by Precious Alex-Toji | Apr 1, 2022 | Relationships & Weddings, Beauty & Fashion
Choosing what to wear on a first date can be nerve-racking, especially as you want to make a good first impression. A good first impression matters on your first date and your appearance is the first thing your date would notice about you. So yes, picking what to wear on a first date is as important as the date itself. Your appearance also contributes to how far your date would go. If your appearance gives a turn-off vibe, you would have blown your chances without even trying.
I once saw a tweet where a guy quickly ended a date because her makeup was so much, he couldn’t tell if it was painted.
However, picking a first date outfit depends on various factors, some of which include the location and time of your date.
Location as a Factor
The location of your date plays a major role in choosing your outfit. Depending on whether it’s a casual date or a dinner date, dressing to fit the setting of your date creates a good impression of you.
If you are going for a casual date, a casual outfit would fit the occasion perfectly. For example, a date at a beach bar would have you wearing casual clothing like beach shorts and shirts or skirts for the ladies.
For casual dates, you could always go out in jeans and a pair of sneakers. A blouse for the ladies and a shirt for the men would make such perfect clothing.
For your shoes, it’s best to keep them comfortable and simple. In case there would be an after-date romantic walk, wearing a pair of comfy shoes would be advisable.
On the other hand, if your date is in a fancy eatery at a luxurious location, you might want to add a bit of effort into looking stunning. For my men, if you need to appear in a suit, please do. It gives off an attractive masculine aura.
For the ladies, nothing works magic like a dinner gown for a dinner date. I believe I speak for all men out there, when I say coming to a dinner date in a fitted dinner gown does wonder to our brain.
For my lovers of culture, it’s perfectly okay to wear trads for a dinner outing, especially if it’s to an art gallery. A lovely kaftan for the men and abayas for the ladies would make your date feel like you’ve planned out your love life.
Tips for Choosing What to Wear on a First Date
Whenever you’re picking what to wear on a first date, you can use these tips to guide you on what to choose.
1. Wear Whatever Makes You Feel Comfortable
When it comes to choosing what to wear on a first date, it is advisable to pick whatever clothing you feel comfortable in.
There is a type of confidence you feel when you wear what you’re comfortable in. Knowing that you look good and stunning in your wear can give you more confidence when going for a date and having confidence in yourself matters on a first date.
Comfort is vital when choosing your outfit. You do not want to be pulling your skirt every five minutes or unbuttoning your shirt every second in front of your date. That question “are you sure you’re comfortable?” can be a dating turn-off.
Avoid choosing outfits you don’t feel comfortable in. This is why you have to consider the location and time when choosing your outfit so you don’t wear casual clothing to a dinner date at a fancy location and begin to feel out of place.
If there’s going to be a walk after the date, you know to get comfy when going. If you’re going to eat, you know to avoid clothing that is tight at the stomach level.
2. Make Comfortable Colour Choices
As well as choosing an outfit that makes you feel comfortable, you would also want to be mindful of the color.
If you ask me for color advice, when picking the first date outfit (or any outfit at all), I’d pick black today, tomorrow, and forever. You can never go wrong with black.
The popular color for most date outfits is either black or red. According to psychologists, men feel drawn to women wearing red and are willing to spend more when a woman wears red. My brothers out there, I have given you a lifehack.
If you’re in doubt about what color to pick, you could always choose black. Although black is considered a safe color, it is still a go-to fashionable pick.
But then, if everyone turns up on a date in red or black, wouldn’t that be too conventional?
You should pick whatever color suits you. The goal is to not keep worrying about how you look when sitting next to your date.
Honestly, for me, just pick black. For men, this article can guide you in choosing your wears colour for your first date.
3. Avoid Extreme Looks
Making a good first impression on your first date matters. The idea your date would have of you would start from your appearance.
When picking your first date outfits, keep them simple and classic. Outfits with shouting colors can be distracting during a date as it draws too much attention.
For the ladies, your makeup should blend naturally with your skin. Avoid overdoing it because one major turns off during a date is heavy makeup.
For the men, keep it simple. Whatever outfit you are choosing, make sure it speaks of your class.
