What to Wear on Your First Date: A Guide for Men and Women

A first date can be exciting, nerve-wracking, and intimidating. It is common knowledge that our appearance affects how people perceive us. How you dress up on your first date communicates your intentions and willingness to establish connections with another person.

Read on to know what to wear on a first date and how to present your best self.  

Consider the kind of date you agreed on  
 

Before planning your outfit, hairdo, and accessories, it’s essential to review the kind of date you agreed on. Will you spend the afternoon in a café such as Victoria Harbour Café? Do a museum tour? Are you going to do outdoor activities - hiking or swimming - that require a change of clothes?  

The place you choose to spend your first date sets the tone for your first date. Coffee shop dates are usually casual and generally call for a simple outfit. A museum or restaurant date would require a semi-formal ensemble. 

Make an effort to match your chosen outfit with the date’s theme and the place’s vibes you’ll be going to.   

Prioritize comfort

When you are comfortable in your clothes, you can be your best self. By choosing clothes that you can freely move around in, you can focus on your date, have positive body language, and make the date an enjoyable experience for both.   

Boost your confidence with the right clothes

Clothes that complement your body type, skin tone, and personal aesthetic will empower you during your first date and help you be more open in sharing about yourself with your date. This openness can foster a deeper connection and a more enjoyable experience for both parties.  

What not to wear

Steer clear of clothes that are distracting, revealing, or in unkempt condition. In addition, try to research the hairstyle and accessories that would best complete your look. Don’t use excessive perfume and makeup, as it can take away the focus from you.   

Balance your accessories like bracelets, watches, and other jewelry. Wearing too many can make you uncomfortable since it can be too heavy and make unnecessary noise. Men should avoid wearing very casual wear like tank tops, jersey shorts and slippers. Also, if you like wearing jackets and hats, make sure that it matches the weather. Otherwise, you could be profusely sweating throughout the whole date.   

Match your shoes with your clothes  
 

Just like with the rest of your outfit, it's essential to coordinate the color of your shoes with your clothing. For a classic and foolproof approach, match the color of your shoes with your trousers, pants, or skirt. For example, if you're wearing navy pants, pair them with navy or brown shoes. The color of your shoes doesn’t have to be an exact color match of your bottomwear; it can be a shade darker or lighter than your pants for visual interest.  

Use colors wisely  
The colors you choose should not be too dark or too bright. If you want to play it safe, you can choose neutral colors like beige or cream. These colors are easy on the eyes and tend to have a comforting effect on people. If you are going on a casual date, check these colors at Original Penguin, which has a huge selection of American casual clothing from head to toe. 

Some suggested color combinations for men are navy blue and white, dark olives with other earth tones, and grey and white. Neutral and muted colors are highly recommended for them because they give them a polished and pleasant appearance.  
 

The popular color combinations for women have more variations. Some choices are pink and white, red and grey, and orange and yellow. Women’s color preferences usually mix muted tones with bright ones to help them stand out and make a style statement.  

Final Thoughts

While we are all keen to make good first impressions and establish meaningful relationships, we might get so carried away in planning for our first date that we overdo our outfit choices.   
 

Remember that simplicity can sometimes become your greatest asset. The key is to strike a balance between looking good and feeling comfortable.