First date outfits and styling – avoiding the pitfalls
No matter whether you met in real life or on a dating site, the questions you have to ask yourself remain the same:
What look do you go for on a first date? What’s your outfit of choice? Read on for our tips and tricks on how to avoid major wardrobe malfunctions and common faux pas.
Avoid wardrobe malfunctions: Outfit dos and don’ts for your first date
Let’s start by addressing the various traps you could fall into when choosing an outfit. The following style guide is designed to help you avoid any major pitfalls so that you’re sure to find the perfect outfit for your first date.
Style guide for women
Don’t: Wear a low-cut top with a push-up bra
Sure, your date will probably not be disappointed if you decide to leave a little less to the imagination,
but do you really want your date to be more interested in your body than what you have to say?
Do: Leave a little more to the imagination
On your first date, it’s a much better – and more subtle – idea to keep all but your top button fastened or make sure your V-neck isn’t too deep.
Rather than making you appear too reserved, this will just allow you to leave a little more to the imagination. There’s always time for that later – that’s what makes dating fun!
AS THEY SAY, “LESS IS MORE”! THE BUGATTI RANGE INCLUDES A WIDE RANGE OF IDEAL TOPS FOR A FIRST DATE.
Don’t: Wear too much make-up
Sure, you want to look your best on your first date and nobody’s saying don’t wear any make-up at all.
But if you want your date to actually recognise you in the street then it’s best to keep your make-up looking subtle so you don’t look too overdone.
Do: Wear natural make-up
It’s much more attractive and appropriate to keep your make-up light, as you’ll feel more comfortable and your date will be able to get to know the real you.
So many people think it’s important to achieve the perfect full face of make-up, but most people actually prefer the natural look.
Don’t: Wear a bun
They might seem practical and on trend, but buns don’t tend to give the best impression on a date. Perhaps it’s because they can make you look a little too serious and severe.
Do: Leave your hair down
If you are unsure of how to style your hair for your first date, just leave it down. This is a look that suits most people. That said, you shouldn’t feel like you have to change yourself for your date. If you’re someone who enjoys wearing your hair in a bun, for example, then by all means wear your hair this way for your date!
Don’t: Wear super-high heels
Make sure your heels aren’t too high – particularly if you aren’t sure how tall your date is – as you don’t want to be towering over the other person. If this isn’t something that bothers you, on the other hand, then feel free to go for whichever heels you like!
Do: Wear flats or lower heels
There’s nothing at all wrong with wearing sneakers on your date - they will just give you a more laid-back look. In fact, it might even be a good idea to wear sneakers if you want to show that you’re a fun-loving, carefree kind of person. Alternatively, if you’re heading out somewhere smart for your date and sneakers would be a little too casual, then a nice pair of lace-up shoes or pumps with a small heel would be ideal.
Don’t: Dungarees
Yes, they’re super comfortable and yes, they’ve come back into style, but don’t be fooled into thinking dungarees are an acceptable choice for a first date. You’re more likely to come across a little juvenile and put yourself straight in the dreaded friend zone.
Do: Play it safe
Instead of dungarees, why not go for a trusty pair of skinny jeans and build your outfit around these? If you’re really stuck on what to wear, a summer dress is always a pretty safe option. Surveys have shown that these always tend to go down well on a date.
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Style guide for men
Bonus tip: Subtle accessories
Accessories like a leather belt in the same colour as your shoes or a classic wristwatch add the perfect finishing touches to your first-date look. A matching jacket is also a good idea depending on the time of year. The bugatti online shop features a range of stylish accessories like these and plenty more besides.
Don’t: Half-mast trousers
The half-mast look is a sure-fire way to make sure you never get a second date. In fact, this faux pas is pretty much as bad as it gets. You’re basically revealing to your date that you don’t know how to dress yourself, and what does this say about other aspects of your life?
Do bear in mind here that we’re talking about trousers that really don’t fit rather than the deliberate cropped look, which is very much on trend!
