How to Pick the Perfect First Date Outfit

A first date can be exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time! You want to make a great first impression, starting with picking the perfect outfit for a first date. Your first date attire can say a lot about you and your personality within seconds of meeting you. So, how should you dress on a first date? The perfect first date outfit expresses your personal style and allows you to feel confident from the inside out.

If you’re staring at your closet thinking, “I have nothing to wear!” take a moment to breathe and refocus. It’s all about choosing a first date outfit that’ll make you feel your best. Whether you already have something in your closet or you need to make a trip to the mall to find just the right look, make sure it’s something you absolutely love!

Follow these tips on how to pick the perfect outfit for your first date:

Wear Something You Feel Confident In

Nothing is sexier than confidence, and when you look good, you feel good. The perfect outfit for a first date should make you feel like your best self! Choose a first date casual outfit that’s not too tight and is super comfortable so you won’t be preoccupied with readjusting your outfit all night. (Check out our summer first date outfit ideas to plan out those warm weather looks!)

On the other end of the spectrum, with first date dinner outfits at a more upscale place, choose a dress or an outfit that you know you look amazing in! (Not sure how to pick the perfect dress? You can’t go wrong with a classic little black dress!) You’ll feel less nervous if you’re confident in how you look in your first date attire. Even if you don’t feel confident in the moment and are a bit nervous, your outfit will tell your date otherwise. 

Think About the Color Schemes

Colors have the ability to attract and convey moods, which also comes across in your first date outfit. If you want to play it safe, black is always flattering on everyone and makes the perfect outfit for a first date! Black also goes with anything, so you can add pops of color to your outfit with your jewelry, handbag, or shoes. 

The color blue is known to have a calming effect, so wearing shades of blue can keep you and your date at ease. Red is known to be an attractive and romantic color—if you’re feeling bold, why not go with a red dress or a nice red blouse? The same goes for pink if you want to be flirty, but with a more feminine flair. 

As far as colors to avoid, orange and brown are the least popular first date attire shades. Orange is often used for things like construction cones and safety gear to get people’s attention. Not something you want for a first date casual outfit. When it comes to brown, accessories are fair game, but a whole brown outfit tends to come off as boring or too serious.

Skip the Overly Trendy Fashion

If you’re a woman going on a first date with a man, there’s a very good chance he’s not keeping up with the latest trending outfits on the runways. The best outfit to wear on first date is something that looks effortless and classic. Not something that you spent hundreds of dollars on from a high-end department store in an effort to look fashion-forward. 

You want to be approachable, especially with a first date casual outfit, if the place or activity is more relaxed. Choosing something over the top that you don’t usually wear is misleading to what your true sense of style is. Stick to what you know and take fashion risks later on when you’ve already gotten to know this person. 

Don’t Forget to Accessorize

This is where you can really have fun making your perfect first date outfit! From your handbag or purse to your shoes and jewelry. Show off your unique style and that you care about your appearance in the little details. 

When deciding which bag to bring with you, it’s always best to go with a smaller clutch, crossbody, or purse. You don’t want anything too big, especially if you’re going to do an activity for your date. Don’t feel compelled to bring an expensive designer purses on a first date. It might come off as a bit high maintenance if they don’t know you that well yet. 

Keep it simple with the jewelry—less is more. Go for cute stud earrings or chandelier earrings for first date dinner outfits. Delicate necklaces and simple bracelets add that extra touch to bring your outfit together. Try not to wear anything too flashy or overly expensive, nothing that draws too much attention or gives the wrong impression.

And last but certainly not least, your shoes! Your shoe choice depends on your outfit, the weather, and what you’re doing for your first date. If it’s a first date casual outfit, you’ll likely choose simple flats or chic sandals. If it’s cold out, a pair of cute boots are always in style. If you want to dress it up, you can always go with heels, but try to stick to only a couple of inches. You don’t want to be falling for your date after tripping (that’s the wrong kind of falling for someone we’re going for here!).

Be Yourself on The First Date

The most important thing is to stay true to yourself when choosing your perfect outfit for a first date. Don’t try to dress the way you think will make you look the most desirable. You can’t go wrong with a comfortable outfit that makes you feel like your authentic self. The perfect first date outfit is one that reflects your personal style and shows off your personality.

Want to dig deeper with dating advice? The Heart Appeal community is designed to help women fall in love not only with a potential partner but with themselves too. Our certified relationship coaches are ready to support you along with a community of like-minded singles. Become a member to take the next step in your dating journey!