Clothing Ideas for First Dates
Still at loss at what to wear on a first date, here are some ideas that you can recreate.
1. Jeans and a T-Shirt/Top
This wear is perfect for a casual daytime date. I find comfort in wearing jeans. You can always do a mix-up with your colors.
I preferably would go out in black jeans, a black t-shirt with anime merch (preferably Zenitsu), and a pair of sneakers (an all-stars or a schoolboy Vans would be so nice). Now, I feel like going on a date.
2. Flay Gown and Sneakers/Chinos and a Shirt
A casual evening date would require a bit more effort. Since most evenings have cool settings, wearing light clothing is preferable.
Flay gowns with a pair of your favorite sneakers for the ladies and a pair of chinos with a shirt would be appropriate.
3. Native Attires
In the north, we love our attires so much, it can never go wrong on a date. A simple kaftan for the men and an abaya for the ladies would set the tone for a perfect evening.
4. Dinner Gown/Corporate Dress
Stunning dates take effort. If your dinner date is at a fancy location, a dinner gown with heels and a corporate dress with brogues would make everyone stare.
Conclusion
We all want our first dates to be memorable. At least, I do. Having no clue what to wear on a first date can give you sweaty palms. Using the tips above, you can now choose without having to go through the selection stress. Remember to keep it simple and comfy.
What’s your preferred date location? For me, I love casual evening dates with a beach-like setting or a date at an art exhibition center. Let me know yours in the comment section.
FAQs
What should you not wear on a first date?
For a first date, avoid wearing revealing clothing, rumpled clothes or uncomfortable shoes. Remember, the goal is to look good and comfortable.
What guys want a girl to wear on a first date?
Guys love to see girls in gowns, fitted or flay. An extra topping is jeans on a t-shirt with a comfy sneaker to match.
How should I dress for a casual first date?
For the ladies, a pretty top and jean would fit perfectly while for the men, a jean and a shirt with cool sneakers would be appropriate.
Is it oK to wear jeans on a first date?
Oh yes, it is perfectly OK to wear jeans on a first date, especially if it is a casual date.
by Editorial Staff | Jan 24, 2022 | Northy Letter
Hello everyone. Here I come again with a recap of what happened last week that you must have missed – the Northy Letter Week 4. Stay with me as a cruise you through.
Monday
It’s still the beginning of the year. Most of us have plans on how we want to spend this year. Some of you want to start a family, learn a new skill, or do something such as stop a bad habit, express yourself more, etc., some also want to start or improve an already existing business. There are various ways to do this, which is why I think you should head on to this lovely article How to Register Your Company with CAC
Apart from your own views and opinion, do you care about others? Learn to communicate more and understand how other people think and feel. This helps you have better relationships with those around you. Don’t know where to start? You can start with this wonderful article written by Precious Alex-Toji – 5 Actionable Tips to Develop More Empathy.
Have you ever been battling or coping with teamwork? If yes, worry no more as Aisha Jibril has come to your rescue with an amazing article on 10 Tips to Work Better as a Team.
Tuesday
Indeed we are in the 21st century and I must say so many things are still very alien to us. The need to make life more efficient and easy has led to the use of advanced technology to the extent that we now have self-driving cars, maybe flying cars too. Talking about making life easier, robots are now being created to assist in house chores, cooking, and more. That’s apart from doing complex tasks in the industrialized system. All You Need to Know About Robotics will fill you in on Robot Technology.
If you haven’t heard of clean energy, then you must have heard of carbon emissions and greenhouse gases which are depleting the atmosphere due to pollution. Clean energy is a way of producing reusable energy while trying to fix the problem of pollution and the destruction of the atmosphere. To get more on this clean energy you need to read this well-written piece by our tech-savvy Umar Farouk Kabir on What Clean Energy Is All About
And who wouldn’t like to improve on their personal life? Are you looking for something to read that will help you become a better person? Then I got you covered as these are the Eight Books That Changed My Life. I didn’t say so, Aisha Jibril did. I am not much of a reader but I am definitely going to check those books out to experience that change. You should too.
