What should I wear on the first date?

 

As the old saying goes, we never get a second chance to make a first impression. When it comes to a first date, we want to make sure we get it right.

Although the first impression is not only about appearance, appearance plays a key role in how others perceive us.

Although the ideal first date attire is very dependent on where you’re going and what you’re doing, the following ideas will assist you in selecting your best outfit.

• Wear something that makes you feel confident

 

The best first-date outfit is the one that makes you feel your best. Although it sounds cliché, behavioral research proves that when you look good, you feel good.

A recent study split men into two groups, suits, and sweatpants, which resulted in the suited participants winning over $ 2 million in a simulated business deal experiment, compared to the sweatpants groups who ended up losing $ 1.2 million.

By applying such theory to your date-night outfits, you can potentially influence your subconscious. Wearing items symbolically associated with success and sex appeal—like sweatpants or a well-tailored suit—may help you feel more confident.

• When in doubt, wear red or black

 

Color psychologists say that the greatest colors to wear on a first date are red and black. Wearing a romantic two-tone, particularly if you are a woman, might make you appear more appealing and desirable to your date.

While there are apparent subconscious connotations with red roses, lacy lingerie, and romantic holidays such as Valentine’s Day, scientists have discovered that the link extends beyond these cultural contexts.

It has been scientifically shown that wearing red on the first date increases the likelihood of starting a relationship. Red appears to be the color of monogamy, contrary to popular belief.

And guys are unaware of the importance of color in their appeal. An even more intriguing discovery was that males are willing to spend more money on a date if the woman is dressed in red.

Similarly, a 2018 study of more than 600 participants in a British reality dating show called First Dates found that black was the most popular color for a first date, regardless of gender or sexual preference.

Although considered a “safer” color choice than red, it still helps wearers look more stylish and attractive.

• Avoid wearing orange and brown colors

 

It is better to stay away from orange and brown colors for first-date outfits and interviews.

In a survey of 1,000 people conducted by British wholesaler Buy T-Shirts Online, participants were asked to match colors to the wearer’s personality traits.

Orange and brown were the least associated with confidence, intelligence, and attractiveness—three of the most sought-after traits on a first date.

In the same color association study, only 2% of women and 8% of men said they would wear brown on a first date, and only 2% of women and 6% of men thought orange was appropriate for a first date.

So why were orange and brown the most popular first-date outfits?

Orange is too flamboyant and may feel too attention-grabbing, while brown is dull and often too serious – it’s better to avoid these two colors entirely when dressing up for a first date.

• Wear something comfortable and practical

 

Another important aspect of establishing a strong first impression on a date is body language. Small indicators such as subtly leaning in or maintaining longer eye contact will increase your appeal without you needing to say anything. Negative body language, on the other hand, leads you astray.

According to a body language study, one of the most important factors on a date is physical attractiveness.

Crossing your arms, clutching something to your chest or stomach, or putting your hands in your pockets all give the appearance that you are closed off and unapproachable.

Wearing unflattering attire is a proven method to give nonverbal cues that you’re not having a good time. While you may be crossing your arms to keep warm since you forgot to pack a coat or hugging your bag over your tummy because your clothes are too small,

Furthermore, dressing comfortably and practically for a first date will allow you to completely engage in the conversation.

Instead of being concerned about how your shoes are wearing or whether your shirt is still riding up, you may concentrate on developing a stronger connection with the person.

• Show your neck instead of your chest

 

Showing a little cleavage on a first date may help get your partner’s attention, but showing too much may actually hurt your chances of finding love.

Women who wear overly revealing clothes on a first date often come across as sleazy rather than seductively sexy. Avoid wearing tops and very short dresses that make you look less like a wife and more like a one-night stand.

Instead of drawing attention to your chest, focus on your neck and shoulder area. The neck is one of the most vital areas of the body, whether for survival or romantic attraction.

This is especially important if your first date is virtual, as you will only be visible on camera from the chest up. Try pulling your hair to one side or wearing an open-necked top, but not too much.

Think of yourself as a turtle in its shell: exposing your neck sends signals that you’re relaxed and comfortable in your surroundings while hiding your neck signals that you’re nervous, threatened, and alert. In addition, your neck contains a large collection of pheromones that can increase your partner’s attraction to you.

• Avoid looking too trendy or unapproachable

 

When it comes to first dates, plain outfits in classic styles are preferable. Expensive or unusual clothing can make you appear materialistic and unapproachable. The idea is to look put together on your first date.

Try a simple or button-down t-shirt with jeans or a belted chino, attractive shoes, and a good watch for guys. Ladies should wear a little black dress or a casual shirt and jeans, with feminine accessories and natural makeup. Avoid anything with strong patterns or unpleasant colors that can distract you and stick to plain colors or small-scale prints.

• Choose natural makeup

 

Wearing makeup on a date is a great way to boost your confidence, but a 2011 study by Procter & Gamble found that wearing full-on makeup can negatively affect how you’re perceived.

It is better to have a moderate amount of makeup and avoid looks with strong contrasts, such as red lips or smoky eyes.

In the cosmetics study, participants were shown photos of women in four makeup styles, from bare to fully made-up, and asked to rate items such as likability, trust, attractiveness, and competence.

The results showed that viewers pay more attention to women who wear make-up and consider them more worthy, but not too much make-up.

• be yourself

 

Our last piece of advice on what to wear on a first date is simple: just be yourself. As it turns out, the most important thing you can do on a date is to look and act like your true self. And what you wear can be a big part of that.

Clothes don’t mean much by themselves, but when placed in context, they take on new significance. Your clothes should reflect your personal style and give an impression of your personality.

Wear something that makes you feel like yourself, whether it’s your favorite color, casual cologne, or a pair of shoes that bring you good luck.