Active, energetic, outdoorsy	Stylish tracksuit, tailored sportswear
Elegant & Sophisticated	Refined, cultured	Silk blouse & pencil skirt, smart casual blazer

Through these subtle cues, your outfit can reveal traits such as confidence, creativity, practicality, and an active lifestyle, giving your date a glimpse into your personality and what they might expect from knowing you further.

Should You Judge a First Date on What They’re Wearing?

In general, judging your date solely on what they’ve chosen to wear to the date isn’t really a fair approach.

That being said, if they’ve worn something entirely inappropriate for the setting of your date or if stylish elegance is hugely important to you, then incorporating your opinion of their outfit into your overall judgement of the date and your connection is fair. 

Ultimately, there are many other things that you should be judging your potential partner on that should take priority over their clothing, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t factor into your attraction to them.

Of course, if they match your style perfectly, you could take it as a sign that you’re soulmates from the jump!

It’s not just about what you wear but also how your first interaction with your date goes! Check out our blog post on How to Greet Someone on a First Date for some top tips on making a great first impression.

Key Takeaways: How to Nail What You Wear on a First Date

Nailing your first date outfit is important because it helps make a strong first impression, reflects your personality, and boosts your confidence. To achieve this, choose clothes that align with the date’s setting, fit well, and express your personal style.

Remember to prioritise comfort without compromising on style, ensuring you feel at ease. Simple but thoughtful accessories can enhance the overall look, adding an extra touch of polish to your outfit.

Find your next and last first date by signing up for early access to the Finding The One app – the dating app where people find lasting love.

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