Friday, January 13, 2012


What to Wear on a First Date



First dates are daunting enough without having to worry about your outfit, so we've put together a brief fashion how-to guide for daytime and evening dates. Most of these pointers were picked up from personal experience, multiple viewings of "The Millionaire Matchmaker," and the insight of our male friends. 

Daytime Dates:  

Dress: While it's tempting to don jeans and a blouse during the daytime, keep in mind that you're still on a first date. Unless he's taking you sky-diving, you'll want to show some effort by wearing a dress. A flirty fitted sundress should do the trick. Go for pastels, ocean colors, or corals. Save dark colors for the evening, and avoid earth tones or grays (borrring). If you wear something with a print, make sure it's subtle. Avoid tropical, tie-dyed, and animal print dresses, as these prints tend to be overwhelming. 

Shoes: An espadrille or wedge is feminine and sweet, yet casual enough for the daytime. 

Bag: To give your outfit some personality (especially if your dress is in only one color), select a clutch in the opposite shade of your dress. Here's a color wheel for reference

Jewelry: I recommend downplaying the bling on any first date, as it's a little embarrassing to jingle throughout your meal. And go for something timeless, not blinding. Delicate pearl jewelry is a safe bet during the daytime -- it's classy, it matches everything, and it's preppy enough to make your sundress look a little more formal. 



Shopping suggestions: 


Staring at Stars Crossback Button-Down Dress$59.00 from Urban Outfitters



Women's Kris Espadrille
$43.98 from Amazon.com



Evenings Dates:

Dress: 
It's time to up the ante. You need to be sexy without looking as if you're ready to hit the clubs. While you can't go wrong with a little black dress, a dark jewel tone usually makes more of an impact. I'd recommend a figure-hugging shift dress that rises just above the knee. You'll want to show a little bit of leg, and maybe the SLIGHTEST hint of cleavage, but not to the point of risking a wardrobe malfunction. 

Shoes: 
As long as you know how to walk in them, heels are the way to go. 

Bag: 
A small textured clutch works fine. Bringing an entire purse of stuff will make you look high-maintenance. 

Jewelry: 
Again, keep it demure. Think Coco Chanel. For this outfit, I selected jade because it's unexpected, yet suitable for the occasion. 

Shopping ideas: 


Puckered Floral Dress$88.00 from CUSP



Women's Spiral-2A Pump$39.95 from Endless.com



LUCKY Turquoise-Stone Link Bracelet$35.00 from Lord & Taylor

Do you agree with my advice? What do you wear on a first date? 

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