You mustered all your courage and got the coveted phone number. Whether you owe it to that great opening line or your irresistible charm, who knows? It’s time for your first date! We don’t need to tell you that a potential love partner also pays attention to your outfit. But how do you make a good first impression without immediately showing up in a suit? We have listed 5 dress code tips for the best first date outfit!
1. Match your outfit to the activity
Your outfit should be tailored to what you are going to do. For example, you don’t put on a tuxedo when you go out for tapas or a ruffled T-shirt in a French restaurant. The trick is to dress in such a way that you always make an appropriate and well-groomed impression. Smart casual outfits sit between formal and informal. This makes them one of the most versatile combinations you can make. In addition, you show that you take the date seriously. Famed Hollywood stylist Rachel Zoe once said, “Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.” Whatever you do, stay true to yourself.
2. Build from a strong foundation
You exude confidence when you are comfortable in your own skin. Because of this, it is important that your boxer shorts and socks are comfortable. It’s not exactly charming when you spend the whole time correcting them. In addition, wear a basic T-shirt to absorb sweat. One of the most popular pieces of clothing for men is a dress shirt. Choose neutral or subtle colors so you can also easily go somewhere else without looking out of place. Additionally, you may leave the top button undone for a relaxed note in your outfit.
3. Step into your best pants with confidence
The choice of pants is related to your desired look. For example, chino pants look trendy without coming across as overly formal. Thus, they are casual with a touch of elegance. In addition, they come in a variety of colors that you can easily coordinate with your shirt. Do chinos not suit your personal style? Then you can always go for neat jeans. Unless you seek out a skate park or sports field, sweatpants are not done for a first date. A good tip is to also iron or dry clean your pants to prevent unnecessary wrinkles.
4. Choose the right finish
Of course, the season and weather are also factors to consider. In fall and winter, a casual blazer is a nice finishing touch for your smart casual outfit. A pullover is a suitable alternative for extra warmth and sophistication. In summer, a top layer is not always a necessity. Should you still want to wear an extra layer for the chilly evening hours on the patio, a breezy linen blazer or half-zip is a stylish choice. Choose accessories that are not too distracting. There’s nothing wrong with a simple watch, but don’t decorate yourself with an abundance rings and bracelets.
5. Put your best foot forward in good shoes
Last but not least, your shoes. It makes sense not to show up on your date in worn-out sneakers or flip-flops. Leather sneakers are a stylish alternative that you can wear for a variety of occasions. If you prefer an outfit with a rugged edge, you can also see if a stylish pair of boots suits you. Whatever your choice will be, the important thing is that they are neat shoes. Be sure to clean them before you leave, such as with shoe care products. In addition, try to avoid puddles or mud puddles to keep them clean.
Wait, before you head out the door….
Finally, 5 points of interest that will complete your outfit:
- Choose a subtle scent. Nothing is more of a turn-off than when people smell you before they see you. Of course, this also applies when you’re not wearing a fragrance
- Don’t wear anything with “funny” or controversial graphics and slogans. Your date’s attention should be on you, not your clothes.
- Nothing wrong with a beard or stubble, but make sure it looks like you know what you’re doing. You don’t want your date to think you don’t have scissors or a trimmer.
- Brush your teeth or have a mint before you meet your date. Trust us, people won’t appreciate your breath smelling like stale coffee or garlic.
- Put your phone away during the date. You only make a disinterested impression when your eyes are on a screen all the time.
