First Date Outfit Jitters
I think most of us would know exactly how nerve-racking a first date can be, particularly if there’s pre-existing feelings involved. The most stressful part of the whole thing, for me anyway, is deciding how I’m going to present myself on this date with this person that I’ve obviously got the mega-hots for (but we’re trying to keep that under wraps). I also think a lot of you will be able to sympathise with having a mid-outfit freak-out when one half of your outfit is as flawless as Beyoncé when she wakes up in the morning, and the other half looks like you’ve raided nanna’s closet. Well, this is of course where I come in.
Let’s assume we’re doing the classic ‘dinner and drinks’ style of date because it’s probably the most common amongst all the classics and you’re bound to go on one of these at least once in your lifetime. I know it’s tempting to go out with all guns blazing, decked out in your Tony Bianco’s and that floor-length dress with the plunging v-neckline that you’ve been waiting to bust out of retirement, but that is most definitely not what you want to be going for on the first date. I know, it sounds crazy, but bear with me – it starts to make sense in a second.
We’re going to use the K.I.S.S. principle with this one, because I think it’s punny and who doesn’t like a good pun? Essentially, this just means that over-thinking is the enemy. We want to channel a ‘girl next door meets classy independent woman’ vibe for this date because we want our date to know that we have a mega-ton of self-worth, but we’re also really cute. Now, the challenge is doing all of that without looking like we’re trying too hard.
If it’s a casual thing, I’d opt for jeans and a nice top over skirts or dresses. You’re more likely to feel more comfortable in jeans and less likely to be worrying about tucking your dress into your knickers on the way out from the bathroom. And yes, I have done that.
If the venue is a little more fancy, I’d probably still go pants at the very least, maybe even a high-waisted structured pencil skirt if you’re feeling a little girly; added bonus, it’s almost impossible to tuck it into your underwear … Almost. Pair that with a crop top, but be very careful not to show too much midriff, as it can be a little tacky if not styled appropriately.
Above all and as always, dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Everybody’s taste is so different, which is the beauty of personal style. I encourage you to take my advice and tweak it in a way that makes you feel like yourself, like swapping a shoe strap top for a capped sleeved top, or take the styling in a more relaxed, laid-back way if it’s more your thing.
Have a bit of fun with it: just remember to always leave them wanting more when the date comes to a close.
By Jessica Alves
Instagram @jessicazalves
youtube.com/msbonvivants