Wednesday
Nature is filled with wonders, beauty, and magical healing powers. Yes! You heard right. Although you might ask, is there a magic wand? Yes, there is. This is because plants can serve that purpose. Plants like Moringa have been used to cure ailments and do other things that improve health. Find out the Benefits of Moringa Plant.
Thursday
Old school Thursday! As usual, it is about the culture, traditions, and heroes of our past. Something is always looking strange. Something is always trying to make us curious. How about names? We hear a new name if not every day but at least once in a while. Some names sound really cool while others are odd. Sometimes due to cultural differences, we spend time practicing its pronunciation. But most times we don’t really know were these names mean. Here is a guide to a few of these names so next time you know the meaning of what you’re saying lest you bite your tongue. 150+ Hausa Names and their Meanings.
Since I was a kid, I loved to dress up. I’m telling you, Cultural Day is the best day of school for me. I always adored cultural attires so much noting their similarities and differences with other cultures. The Hausa Royal Attire is always beautiful. What they represent is mind-blowing. It’s so beautiful that you could tell someone’s rank by the colour of their clothes and the turban is glamorous. I think I’ve said too much. You should read all about it.
Friday
Yes! It is the best day of the week and this is what I have for those who don’t know what Gifts to Give out during Naming Ceremonies. Sometimes, it is hard to pick gifts for other people and naming ceremonies are no exceptions. Just gave out a wonderful article to help you out.
The Harmattan monsters are upon us. Just kidding. Although the weather doesn’t go easy on our skin and our health. Our lips are not left out. The harsh, dusty, and dry wind leaves it dry and chipped. No more. Read how to make your own Homemade Strawberry and Lemon Lip Balm and also Homemade Peppermint Lip Balm with Aisha Zakari as she shares this sweet recipe and never suffer chipped lips again
Saturday
One of the things that allow disrespect by our significant other to take place is when we don’t set boundaries. Should we set them or nay? You can go ahead to find out Why Setting Boundaries in a Relationship Is Important.
Apart from that, if you are going on your first date and you want it to be fun then this article is for you – Fun Things to do on a First Date. I promise you this will help you gain a space in their hearts that’s if you don’t steal it completely.
Sunday
There are lots of recipes I want you to try out. Though you could be working a 9-5 schedule and you are quite busy. If that’s the case, please save this article for one of those experimental days – How to Prepare Kunun Gyada written by Abu Hafsah; I was surprised to know it’s coming from a guy, yes a guy! The drink is very nutritious, delicious, and great for everyone in the family. That’s not all. You could also learn How to Make Beans Porridge (Faten Wake).
That’s a wrap! The Northy Letter with all these interesting reads for you to pick from. Next week, I’ll be back with more. Once something is good, we all want more of it. It will only get better from here. I am excited. I will be expecting you next week.
by Aisha Zakari | Oct 16, 2021 | Relationships & Weddings
Planning a first date can be nerving, overwhelming, and awkward but most people pay attention to other things and rarely focus on things to say and things to not say on a first date. Dates are usually formal for the first time as people get to know each other better, look for the best location and select the perfect outfit.
In this post, I’ll be making a list of those words and sentences you shouldn’t utter on a date. Let’s talk.
1. Leave Your Business Out of It
You are a person of ambition and success doesn’t mean you have to put it all up in your date’s face talking about how much you’re worth or how many houses you own. By doing this, you come off to your date as being rude, impolite, boastful, and cocky; this just ruins the chance of a second date. There is a thin line between being confident and boastful so try to balance this and make it clear to your date in the politest way.
A tip I’ll give here is to make sure you’re not talking about yourself the entire time. Engage with your date, ask them about their dreams and aspirations, what they would like to be. Give them attention, a listening ear and with this, an interesting conversation ensues. Get to know them better, that’s why it’s a date.
2. Politics and Religion Are a Huge Turn-off
People are different and definitely have preferences, choices, and opinions but when it comes to me, things not to say on a first date are politics and/or religion.
