How to Dress for the First Date

Check the weather carefully. Before you start getting ready for your date, you need to check the weather around the time of your date. Even though the date will mostly take place indoors, you still have to go there and keep your clothes neat and dry.

• Bring a raincoat if it rains, or change out of long-sleeved clothes for another outfit if it’s quite hot outside.
• If the street is too wet or snowy, you might consider wearing boots and a nice pair of shoes to change into when you arrive at the meeting point.
• If you know the size of your date, bring an extra warm coat, umbrella or raincoat if the weather turns bad, in case he doesn’t bring it. She/he will be impressed with your lovely gesture and thoughtfulness.

Take a shower. Even if you plan to run a 5km cross country on your first date, you still have to appear clean and fresh when you meet your crush. Anyway, the first images always stay long after the date.

• If you need to dry your hair before brushing, make sure to give it a little extra time.

Take plenty of leisure time to get dressed. The times when you are nervous or stressed are often times when you are confused with a broken button, a jammed zipper, or a scratched leather sock. It is always better to prepare early than to rush because it is late. Spend a lot of time preparing so that if something goes wrong with your clothes, you can still handle it at the last minute! ^[4]

• Prepare a backup plan. If something goes wrong, you can wear the outfit you planned.

Bring casual clothes as a backup. Whether your date is to eat a lavish dinner at a fancy restaurant or enjoy a famous ballet, plans can change. For example, the date was so fun that the two of you were so excited that you decided to go for an ice cream walk or stay up all night watching old movies together!

• Bring a comfortable outfit, and you’re ready to improvise!

Double check to make sure you have everything prepared. If you need a purse, a drink bottle, or a ticket to the park, make sure you have everything you need for a successful date.

• Remember to fully charge the phone battery in case of an emergency.
• Bringing a little extra cash is always a good idea. If the date doesn’t go well, you either have money to drive home, or the date goes so well that you want to order more dessert.

Do not be stressful. It’s normal to feel nervous before a first date, but don’t “frustrate” just because of the clothes. Be confident in your choices, have a good time, and focus on getting to know the amazing new person sitting with you. ^[5]

• If you’re so nervous that you don’t know what to do, try doing an exercise before you go to your appointment such as meditation or deep breathing.

Don’t put on too much perfume. There are some people who are especially sensitive to scents, and the scent will become overpowering if you put on too much perfume. You should only spray once or dab a few drops of perfume. If you feel that your partner might be sensitive to the smell of your perfume, ask him or her before going on a date.

• You can ask something like, “Can I put on some perfume?” or “Does it bother you if I use some perfume?”
• Deodorant is always helpful, but you should be careful not to overdo it, especially with fragrance.

Do not use moisturizer. Even if you have extremely dry skin, you should consider not using it right before this important day. The first date is always a little nervous, and you’ll probably sweat before you calm down. If you don’t use moisturizer, you can avoid shiny skin.

• Alternatively, you might consider using an antiperspirant spray or an anti-shine makeup spray. You can also apply a light layer of powder before you go.

Do not wear too much jewelry. Picking up a few simple pieces of jewelry to compliment your outfit (if you’re going to a fancy place) should suffice. If you’re drowning in jewelry, the person sitting with you may be distracted.

• Another reason to avoid wearing a lot of jewelry is that it will get you in the way. Depending on your destination, you can also become a target for bandits.