Dressing to match the venue shows that you’ve put thought into the date and respect the environment. For example, showing up in cocktail attire for a casual coffee date might make you appear out of sync, whereas wearing a well-coordinated casual outfit makes you seem approachable and in tune with the setting.
You don’t have to agree to any venue your match suggests. If you’re not a creative type who would show flair with bold accessories, you don’t need to agree to a first date in a space frequented by artsy types. Likewise, a low-maintenance, jeans-and-a-T-shirt type person will feel out of place at a fine dining venue.
Best choices for common dates
If it’s a casual date (e.g., cafe, park), men should opt for clean, well-fitted jeans or chinos paired with a nice sweater. Practical activewear that looks sharp is suitable for an active date (e.g., sports), such as joggers or shorts with a moisture-wicking T-shirt. If it’s an upscale venue, you won’t go wrong with tailored slacks, a button-down shirt, and a blazer. Consider a tie for more formal venues. Dressing thoughtfully will elicit a positive reaction from your date, even if she never had the thought to compliment a guy before.
Women can impress with a chic yet relaxed look, like well-fitted jeans with a stylish top or a flowy dress. For an active date, stylish leggings and an athleisure jacket can strike the right balance. A fine dining or theater date calls for a cocktail dress, an elegant skirt and blouse, or a jumpsuit with subtle accessories.
Focus on comfort and fit
If your outfit is well-suited to the location, you’re more likely to feel at ease. Whether it’s a relaxed park date or a fancy dinner, being comfortable in what you’re wearing allows you to focus on your date instead of fidgeting. Your clothes should never be too tight or too baggy. Comfort is in: an estimated 81% of people prioritize comfort over style or cost. Brands that prioritize comfort and practicality are seeing growing revenue. In the third quarter of 2023, Hoka’s sales exceeded $1.3 billion, while Lululemon’s revenue grew 28% to just under $2 billion in Q3 2022. Growth is showing no indication of slowing down. Athleisure brand revenue is predicted to reach $662.5 billion by 2030.
Consider the weather
Layer your outfit if needed. For colder dates, a stylish jacket or coat can enhance your overall look. In warm weather, choose breathable fabrics to stay cool. Trending fabrics in fall 2024 include micro fabric, wool, and cashmere.
How to choose colors
Fall 2024’s hottest colors are bright red and moss green. Neutral and muted tones like navy, white, grey, and beige are universally flattering and project sophistication. Add pops of color like bright red by all means, but avoid overwhelming combinations.
Any shade of red will work if in doubt, and black is always an excellent choice. Avoid orange and brown, as they are the least flattering colors.
Err on the side of natural
78% of American women spend an hour a day on their appearance, including makeup, dressing up, and hair treatments. Going overboard works against people. A study published in the journal Sex Roles found that women wearing makeup were perceived as having fewer human-like traits compared to women not wearing makeup. Researchers conducted four experiments with around 1,000 participants, whom they showed photos of the same women with heavy makeup and without any. Male and female participants rated the first photos as having less competence, humanness, warmth, experience, and morality. Predictably, they also rated faces with makeup as more sexualized than ones without makeup.
Final thoughts
On a final note, press your clothes to eliminate creases, watch for stains, and wear clean, scuff-free shoes.
Grooming matters: maintain neat hair, fresh breath, and clean nails.
