There are few things more exciting than the thrill of preparing for a first date. However, that dizzying rush of meeting some new and special often comes with a twinge of anxiety as the question of what to wear on a first date pops up. It’s only natural to be nervous. After all, when first impressions are everything, even your choice of outfit is crucial.
If you’re stuck for outfit ideas, worry no more. We’ve come up with 4 first date fashion ideas for different occasions that’ll make the right impression on your soon to be star-struck beau.
1) College Chic Outfit Ideas
Not every first date requires you to dress to the nines. In fact, extravagant outfit ideas can sometimes be completely inappropriate, depending on the venue. Take some of the pressure of yourself and your date by opting instead for a college chic style. This style is characterised by a semi-casual look, complete with school-esque accessories, such as a stylish satchel. Try the Michael Kors Crossbody bag (Macy’s - $148) in brown. It’s as cute as it is functional and its scaled down size makes it a breeze to carry.
Patterned dresses are a great compromise between super casual skirts and too serious cocktail dresses. They’re also bang on trend this season. Add to your college look by donning a tartan or cross-hatched dress, such as the Xhilaration Junior’s Textured Shift Dress (Target - $24.99). Keep things casual by selecting a dress that finishes just above the knee. If it’s a chilly day (or if you didn’t have time to shave your legs!), a pair of HUE So Silky Sheer Hosiery (Macy’s - $8.50) in a natural shade will make a great addition to your outfit.
College chic also calls for cute but practical shoes. Wedges are perfect, because they’ll lend you some height without leaving you uncomfortable or towering over your new man. Match them to the colour of your satchel or crossbody bag. We recommend the luggage coloured LifeStride Tempest Too Wedges (Famous Footwear - $47.99).
Finally, incorporate a flash of colour into the ensemble with the gorgeous Napier Simulated Crystal Stretch Bracelet in green and gold (Kohls - $28).
Pick up all the items we’ve mentioned at a great price by using Kohls coupons 30 off, Famous Footwear coupons, Macys Coupons and a Target promo code!
2) Miss Alternative Outfit Ideas
If you’re an alternative kind of girl, don’t be afraid to let your true colours show. For a casual date at the skate park or an outdoor music gig this Autumn, a cosy long-sleeve hoodie is just one of many great outfit ideas. To avoid looking too gloomy, steer clear of a black shirt in favour of dark blue. A patterned hoodie, like Adrian Long-Sleeve Polka-Dot hoodie (Macy’s - $64) will add interest to your outfit. Pair it with a faux-leather skater skirt, such as Joe Benbasset’s Skater Skirt (Kohls - $27.99) for a hint of edge.
Add the perfect combination of sweet and sassy to your outfit with the Unionbay Studded Hearts Crossbody Bag (Kohls - $21.35). The round studs scream grunge while the heart studs promise girliness and boast a love of trends.
Keep your reluctant but gorgeous fashionista image going with some lace-up studded boots in black (Famous Footwear - $69.99), blue or maroon. A slight heel will elongate your legs, giving an illusion of added slimness.
Tights also go well with this alternative look. We recommend choosing a dark, opaque pair, like the Lauren Ralph Tights (Macy’s - $22), to complement the rest of your outfit.
Complete the look with a pop of intense colour in the form of a red necklace. Lonna & Lilly (Target - $20) make a gorgeous gold, silver and red collar necklace that’d make any girl proud.
3) Trend-Setter Outfit Ideas
So far, we’ve covered two fairly casual ideas of what to wear on a first date. Now, let’s move onto a trendy and sophisticated evening look. If you’re headed out to dinner with your potential partner, glam up with a lace dress. Lace applique isn’t only super sexy – it’s also one of the biggest trends of the year. Take a look at this Betsy & Adam’s Sleeveless Belted lace dress (Macy’s - $179) for inspiration. It sports an oh-so flattering a-line silhouette, complete with a belt to cinch in your waist and create an hour-glass figure.
Add to your glamorous appeal with some killer heels. Try the peep-toe Cyndi Touch Ups by Benjamin Walk (Famous Footwear - $80.99). They come in a classic vampy black colour that’s offset beautifully by blingy rhinestone embellishments.
You don’t need to bring a heavy bag to dinner, so accessorise instead with an elegant clutch, like the gorgeous, compact studded Apt 9 Bay Harbor Wallet (Kohls - $40).
Can’t leave the house without jewellery? Go for a black, gold and silver piece that matches your dress. The Elements Gold Bracelet is a beautiful example, as it marries the three colours together perfectly in a classy bangle (Target - $16.99).
Finally, decorate your nails in a sultry, dark plum hue, like Nicole by OPI’s Show You Care (Target - $7.19).
4) Sooo Sultry Outfit Ideas
When you’re trying to figure out what to wear on a first date, sometimes you realise that elegant alone isn’t going to cut it. You want to look sultry too. The best way to amp up your sexiness is to drape yourself in the colour of passion. Select a red dress that ends just above the knee to look alluring without showing too much skin. We recommend the JS Collections Cap-Sleeve Soutache Pleat Sweetheart dress (Macy’s - $249). The sweetheart neckline will draw subtle attention to the bust, while the capped sleeves and sheath silhouette will help you achieve a flattering shape. The swirled textures add further interest to the garment.
Pair your red or burgundy dress with metallic shoes. Silver goes beautifully with red, so we suggest you check out the Dyables Women’s Lindsey shoe (Famous Footwear - $58). The style is undeniably feminine and includes a trendy t-strap vamp design decorated in rhinestones.
Keep the silver (sterling silver is both affordable and beautiful) motif going with some jewellery that leaves no secret that you’re looking for love, like the gorgeous Unwritten Heart Necklace (Macy’s - $50) and Diamond Interlocked Heart Bracelet (Macy’s - $49 ) pictured above.
Finish with a sophisticated burgundy or wine coloured clutch that’s just big enough to hold your evening essentials. The Buxton Heiress Leather Checkbook Wallet is our top pick, as it oozes class and helps to marry the whole outfit together.
With these four outfit ideas and some mixing and matching, you’ll never again be left panicking over what to wear on a first date. Remember to utilise Kohls coupons, Famous Footwear coupons, Macys Coupons and Target promo codes to save on your new outfits.
Good luck on your special night!
