First dates, regardless of your life stage, are all about making a great first impression. One of the best ways to do this is through a killer outfit. While it’s important to be yourself, some fashion choices can send the wrong message and make you feel uncomfortable and insecure. Here are the fashion items you should avoid wearing on a first date if you want to come across as confident and alluring.
1. Tricky High Heels You Can’t Walk In
High heels can elongate your legs and give off a sexy and confident air. However, if you’re not used to walking in high heels, avoid them on a first date. Hobbling or tripping can ruin your confidence and make you feel awkward. That doesn’t mean you can’t wear heels at all. Try to opt for a pair you’ve mastered or a faithful block heel that won’t leave you with swollen ankles at the end of the night.
2. Wrinkled or Worn Clothing
You only get one chance at a first impression, so walking into a first date with wrinkled clothes is a surefire way to seem unkempt and give the impression that you didn’t put much effort into your appearance. Take the time to iron or steam your outfit before heading out if you truly want to dress to impress.
3. Excessive Accessories
Accessories can not only elevate an outfit, but they can feel a bit like a comfort blanket to us. However, overloading on accessories can distract from your natural beauty and make your outfit look cluttered. Try not to load up on jewelry, loud handbags, scarves, or hair ornaments; instead, pick one or two key accessories and stick with those.
4. Athletic Wear
Unless you’re going on an active date, like hiking or a gym session, do not show up on a first date in athletic gear or even dressy athleisure wear. Coming to a first date wearing leggings or joggers could give off the message that you aren’t taking the date seriously, which could make the other person feel that you’re uninterested in them.
5. Basic or Slogan Tees
Graphic tees can be fun and tongue-in-cheek, but anything with an offensive or controversial slogan might send the wrong message and create an uncomfortable atmosphere. On a first date, if you want to put your absolute best foot forward, save the slogan tees and opinions for a few dates down the track when you really get to know one another.
6. Extremely Tight Clothing
Though wearing tight clothing on a first date might feel like an alluring fashion choice, it could actually backfire. Wearing clothing that’s too tight can make you feel self-conscious. Not only this but it’s bound to be uncomfortable, which might make you fidget and pull at your clothes the whole time. Opt for something that fits well but still allows you to move and breathe easily.
7. Heavy Overwhelming Perfume
A subtle scent is a powerful tool on a first date. However, heavy perfumes and strong scents can be overwhelming, especially in close quarters. When it comes to fragrances for a first date, subtlety is key. Stick to a light fragrance that’s pleasant but not overpowering.
8. Flip-Flops or Birks
Just like with gym wear and athleisure wear, flip-flops are too casual for a first date. They can give off a lazy vibe and are best saved for more laid-back occasions. Unless your first date takes place at a beach, leave the flip-flops at home and opt for a more sophisticated and elegant shoe for the occasion.
9. Tricky Looks and Logos
While you might think wearing logos on a first date might show that you’re fashionable and well-to-do, it could actually have the opposite effect. Wearing too many visible brand logos can make you seem more focused on labels than on the person you’re with. It’s best to keep it subtle with your fashion choices and let your personality shine instead.
10. Overly Formal Attire
Unless the date calls explicitly for formal wear, avoid dressing too formally. It can make you seem out of touch with the setting and create an awkward atmosphere. The best dress code for a first date is smart casual: a nice pair of pants, a fun top, and low-key accessories.
11. Casual Sneakers
Sneakers are comfortable, but unless the date involves physical activity, they can appear too casual. Even the most trendy and stylish sneakers are still too informal for a first date. Rather than wearing sneakers, opt for more polished footwear that complements your outfit, like loafers or mules.
12. Distracting Patterns
While patterns can add interest to your outfit and showcase your personality, overly busy or loud prints can be distracting. You want your date to see you, not your clothes. So, with this in mind, stick to simpler designs that complement your look without overwhelming it.
13. Outdated Trends
Wearing outdated trends can make you seem out of touch with current fashion. In fact, when it comes to fashion, it’s generally a good rule of thumb to avoid trends altogether. They can date your wardrobe quickly and fill it full of unwearable clothes. Stick to classic pieces or current styles that reflect your personality in order to be your best-dressed self on the date.
14. Too Much Makeup
While makeup can enhance your features, wearing too much can look unnatural and may come off as trying too hard. For a first date, don’t hide behind heavy makeup, instead, aim for a more natural look that highlights your best features and let your natural beauty shine through.
15. Cheap Fabrics
Low-quality fabrics can look and feel uncomfortable, making you seem less polished in front of your date. Because they’re not natural fibers, they can also make you sweat more than you would under natural fibers, which could cause body odor and embarrassment. Opt for materials that are comfortable and natural, like cotton.