Dress for the Occasion

The First Date and why Clothes Matter

Looks are important. Being out of fashion character for a particular event can be just as bad as wearing your pjs to a job interview. While you want a first date to leave a lasting impression, unacceptable dress was not what you were expecting.

No, we should not judge a book by its cover, but come on. Who can't avoid staring at something that is totally out of place? It is only human nature and judgement has nothing to do with it. Standing out in a crowd is not what a first date is all about. If you are hoping to draw your date's eyes away from your bland looks, going to the extreme is not the way to do it.

If you visit a fashion store or search the Internet for 'the right clothes for the right body,' you will find that there are many types of outfits that can make you look very appealing. What you think is all the rage may be gaudy and very unattractive to your date. Forget the shiny accessories and tight-fitting jeans.

Joe Tracy, publisher of Online Dating Magazine, offers this bit of advice.

"When meeting someone for the first time on a date, it is absolutely vital that you look your best. Part of that is your hygiene and grooming and the other part is the way you are dressed."

The way that you dress also describes the type of person that you are. You would not try to attract a creative guy by wearing a rodeo costume. Clean and simple, plus interesting fabrics and colors can a lot about your artistic side. More professional gals go for dark colors and clean lines.

If you are a guy, select a nice pair of jeans and a blazer. Take off the gym shoes for just one night and wear a nice pair of leather shoes. Women should choose flats instead of eye-turning heels for comfort. Concentrate more on your facial features than overdoing the attire. You want him to remember your eyes.

When concentrating too much on wearing flattering clothes, your confidence suffers. Be yourself and you will send the right vibes to your date. Plan what you are going to wear ahead of time and know that this is the right choice.

Lucia M. Tait, a product information specialist for VIVRE has this to say about clothes and that first date:

"The reason you want to dress to impress your date — aside from appeal — is that you want to show that you care. You took some time to choose an outfit, the date is something special.”

Here are a few tips to follow when preparing your clothes for that first date.

Fashion Do's:

1 - Take extra time in manicuring your nails and make sure your hands are clean.

2 - Remove or groom your facial hair and have a fresh and stylish haircut.

3 - Check out how your clothes look on you. Are they too tight or too baggy?

Fashion Dont's:

1 - Never break in a brand new pair of shoes on the first date. You will be miserable all night.

2 - Keep the make-up minimal. Caking it on will only make your date wonder what is under all of that stuff.

3 - Try on your outfit ahead of time. If you find yourself constantly pulling up a strap or adjusting your shirt, you will not be comfortable when trying to get to know someone.

4 - Don't try too hard to pick out the latest styles. They may not work on you or look as though you are trying too hard to impress.

Take a peak inside your closet and ask yourself if you really want to wear any of these clothes on a first date. Maybe it's time for a shopping trip.

If you go shopping, don't look for clothes that impress you. Look for how you impress the clothes. Check your body style, height, weight, and comfort in looking for that perfect outfit.