“Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” –Coco Chanel
With Valentine’s Day just a few days away from today, it is highly likely that most of you have already drawn up plans as to how to spend this rather quixotic holiday.
For some, it might be a date with a long-term lover while there would also be inevitably some of you who would be breaking the waters in the game of dating on this very same day. Regardless of whether this is your hundredth or third time to go on a date, it is imperative that you always dress your best. This is especially true if you are going on a first date. After all, your clothes leave a lasting impression about the kind of person you are and the type of message you are trying to convey—so it is essential that you are saying all the right words with your clothing ensemble. First impressions do matter and more often than not, you only get one shot at making them. Unfortunately, the rubrics established when it comes to sartorial style in dating can get rather muddled and sometimes, they conflict. Show some skin, but keep it mysterious or be sultry without being too aggressive—so, where does that leave you?
In any case, your date ensembles require meticulous thought and consideration. After all, you want your new suitors or potential lovers to see your best, so these outfits should be deliberately planned. Ideally, whether you are aiming at wearing wholesale clothing or retail buys, you should go for something that is both fashionable and comfortable without being too revealing. Look like yourself but the best version of you. The choices you make play a key role in communicating a variety of things to your date and as such selecting your ensemble is of critical importance. To help you narrow down the list of sartorial items you can consider wearing to your date, here are all the things that you should keep from wearing on a date:
1.) Thigh boots
Unless you are aiming for a hooker look, wearing thigh-high boots is never a good idea. Sure, they definitely look great when you are dancing at the nightclub with your squad of besties. On a date, they just look woefully out of place. Unfortunately, some women think that this is acceptable footwear on a date seeing as how Richard Gere’s character in Pretty Woman became pretty receptive to handing Julia Roberts his credit card. In reality, however, you do not want to send the wrong message that might make you seem either available or easy. Your allure should be focused on playing up your mystique rather than strutting in something that will definitely get the wrong kind of attention.
2.) Too tight clothing
Too tight clothing is never a good idea for anything. This is especially true when you are out on a date and are planning on having dinner or at least sharing a meal together. Remember, comfort is key and fit is everything. If you try to cram yourself into something that is two to three times smaller than your original size, there is a likely chance you are going to be very uncomfortable on your date. Moreover, it gives off the message that you have low self-esteem and are trying to gain attention in the wrong manner. Lastly, you will spend roughly eighty percent of your time fussing and fidgeting with your clothes which can be incredibly distracting.
3.) Too loose clothing
Quite the opposite of the preceding number, but all the same you should never wear clothes that are too loose for you on a first date. Again, the fit is everything and wearing clothes are too loose would make you seem like you are concealing your body. Moreover, it makes you seem disinterested in either the date itself, yourself or both. Sloppiness is never a good look, and there is a likely chance you will be turning off your date. Sure, loose clothing may be the epitome of comfort, but wear something that makes you feel like yourself as well without looking like the messy version of you.
4.) Brand Icons
Wearing sartorial items that scream off the brand at their emblazoned front makes you look like a walking advertisement. Moreover, it makes you look far too casual—or it might seem like you are showing off. Never wear clothing that contains noticeable brand icons or slogans as your ensembles are meant to be subtle and properly picked. With these, you can elevate your ability to communicate with your date. The brand of your clothes does not help your cause either as it would encourage your date to have preconceived notions about the kind of person you are before you even get the chance to talk to them. Let yourself do the talking instead of your clothes.
5.) Slogans
While shirt slogans look hip and trendy, they do nothing for your date apart from making you look silly or corny. Shirt slogans can be an excellent icebreaker—particularly if you have a date with a great sense of humor but remember, it might not sit well with everyone. Avoid wearing slogan shirts to avoid embodying the slogan for the duration of the date. Instead of relying on your sartorial items to do the ice breaking for you, do them yourself.
6.) Dirty attire
This one is a given. After all, you do not want your date to think you are a slob. Wear clothes that are not only clean but pressed as well. Stains on clothes leave a lasting impression on your date and would make you seem like you are incredibly disinterested about how you look and your date. Dirty and unkempt clothes would make you seem like you are messy and sloppy.
Ensure that you will have a memorable night to remember by choosing clothes that are not only comfortable but reflect the real you. Ensure that they convey the right message and would make you seem like the best version of yourself. You might not just know it, but your clothes play a pivotal role in potentially scoring that second date.