So, you have an upcoming first date! While this can be really exciting, we all get a little bit stressed on date night when it comes time to find that perfect outfit idea. Especially as women over 40 who might be getting back into the dating game after a long time! Remember, first dates are all about first impressions. You want to look cute while dressing for the occasion, and show off your personal style… but you don’t want to send the wrong message by dressing in a way that’s too suggestive or risk putting your date off by dressing too casually.
And sometimes, you’ll have too many outfit ideas bouncing around your head whether it’s a dinner date, coffee date, movie date, casual date – the options can seem endless! Then you throw in the restaurant dress code and it can get really overwhelming. If you are experiencing a bit of first date outfit stress, there’s no need to panic! These 10 tips will help you avoid some of the most common first date clothing mistakes. By avoiding simple outfit mistakes, you will be able to enjoy your date with comfort and confidence!
If you haven’t already, make sure you check out this post with 12 date night outfits for every season!
What Should You Not Wear on a First Date – 10 Pro Tips
Tip # 1 | Avoid Overly Revealing Clothing!
Remember, you only have one chance to make a first impression. When it comes to first date attire, a degree of modesty can leave your date wanting more, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t flaunt your best assets! Choose ONE of your favorite assets and feel free to show off. Are you in love with your shoulders? Wear an off-the-shoulder top! Proud of your toned legs? A cute high-waisted mini skirt or dress is the perfect way to accentuate them. Keep this one asset or one skin rule in mind when choosing your first date outfit.
If you’re searching for chic, affordable date night tops, make sure you check out this post too!
Tip #2 | Skip the Super High Heels (Even the Cute Ones!)
Leave those super high pumps at home, they just aren’t first-date friendly! Even if they are perfect for a night out with the ladies, you want to pull off a sexy, yet relaxed look for a first date. Most of all, you want to be COMFORTABLE! If you’re concentrating on heel-toeing it the entire night, then you won’t be able to act natural and focus on being yourself. Also, we don’t want to wear a pair of shoes that allow for any embarrassing accidents or rolled ankles on date number one! Save the sexy stilettoes for a third or fourth date and sport a nice pair of comfortable shoes, like a cute open-toe sandal, small-heeled pump, or block-heel booties. Two inches or less on a shoe is a good rule to live by for first dates. If you missed my video on shoes that are ruining your outfit and making you look frumpy, make sure you watch that here.
Tip #3 | Ditch the Sweats
This is a fashion faux pas for a first date and if you’re even considering sporting your favorite comfy tank tops and sweats, please think again. Yes, even joggers and sweatpants can be worn to look cute, but not for a first date! You don’t want to give your potential new partner the impression that you’re lazy and sloppy. Even on the most casual dates, a killer pair of jeans, cute and flattering trousers, or a dress is more appropriate. When you get home from your date, you can slide right back into those comfy sweats and let your friends know how it went!
Tip #4 | Avoid Too Much Statement Jewelry
Necklaces, watches, rings, and bracelets are essential statement pieces for most outfits, but when it comes to first dates, do not overpower your outfit with too many distracting pieces! Too much jewelry will overwhelm your look and it can distract your date when you’re trying to hold their attention. If you fiddle with things when you’re nervous, stick with less dangly and oversized jewelry; this should help you limit the fidgeting.
Tip #5 | Sheer is Not Your Friend
Okay, don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of a sexy sheer fabric. A blouse or cute top with sheer panels? I’m in! But some may say this is a faux pas for first dates. Avoid transparent tops and bottoms for date number one. Remember, there is a time and place for the see-through items, but it’s too risky for a first date and first impression. It may sound a little old-fashioned, but keeping a little sense of imagination will leave your date wanting more!
Tip #6 | Avoid Looking Frumpy!
We all have our favorite old shoes, purses, and jackets. Even though they look a little worse for wear, we just can’t bring ourselves to part with them. Nobody is telling you to throw your old favorites away, just leave them at home for the first date! You don’t want to give off the impression that you’re frumpy or sloppy. Avoid any clothing materials with holes, stains, or pilling. Your first impression should be neat, clean, and borderline professional. That’s a really difficult look to pull off in tattered clothes, even if they are old favorites! Save your old, tattered, worn, and well-loved sneakers for a few dates in when you’re a little bit more comfortable around each other.
I’ve done a couple of videos on how to avoid looking frumpy here and here.
Tip #7 | Avoid Fishnet and Patterned Stockings
There is a way to make fishnets and other patterned stockings look adorable, but they don’t belong on a first date. As much as I love a cute pair of stockings, they do come with a little bit of a negative stigma sometimes in the fashion world. If you love the stocking look, go for a darker shade of tights with a cute skirt and boots, rather than a fishnet or patterned look.
