First dates can be extremely nerve-racking, so why complicate the matter further by stressing over your outfit? Follow this guide for some tips on how to look and feel your best on a first date, whether casual or formal, so you have one less thing to worry about.

Casual, meet-for-coffee date

The quaint Starbucks setting provides a more relaxed environment for both of you to get to know each other a little better. Because this date is more casual, why not apply that to your outfit? However, don’t take it too far. Your outfit shouldn’t consist of a pair of sweatpants and Sanuks — sorry, guys. In most areas of life, including dating, signs that you have put in effort will often go a long way.

Another tip for a casual first-date outfit success is that less is more. Depending on the weather, you can combine almost anything with a great pair of jeans and make it look good. For guys, Ashton’s casually cool look from Banjo Outpost in Saskatoon is a great example of finding the right balance between trying but not trying too hard, all while staying comfortable throughout the duration of your date.

For girls, anything paired with dark wash jeans, ankle boots and a classic coat, like Behshad’s camel coat from Topshop, is all that you need to achieve the perfect low-key date attire. If you’re looking to add a bit of subtle elegance, you can always add some dainty jewelry to give your outfit a little something extra without overpowering it.

Formal dinner date

Who doesn’t want to be wined and dined a little bit? This type of date doesn’t necessarily call for a full suit or gown, but depending on what restaurant you choose, it might be a nice change of pace and it certainly makes an impressive statement on a first date.

It can be exciting to show your date that you know how to dress up and can go out in style. For guys, it’s probably time to iron out one of those special collared shirts you keep around for occasions like this. Also, changing out your light wash pants in favour of a dark wash — like Ashton has done — will provide a great foundation for refining your outfit. To finish it off, nothing says sophistication quite like a classic black peacoat.

For girls, this situation often brings to mind all romantic comedy movie scenes where your date comes to pick you up at your door and is completely taken aback by your elegance. That happens, right? Well, either way, just like the guys, put in an extra touch of effort for dates like these.

Unlike during the school week, when some consider it a win if they pull a brush through their hair, it is almost exciting to get ready for a formal date. It doesn’t need to be complicated — in fact, simple is better. By putting on one of your favourite go-to dresses, like Behshad’s red dress from Tobi.com, you have an outfit as effortlessly striking as it looks. Now would also be the time to add a touch of sparkle, such as earrings, a bracelet or a necklace. Regardless of what you add to it, you’re guaranteed to captivate your date’s attention the entire night.

Whether or not you’re going out with someone you have known for a while or someone you’re meeting for the first time, the first date is crucial in potentially landing you a second one. Much like a job interview, going on a first date is one of those times where the first impression is the first step in what could possibly be your future, and who would want to miss out on a chance for happily ever after?

—

Lyndall Mack

Photos: J.C. Balicanta Narag