What To Wear On A Date 🔥
Because let's be honest, we’re all just shopping SALE this week anyway.
We all could use more reasons to dress up. Going on a date is one of them. Whether it's a set-up or your regular date night with your partner, putting together the perfect date-look, at times, can be an undertaking - particularly if you've never met the person or it's a new relationship. On the flip side, the same could be said after years of being together: how do you continue to take each other's breath away? Here goes…
A number of years ago, I went on enough first dates to need a uniform of sorts — something that made me feel good without overthinking or over-texting my friends (as I’ve been known to do). This is especially important if you're time-poor, like me (hello, single mom and busy career girl).
When deciding what to wear, there's a way to simultaneously be casual and formal (same with dating, I suppose). As with everything, I tend to like a look that doesn't feel overproduced yet still feels polished. Something that says, “I always look like this.” So, for me, that meant a black bodysuit and jeans (vintage Levi's or faded black denim). Simple and sexy without being overt. The second date would include some variation on that "cool and casual" theme; on the third, I'd usually wear a dress.
That said, my last first date was several years ago, and for whatever reason, I felt inspired to shift away from said uniform. Instead, I wore high-waisted Levi's, a beige corset top (that fit in all the right ways), and a light brown cardigan that fell off my shoulders (just so). It was topped with an oversized camel coat like this Double Breasted Wool Coat from Mango ON SALE for less than $300 (!) and red kitten heels for a pop of color. While it was hardly a dramatic departure from my usual look, it hit differently. The night was perfect. Perhaps my outfit — or at least the feeling of actively choosing it versus automatically reaching for it — had something to do with the night’s success, but needless to say, it brought with it the fortune of having been my "last first date" outfit as yet.
Therefore, as I write this, I wonder if the best approach is to ditch the uniform? Isn't dating like heading into the great unknown anyway? If so, why play it safe? I mean, don’t get me wrong, definitely have your go-to looks in your back (jeans) pocket for when you're short on time; otherwise, mix it up. Because sometimes a brand-new outfit is all you need to feel just that — brand new! To carry yourself differently. To come to the table vibrant and bubbling. To walk a little taller. Be a little more present. We've all felt that. Right. How an outfit can completely transform the way you show up. Not to mention, if the person you're out with isn’t into your personal style, perhaps they're just not for you.
Now, this applies to more than just first dates. Continuing to date your partner long after your (last) first date includes getting dressed up for them — be it out on the town or at home. Prioritize looking good for the relationship — don't put it on the back burner, because that's a one-way ticket to you know where, but rather value it at the forefront of each other's lives. It’s like rule # 1 here.
Below are 6 looks for 6 situations from the first date and beyond. Most are all ON SALE, including THIS $29 leather skirt that’s literally the most flattering skirt ever!
First Date At A Casual But Chic Restaurant
If I can give you any advice — at least this was the case for me — reach for a no-fuss look that feels elevated without feeling high-maintenance. If you know where the date is, look it up online to get a sense of the place and how to dress. I love jeans paired with a cute top, bodysuit, or fitted sweater with a kitten heel for a casual-ish first date. These Khaite ones are a total splurge. However, the CPW (cost per wear) is very LOW considering how often you’ll wear them. Yes, that’s called girl math.