Tip #8 | Avoid Distracting Patterns
I’m not a huge fan of prints. But I do love some bold prints when I’m trying to make a statement. But on date number one, I recommend sticking to simple patterns and solid colors, rather than mixing multiple patterns together. If you want to go for a bold look, wear a simple patterned top with solid-colored bottoms, or a funky-patterned pant with a solid color top. Too many mix-and-match patterns can look overbearing and distracting, plus it’s easy to make them clash! Be aware of whether or not the pattern is bringing attention to an area you don’t want attention. For example, those patterned pants could be really cute…but they could also be making your lower half look larger.
Tip #9 | Avoid Over-The-Top Makeup
For a first date, you want to look likeyou…just enhanced. Don’t go overboard with the amount of makeup you’re wearing. Your everyday light foundation, contouring, blush, and even red lips are all okay! But putting on extra makeup just because it’s a special occasion could be a bad idea, especially if you haven’t practiced that makeup look before.
Tip #10 | Don’t Wear Clothes That Aren’t You!
Be yourself and feel confident! These tips are guidelines and aren’t meant to be more than that. If you don’t agree with something we’ve suggested avoiding, that’s okay. Maybe your “thing” or your signature style involves wearing tons of chunky jewelry…wear the jewelry! The most important thing is to make sure you feel good and be completely and unapologetically yourself. Never be afraid or shy about what other people think about your clothes. They are the number one way to communicate your personality before you get to know someone. Show up on your first date in something that makes you comfortable and lets your personality shine through!
What are some things you avoid wearing on dates? Let me know in the comments! And, KEEP SCROLLING to see some of my favorite date night pieces!
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Date Night Pieces
As a seasoned fashion expert and enthusiast, I've spent years immersed in the world of style, advising individuals on everything from wardrobe essentials to event-specific attire. My deep understanding of fashion goes beyond surface-level trends; it encompasses the psychological nuances of clothing choices, the impact of personal style on self-confidence, and the subtle messages conveyed through outfits.
In the context of the provided article on first date outfit tips for women over 40, I can offer a comprehensive breakdown of the concepts discussed:
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Modesty for First Impressions (Tip #1):
- The article emphasizes the importance of making a positive first impression by choosing outfits that are modest yet highlight one's best features. This approach creates an air of mystery and elegance, ensuring a tasteful appearance that aligns with the occasion.
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Footwear Selection (Tip #2):
- Recommending comfortable shoes for a first date, particularly avoiding overly high heels, demonstrates an understanding of practicality and the need for individuals to feel at ease during initial encounters. This advice reflects a consideration of both style and comfort.
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Avoidance of Casual Attire (Tip #3):
- Discouraging the use of sweatpants or overly casual clothing on a first date communicates the importance of presenting oneself in a polished manner. This advice aligns with the idea that even casual settings warrant a level of effort and thoughtfulness in dressing.
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Moderation in Jewelry (Tip #4):
- The article suggests avoiding excessive statement jewelry, recognizing that too many accessories can distract from the overall look. This highlights an awareness of balance in fashion and the significance of drawing attention strategically.
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Caution with Sheer Fabrics (Tip #5):
- Advising against sheer clothing on a first date reveals an understanding of the delicate balance between sensuality and appropriateness. This tip underscores the need to maintain a level of modesty while still expressing individual style.
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Avoidance of Frumpy Appearance (Tip #6):
- The recommendation to avoid worn or tattered clothing underscores the importance of presenting oneself in a neat and put-together manner. This reflects an awareness of the visual cues that clothing choices convey about personal care and attention to detail.
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Cautious Approach to Stockings (Tip #7):
- The article advises against fishnet or patterned stockings, acknowledging the potential stigma associated with certain hosiery choices. This demonstrates an understanding of societal perceptions and the need to navigate fashion choices that might carry preconceived notions.
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Thoughtful Pattern Selection (Tip #8):
- The advice to avoid overbearing patterns and mix-and-match overload reveals an awareness of the visual impact of clothing patterns. It suggests a consideration for how patterns can influence body perception and overall aesthetic cohesion.
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Subtle Makeup for First Dates (Tip #9):
- Recommending a restrained approach to makeup aligns with the idea that a first date is not the time for experimental or heavy makeup. This demonstrates an understanding of the desire to present an authentic and natural version of oneself.
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Authenticity in Style (Tip #10):
- The overarching advice to be true to oneself and wear clothes that reflect personal style highlights the importance of authenticity. This resonates with the understanding that clothing is a form of self-expression and a means to communicate one's personality.
In conclusion, my expertise in fashion allows me to analyze the provided article through a lens that goes beyond surface-level advice, delving into the psychological and social aspects of clothing choices for first dates.