Do: Correct leg length
It’s important to ensure that your trousers are the appropriate length whether you’re going for the standard fit or trying out the stylish cropped look.
The bugatti online shop features a range of trousers and other items that are perfect for a first date.
Don’t: Clash your colours
It’s best to keep your trousers plain although you can certainly brighten things up on your top half. Be sure to steer clear of the old Hawaiian shirts, though! You should also make sure the colour of your shoes matches your outfit, too.
Do: Coordinate your colours
Brightly coloured shirts can be teamed up with a plain pair of trousers and dark socks. This will make your shirt pop and create a well-coordinated overall impression. Too many colours, though, and you will end up looking chaotic.
Don’t: Wear something too casual
It goes without saying that your date should get to know the real you if they could potentially be the love of your life. That said, if you wear something too sporty or casual, then it suggests you haven’t put much thought into your outfit. Your date might end up thinking you’re not worth the effort.
Do: Dress for the occasion
In most cases, there’s nothing wrong with wearing a T-shirt and a smart pair of trousers on a first date. But if you want to create a bit more of an impression, why not try a stylish shirt or asophisticated knitted jumper ?
Bonus tip: Subtle accessories
Accessories like a leather belt in the same colour as your shoes or a classic wristwatch add the perfect finishing touches to your first-date look. A matching jacket is also a good idea depending on the time of year. The bugatti online shop features a range of stylish accessories like these and plenty more besides.
Don’t: Half-mast trousers
The half-mast look is a sure-fire way to make sure you never get a second date. In fact, this faux pas is pretty much as bad as it gets. You’re basically revealing to your date that you don’t know how to dress yourself, and what does this say about other aspects of your life?
Do bear in mind here that we’re talking about trousers that really don’t fit rather than the deliberate cropped look, which is very much on trend!
Unisex considerations
Don’t: Too much fragrance
There’s nothing wrong with a subtle spray of your favourite perfume or aftershave to show off your personality. That said, walking around in an overpowering cloud of fragrance is much less appealing.
Don’t overdo it – as long as you’ve clearly made an effort for your date, that’s what counts.
Do: Be yourself
Whether you’re right at home in dungarees or live in brightly coloured shirts, you shouldn’t hide your personality just because it’s a first date. After all, the point of dating is to find your perfect match and let your date get to know the real you.
The whole question of style is, of course, just one aspect of the bigger picture; after all, the way you look should only play a secondary role when you’re getting to know someone new.
The whole question of style is, of course, just one aspect of the bigger picture; after all, the way you look should only play a secondary role when you’re getting to know someone new.
City Shirt in marine
Ladies sneaker in white
Blouson in green
Trenchcoat in dark blue
Boots in cognac
Sweatshirt in pink
The perfect piece for the first date?
The perfect piece for that extra-special date with Mr or Mrs Right: is there really such a thing? There isn’t really a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but there are certain aspects that can be considered.
According to fashion psychologists, the most important thing is for your outfit to reflect your own, individual style. This is sure to make you feel confident in your own skin and come across in the best possible light.
CONFIDENCE (NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH ARROGANCE!) REALLY IS THE BEST ACCESSORY YOU CAN WEAR AS IT IS ALWAYS WELL RECEIVED.
When choosing an outfit for your first date, location is – of course – a crucial consideration. If you’re heading out to a laid-back café or off for a picnic, then save your elegant dress or smart suit for dinner on that elusive second date.
Business vest in dark greyBusiness vest in dark grey
Lace-up shoes in dark greyLacer in dark grey
Shirt in medium greyShirt in medium grey
Blouse-shirt in off-whiteBlouse shirt in white
Shirt in whiteShirt in white
The bottom line on first-date outfits
The outfit you choose for your first date should create a good impression and show that you’ve made an effort. But ultimately it comes down to whether there’s a spark between two people. If there’s simply no chemistry, then it doesn’t matter whether you’re wearing your trousers at half mast, a pretty dress or the most perfectly coordinated outfit.