Ladies: What to Wear on a First Date?

It's hard to know what to wear on a normal night out with the girls, never mind what to wear on a first date...but read on for some valuable tips to make your clothing choices much clearer if you have a date night coming up.

The first thing to remember is that the old trope of "you never have a second chance to make a first impression" is true. So while it might normally be good advice to wear what you are comfortable wearing and to express yourself, there are times when that advice isn't applicable. Yes, there are also times wear your fashion choices should really take into account who are you are meeting, and the type of date you are on.

For a first date, the key thing is not to let your clothing be too distracting. A first date is really about getting to know someone better, so it's a lot easier on the person you are meeting if your clothing is not distracting them in anyway. In other words, don't get TOO creative or too showy. Sure, you might want to show off your fashion tastes, but surely that first date is really about seeing if your personalities match, and if you are OK with/attracted to the person's looks (let's be honest, this is true for most dates). These two key areas have little to do with what you are wearing, but if your clothing is too distracting, it just gets in the way of the date's purpose.

So, keep your clothing smart but casual...let your date know you're serious and you've taken time to look your best for them. You would expect the same of them - and hopefully they arrive in such a state on your date! Having said that, wear something you usually wear, so you DO feel comfortable. This isn't a job interview, it's social. If your clothes are making you feel too "formal", find a more casual clothes.

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User Anecdotes

We've solicited a number of user anecdotes on this topic, and have hand picked some of the more interesting ones below. We feel that anecdotes can give a practical, human perspective on a topic.

"I remember my first date with my now-husband, and I was so nervous about what to wear. I spent hours browsing through my closet, trying on different outfits, and still couldn't decide. Eventually, I settled on a simple but elegant black dress, paired with some comfortable heels and minimal jewelry. I figured that it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed, and this outfit made me feel confident and sophisticated. Looking back, I think my choice was perfect because it allowed my personality to shine through, without drawing too much attention to my clothes. My husband later told me that he was impressed with my style and appreciated that I didn't try too hard to impress him with an over-the-top outfit."
Emily S.

"When I went on my first date with my current boyfriend, I decided to wear something casual but still put-together. I chose a nice pair of jeans, a cute blouse, and some comfortable flats. I didn't want to come off as high-maintenance or unapproachable, so I thought this outfit struck a nice balance. It turned out to be a great choice because we ended up going for a long walk after dinner, and I was comfortable and relaxed the entire time. He later told me that he found my laid-back style attractive and appreciated that I didn't feel the need to dress up too much just for a dinner date."
Anushka R.

"I once had a first date where I decided to wear a bold, colorful dress that I absolutely loved. It was a bit of a risk, but I felt so confident and happy in it that I figured it would be a great conversation starter. It definitely worked, as my date complimented me on my dress and we ended up talking about our favorite designers and fashion trends. By choosing an outfit that represented my personal style, I think it allowed us to bond over a shared interest and set the tone for a fun, relaxed evening."
Isabelle J.

"On a first date, I think it's important to wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. I remember one date where I wore a brand-new outfit that I hadn't worn before, and I spent the entire evening feeling self-conscious and fidgeting because I wasn't used to the fit of the clothes. It definitely distracted me from the conversation and made the date less enjoyable overall. Now, I always opt for an outfit that I've worn before and know I feel great in, so I can focus on getting to know my date instead of worrying about my appearance."
Sophie K.

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