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.