What Not to Wear on a First Date

We've all given and received advice on what to wear on a first date in order to seal the deal on a second. But have you ever stopped to consider the things that you definitely shouldn't wear? Here we bring you our top tips, so you’ll be fully prepared for your first meeting with that special someone.

Not something new

With the prospect of a first date approaching, it may be tempting to rush off to Topshop and clad yourself head to toe in a brand new outfit. We all feel good in a never-been-worn-before dress but on a first date, it’s just too risky. How many times have you worn something new only to soon realise that it rides up when you walk? Or that it goes see-through in the sunlight? Or that the buttons pop open when you sit down? Stick to an old faithful and your levels of comfort will do wonders for your confidence.

Not that crazy new trend

You might pride yourself on knowing that the grunge look is in vogue this season or that tartan print is everywhere, but you should probably save the hottest high street trends for your girls’ nights out. Yes, it might be a generalisation, but guys just don’t get fashion – they don’t get midi skirts and they certainly don’t get jumpsuits. Of course, you’re free to wear these mass trends to your heart’s content but on a first date, you want your individual personality to shine through.

Not next-to-nothing

If you've secured a date with your object of desire, it’s a pretty safe bet that he already finds you attractive. With this in mind, remember that less is more and that there’s a difference between subtly revealing and downright having too much skin on show. Leave a little to the imagination and think about what your outfit says about you – don’t feel the need to tip to the other end of the frumpy scale but just remember the old classic balancing act: legs or décolletage, never both.

Not overdressed…or underdressed!

This can be a tricky one. If you know where you’re going for your date then you’re already one step ahead of the game – look up the restaurant’s website, check out the predicted weather, any information you can get your hands on. This will all help you in your quest for an appropriate outfit.  That cocktail dress might be a knockout, but you don’t want to be awkwardly overdressed in a sea of contempo-casuals. However, it works both ways because you don’t want to look like you've rolled straight out of bed – it doesn't look mysteriously aloof, it looks like you don’t care.

Not pain for gain

It’s the classic Bridget Jones dilemma: tight and painful but looking amazing or casual and comfortable but not so hot? Find a happy medium! On your first date, the last thing you want to be worrying about is your outfit. If you’re going to be sitting down a lot, don’t wear jeans that dig in or a skirt that rides up. And don’t wear shoes you can’t walk in! This isn't just limited to heels, even flats can draw blood – so be sure to road test your chosen footwear before the big day.

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Josie Sampson

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When Josie isn't dolling out the fashion-friendly dating advice, you’ll find her blogging for www.miinto.co.uk where you can discover style inspiration and clothing.