You want to dress on a date to make a good first impression and leave a lasting one. But there’s a fine line between looking effortlessly cool and coming off as trying way too hard. If you cross that line, you might send the wrong message and become a fashion victim. Making any of these fashion faux pas could be a red flag for your date.
1. Don’t Overload Your Outfit
If you wear every trend in one outfit, your look will shout, “Tryhard.” Mixing patterns, colors, and styles might sound like a good idea in theory, but it often looks like a fashion disaster in practice. Stick to one statement piece and let the rest of your outfit complement it.
2. Beware of an Accessory Avalanche
Accessories are great—until they start to weigh you down. If you’re decked out in layers of necklaces, bracelets, rings, and a flashy belt, it can come off as desperate for attention. Accessories should enhance your look, not overwhelm it.
3. Stop Trying to be Too Trendy
It’s fantastic to be up-to-date with the latest trends, but when you’re rocking the most current fads from head to toe, you risk looking like you’re trying to impress rather than just being yourself. Aim for a classic look with a modern twist.
4. Dress Confidently, Not Flashy
If your outfit is too tight, too flashy, or just plain impractical, it will show in your body language. You should be able to move, breathe, and feel like yourself. Comfort is key to confidence, and confidence is the best accessory you can wear.
5. Consider the Venue
Matching your outfit to the venue is smart, but matching it to every detail of the date might be overkill. If you’re dressing up for a coffee date with a briefcase full of extra outfits and accessories, just in case, it’s a bit much. Keep it simple and relaxed.
6. Step Away from the Mirror
If you’re spending more time looking at yourself in the mirror than preparing for the date itself, there’s a problem. Obsessing every little detail of your look can make you appear insecure and self-centered. Focus on feeling good and letting your natural charm shine through.
7. Don’t Kill with Compliments
When you’re trying to impress, you might overcompensate by giving excessive compliments about your date’s appearance. While it’s nice to be complimentary, if every comment is about how amazing they look compared to your own meticulously crafted look, it can feel disingenuous. Be sincere and keep the compliments balanced.
8. A Date is Not an Audition
There’s a difference between having a good sense of personal style and dressing up like you’re auditioning for a role. If your date feels like they’re on a movie set rather than a real-life date, you might have overdone it. Authenticity is more attractive than trying to fit into a character or image.
9. Go Easy on the Grooming
Spending hours grooming can make it seem like you’re trying too hard. A touch-up here and there is fine, but if you’re spending more time on your hair or skincare routine than engaging with your date, it might be a sign you’re overdoing it. Keep your grooming routine uncomplicated and natural.
10. Ease up on Color Coordination
Trying to match every piece of your outfit to a specific scheme might make you look like a walking color wheel. It’s great to have a cohesive look, but if you’re too matchy-matchy, it can come off as forced. Opt for complementary colors rather than an entire palette.
11. Don’t Flex Designer Brands
Wearing logos and brand names from head to toe might scream, “I’m desperate to impress.” High-end labels can be stylish, but if every item is branded, it can feel like you’re more interested in showing off than making a genuine connection. Subtlety can be more effective.
12. Forget Elaborate Footwear
Shoes are important, but if you’re sporting a pair of ridiculously elaborately high or flashy shoes that scream “Look at me,” it might be a bit much. Choose footwear that complements your outfit and isn’t the main focus of your look.
13. Style is an Attitude
It can distract from the date if you’re constantly adjusting your outfit, fussing over every detail, or worried about how you look. Show that you’re relaxed and confident rather than high maintenance. Confidence should be effortless.
14. Intoxicating Perfume is a Turn Off
A powerful fragrance can be overwhelming. It might backfire if you’re dousing yourself in perfume or cologne to make an impression. Go light on the scent—let your personality be the main attraction, not an overpowering fragrance.
15. Avoid Heavy, Complicated Makeup
Makeup can enhance your features, but if you’re going for a look that’s overly complicated or out of character, it might feel like you’re hiding behind a mask. Aim for a look that enhances your natural beauty rather than creating a persona that doesn’t reflect who you are. Choose one feature to highlight (a dramatic eye or a bold lip) and leave the rest neutral.