Choosing the right outfit for a first date can be overwhelming. While staying trendy is appealing, it often comes at the cost of comfort and may not always make the best impression.
In a conversation with The Daily Mail, stylists and dating experts highlighted the fashion trends to steer clear of, such as oversized, cartoonish barrel jeans and casual sweatpants.
They also advised against wearing tube tops that risk slipping, the provocative naked dress, and Euphoria-inspired glitter makeup, which can seem out of place during a simple coffee outing.
Stylist Heather Jude, based in Vancouver, told the Daily Mail that ‘nothing is worse than wearing a cute outfit and realizing it doesn’t match the activity,’ joking, ‘think Emily in Paris truffle hunting in platform heels.’
“There’s no need to chase trends if they don’t genuinely reflect your personality,” suggested Jude, an expert in the field.
He further explained, “Strapless tops are prone to slipping, fringes can be a nuisance during a meal, and low-rise pants are impractical for hiking or any active date.”
Instead, Jude recommends expressing your personality through select pieces. For instance, if you love textures and prints but fear they might be too bold for a first meeting, try making one item, like a fun printed pant, the focal point, and save another bold print for your accessories like a purse.
Try a subtly leopard printed pant, like the 12th Tribe Midland leopard print pant, which show personality and offer comfort. It’s also easy to embrace trends with a fun beaded bag, like the sparkly silver Kate Spade embellished soft mini shoulder bag.
Fashion experts told the Daily Mail it is best to ditch tube tops that can easily fall down on first dates (stock image)
Try a subtly leopard printed pant instead of a low-rise jean or printed outfit and consider adding a glittery bag to embrace another trend
Personal stylist Solita C. Roberts helps women dress for first dates and strongly advises against wearing completely sheer outfits, despite the ‘naked dress’ dominating the runway and red carpets.
Roberts, based in Atlanta, told the Daily Mail it’s a no because ‘first dates are about connection and getting to know someone beyond the physical attraction.’
Hily dating app coach Julie Nguyen advises against wearing ultra-low rise jeans, glitter makeup and full-on athleisure
‘If you’re wearing a sheer top or bottom, you will be preoccupied with constantly adjusting your clothes, which means you wouldn’t be present or listening to your date,’ Roberts warned.
Plus, since many first dates are at a more casual locale, Roberts warned that ‘wearing a sheer outfit can make you feel overdressed in an uncomfortable way’ and ‘it can make your date feel awkward,’ which could unintentionally cause the date ‘to end faster than intended.’
Hily dating app coach Julie Nguyen advises against wearing ultra-low rise jeans, which she said ‘can be uncomfortable, require constant adjusting, and make someone feel self-conscious instead of relaxed.’
‘On a first date, ease and comfort matter. If you’re thinking about your waistband all night, you’re not fully present,’ Nguyen explained.
She also said it’s best to not wear a full face of loud makeup, and instead opting for ‘a natural look that softly amplifies your features’ instead of Euphoria-inspired glitter and bold colors.
The dating coach is not a fan of the barrel jeans trend, which she said ‘can make your outfit feel like a costume when you’re first meeting someone,’ and the clothes could take away from you.
The dating experts said the outfit has to match the setting, so leave the dramatic faux fur coat at home if you’re heading to a dive bar (stock photo)
Say goodbye to low-rise jeans you’ll be pulling up all evening and opt for a pant that’s more comfortable (stock photo)
While athleisure has become acceptable almost everywhere, Nguyen isn’t a fan of wearing leggings or sweatpants for first dates since it’s a bit too casual and could send the message that there’s no effort being put in.
Unless the first date is hiking or yoga, she believes it’s important to dress up when ‘first impressions are still forming.’
She also doesn’t believe in trend-heavy looks that don’t match the date setting.
‘A statement fur jacket won’t work at a dive bar, just like wearing an thrifted look filled with the ruffle details you love won’t work at a formal restaurant,’ Nguyen said.
‘Overly hyper-fashion pieces can throw off the vibe of the date if it doesn’t fit the dress code of the venue.’
