What to Wear on a First Date

First impressions matter, and so does an outfit when it comes to first dates. Why? It can say a lot about you and work in your favor. Remember, that it can only take a second for people to decide if they are in to you or not, just by looking at your style. Don’t worry too much though. Even if choosing your outfit well is important, it isn't the be all and end all. However, if you want to improve your chances of succeeding on your date but you’re not quite sure what to wear, here are a few handy tips that will help you to look your best when you are a man or a woman over 50.

Dress for the occasion

On a first date, you want to make a great impression to increase your odds of going on a second date and perhaps, eventually, even of starting a new relationship. Your choice of outfit is therefore rather important, since it can make you look attractive, or on the contrary, can actually decrease your odds of success, if inappropriate.

What you should wear depends on where you will be going and on what you’re planning to do.If you go to a fancy restaurant, for instance, opt for something elegant but simple. Normally, you won’t need a full tuxedo or a cocktail dress. Less is more! To avoid over or underdressing, you can do a little advance research about the dress code of the restaurant you're going to.Meeting in a coffee shop or at the cinema? Go for something a bit more casual that shows you at your best. Jeans and a tee-shirt are fine, but make sure that you choose ones with style that flatter your form.

If you go on a stroll, opt for comfortable shoes you can walk in without being in pain. Casual jeans (in good condition and that fit you well) and sneakers with a nice jacket is an example of a good outfit.

Don’t overdress!

Try not to wear full black ensembles or just one color (unless you’re wearing a dress). Resembling a rainbow is also a no-no. Instead, associate a dark color of your choice with a lighter color.In short, unless you’re going to the fanciest restaurant around, the best look to go for is a mix of casual and elegant. Something that shows you at your best and makes you look attractive, while also allowing you to feel at ease.

Choose an outfit you feel comfortable in

To make the date as pleasant as possible, choose an outfit you feel comfortable in. Obviously, this doesn’t mean those loose, airy sweatpants you wear jogging, but you should avoid choosing clothes that hurt or that you need to adjust constantly.

For instance, for the ladies, maybe forget those super high heels if you can barely walk in them, and especially if you’re planning to have a little stroll. You won’t feel at ease and your date might notice this. A nice pair of flats can be elegant and sexy too. It's also best to avoid tops that gather sweat, or a plunging neckline if you are not so sure that you will feel at ease wearing one. Opt for clothes that you know and feel beautiful in.

For the gentlemen, it’s the same: avoid trying out a new outfit when going on a first date. For example, your new elegant shoes that you have never worn might just end up hurting you and putting you off your game.

Don’t forget your own style

You can find a lot of advice on the internet about what to wear and what not to wear. However, never forget your own personality and style. A first date is about seeing if there's the potential for the two of you to become a great match. Accordingly, don’t wear something that is just not you, as you won’t feel comfortable in it and your date won’t have a chance to get to know the real you.Also, forget about trends for a while and just choose something that you find nice and pretty. If you’re not sure about your choice, ask a friend! In case you don’t have a friend available, wear your absolute favorite outfit. This is the best way to feel at your most confident and attractive.

Dress to your advantage

Clothes can easily complement or distort a body shape. Tighter tops will accentuate your curves or muscles, while an oversized tee-shirt will hide them.Therefore, you need to be aware of your qualities and shortcomings, in order to successfully highlight your best features.

For instance, if you are a woman and you have beautiful, long legs, emphasizing this attribute is a good idea. You could, for instance, wear slim jeans or a nice dress, and up top opt for a looser tee-shirt, thus ensuring that your legs will steal the show.
On the contrary, if you are unhappy with your hips or your belly for example, why not choose an outfit that will highlight another part of your body, whether this is your legs, your cleavage or something else. Draw your date's attention to your best qualities.

The colors you wear are important too. Be aware that darker colors can make you look thinner. If you want to hide your large hips, for instance, it's best to opt for black trousers. On the contrary, brighter colors can highlight parts of your body that you want to show off.Last piece of advice: forget any outfits that are too small, too tight or too large for you. Always go for something that fits you! You’ll feel much more comfortable and self-assured.

Pay attention to your hygiene

Now that you have chosen your best outfit, you have to prepare for your date. Being perfectly clean and presentable is vital if you want to make a good first impression. Take the time to have a shower, shave if needed, and brush your hair. Also, check your breath and scent before leaving.If you are wearing aftershave or perfume, one or two little sprays should be enough. It’s great to smell nice, but know when enough is enough!

Additionally, however nice-looking it is, your favorite shirt won’t make such a great impression if it is wrinkly or has stains. It also needs to be clean and fresh.Make sure that you have enough time to prepare so that you won’t be late and end up making your date wait for you!