Comfort first
To start, you don’t want an itchy shirt or uncomfortable shoes distracting you from your date. What’s more, they might mistake signs of discomfort with your outfit as discomfort with them, like constant fidgeting or crossed arms because you’re cold. Reserve the crossed arms for work: people who make this gesture are 30% more likely to stay on a difficult task.
Choose color carefully
In 2024, research reveals that color accounts for as much as 90% of an initial impression. Black and red are popular first-date colors. People wearing red are perceived as more attractive, and women are more likely to wear red around people they are attracted to. A University of Rochester study found that red makes men more passionate. Women perceived men to be more desirable and attractive when viewing them in red clothes or on a red background. Finally, a study of participants in a British dating show called “First Dates” revealed the most popular first-date color was black.
Of course, feel free to choose any other color you likethat looks good.
Go natural
It might pay off to go more natural for the first date. A study from Proctor and Gamble revealed that wearing obvious (too much) makeup and dressing to the nines affected others’ perceptions of the wearer. What’s more, you’ll find it hard to keep making that effort if the date leads to a relationship.
Elevated styles for men and women
Coffee, dinner, and picnic in a park are all cliché dates, but everyone should go on them at least once. Picnics in the park are peaceful and romantic. You can share homemade sandwiches, desserts, etc. It’ll also help you figure out what each of you likes eating.
Wherever you’re going, dress appropriately. A light-colored dress with sneakers or flats is a classic for a casual daytime date. If the dress is simple, you can go bold with the jewelry. It’s also a good idea to choose sneakers or flats instead of heels in case you decide to go for a walk.
If you’re having dinner, choose a darker-colored dress, possibly paired with heels. You can wear pants you wear to work, but change the office top for something more glam and trade out the jewelry and shoes, too.
Guys who are fans of casual wear can go with chino pants or nice jeans, a comfortable button-down shirt, and boots or minimalist sneakers. Alternatively, you can opt for a nice T-shirt or polo shirt. Wear shorts only if it’s really hot.
Guys who want to take things to the next level can wear a darker dress shirt, slacks or dark-wash jeans, a well-fitting jacket, and dress boots. Wear a nice fabric sweater or a more formal coat if it’s cold.
Dealing with first-date nerves
A 2023 poll by the Independent of 2,000 adults found 70% nervous about greeting their date. 34% wondered whether to shake hands, hug them, or peck them on the cheek.
Remind yourself that it’s normal to be nervous. Thinking about the reason for your anxiety can help ease some of the pressure of meeting someone new.
Plan whatever you can in advance to ease first-date jitters. This includes the length of your trip to the date venue, the means of transport, and the different ways the date could end.
Send a text the day before or the morning of the day of the date to confirm you have plans. Try not to be late, but if it’s absolutely unavoidable, text them to let them know when you’ll be there, so they don’t think you stood them up.
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