As passionate and interesting politics may be for you, it may not be for the other party. As such, avoid mentioning this as a conversation on a first date. In a way, politics and religious topics tend to upset people because there will be room for heated debates and different opinions. This is a date to get to know each other not to know why the Buhari’s wedding souvenirs was what it was.
But if your date is into politics, oh my then ride on. It’s your date after all.
3. Do Not Bring Up Your Ex
I must confess, I’ve been here before, and believe me, I messed up things with someone. Took me a while to realize and admit but oh well. Talking about how Isah stood you up or how Hauwah cheated on you with your best friend is a major No. Leave negative Isah and Hauwah at home!
Bringing up your ex on the first date sends the wrong messages to your date. It sends:
- You’re still stuck and very much in love with them
- You are instantly a turn-off
- You’re a baggage
People don’t claim baggage in their life. I mean they want a happy relationship with someone that is not difficult or wishes her ex were still with them. Rather, focus on this person sitting in front of you, get to know them, explore new relationships. Past relationships could be talked about later in the future when you’ve created a strong bond and relationship with them.
4. “You look better in pictures”
Hold up, what’s that? That is completely unnecessary and should not be uttered to someone at all and definitely not a thing to say on a first date. For me, I believe when it comes to social media and posting, deciding on a picture to make public can be quite difficult and whatever a person posts, they believe that is their best.
What your date looks like offline and online shouldn’t be a topic of discussion even if you think they don’t look good. It’s either you point it out in a polite way or don’t tell them at all. Saying such words immediately kills their confidence and self-esteem. That is not how you want to go down this road with this new person you just met.
5. “I’m not looking for anything serious”
Sigh, were you asked? Zip that mouth already! Your date is not a hook-up or a one-night stand and neither are they cheap or wasting their time coming on this date with you. Saying such utterances is not a thing and should be off the record.
Yes, going on a date with someone means opening up to new exploration and ideas of relationships but not all the time. Dates could be harmless sometimes, you could end up being just friends with them and that’s okay.
6. Leave The Marriage Talk Out of It
There is no need to scare your date off with the plans you’ve had to have 3 kids named Hassana, Abdullahi, and Muhammad. Dates should be something fun and thrilling to do, not nerve-wracking and asking tricky questions such as:
- “Where do you see this relationship heading in 3years from now?” My dear, it’s not an interview!
- “Do you see me as wife material?”
It’s a date, have fun and get to know each other better. If anything will happen along the line, let it come naturally.
7. Put That Phone Down
This is my top list. When you’re on a date for the first time, your phone should be put away at all times. You’re on this date to talk, socialize, chat, get to know each other better, and have fun.
It is rude to even check your phone on a date unless it’s an emergency or something serious and your attention is needed. Remember, this person took the time out of their day for this date, make it count.
8. Own Up to Yourself
You don’t need to apologize for what you’re wearing or how you look or why a pimple popped out on your face this wonderful evening. However, your look and whatever you’re wearing, shouldn’t be a thing to worry about.
Words like that are things to not say on a first date as this tells them that you’re insecure and that you need reassurances to how you look. And this, my dear inevitably becomes a huge turn-off for them. You don’t need anyone’s validation to feel and look amazing.
Remember, first impressions always matter, and on dates, this tends to determine if you’ll be getting a second one or not. So, blow their minds away.
9. Past Sexual Experiences
This is a complete No on a first date. You do not ask your partner such and you definitely should not talk about your own sexual experiences. It is of no use to both of you at that particular place and time.
The sole aim of this date is to know each other. So, instead of talking about how you went three rounds, why not ask about your date’s dreams or what kind of pet he/she likes? Talk about something interesting and leave that out of the equation.
10. Keep the Attitude Away
It is believed that a way to know a person’s character is how they behave with people around them; for example, the waiter/waitress and staff at the date location. So, be on your best behaviour and be kind to people to impress your date. Remember, not only on a date night should this be done. Be kind always, let humanity live.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve read these things to not say on a first date, go ahead and lookup for the best location and the perfect outfit. Go on that date, have fun and give your date a fun-filled conversation they will not forget and will definitely ask for another.
I’ll be here in the comment section, tell me how that date goes.
