Starting off on a first date can be a nerve-wracking
experience. How you present yourself and what you wear can set the tone for the
evening. The clothes you wear can enhance or detract from your overall
attractiveness. The question remains, what clothes to wear for a first date to
be more attractive?
First impressions matter, and it's no different when it
comes to the dating world. The attire you choose for a first date speaks to who
you are and your personality.
According to research, it takes only seven seconds to
form a first impression. Your clothing and style play a significant role in
that impression, whether you like it or not. Studies have shown that people
judge others based on their attire, and it can even impact how they perceive
your intelligence, confidence, and trustworthiness. Therefore, it's crucial to
put some thought into what you're wearing on a first date.
The specific recommendations from the experts are
different, based on the numerous factors, like gender, age, or social settings.
But we will try to be generic on our list, bringing the considerations, which
are affecting everyone.
While attractiveness is subjective and personal style
plays a significant role, here are some general tips to consider:
1.
Dress appropriately for the occasion. When
choosing what to wear on your first date, it's important to consider the
setting and time of day. If you are going out for a casual lunch, keep your
attire simple and relaxed. Alternatively, if you are going to a formal dinner,
it's best to dress up and choose a more formal look.
2.
The color of your outfit can make a significant
impact on how attractive you look. Research studies have shown that colors like
red, blue, and black can make someone appear more attractive and confident. Red
is a powerful color that can evoke feelings of passion and attraction. On the
other hand, blue can give off a calming and relaxed vibe, while black exudes
sophistication and elegance. If you want to play it safe, choose neutrals like
navy, beige, and grey. You may also consider waring colors that complement your
skin tone and make you feel confident. Generally, wearing colors that you feel
good in can boost your mood and confidence during the date
3.
Choose clothes that make you feel comfortable
and confident. Confidence is attractive, and it shows through body language and
posture. If you are uncomfortable in what you are wearing, your posture and
body language will reflect that. On the other hand, if you feel confident in
what you are wearing, it will show in your demeanor, and this will increase
your attractiveness.
4.
Avoid flashy and over-the-top outfits and
instead choose simple, classic pieces. Simplicity is always chic, and it's
important to remember that less is more. Choose items that flatter your body type
and that you feel comfortable in. Outfits that show too much skin or are too
tight can be a major turn-off, and they can come across as portraying a lack of
class and self-respect.
5.
Accessories are an essential aspect to consider
when choosing your outfit. They can make or break your outfit, and it's
important to choose them wisely. A classic watch, a statement necklace or
bracelet, or a simple pair of earrings can elevate your outfit and give you a
touch of sophistication. However, try to avoid over-accessorizing, as it can be
overwhelming and take away from your overall look.
6.
Pay attention to grooming. Apart from clothing,
personal grooming is essential. Make sure your hair is styled neatly, and pay
attention to your hygiene. Fresh breath, clean nails, and well-groomed
appearance can enhance your overall attractiveness.
7.
Last but not least, remember to wear clothes
that suit your personality. What you wear should portray who you are. Don't be
afraid to show off your individuality. If you typically wear glasses, don't
ditch them for a first date. Your date should get to know the real you from the
get-go, and how you express yourself through your outfit can play a role in
that.
While you have DO’s, you should probably should have some
DON’T’s:
1.
Don’t wear clothes that scream brand names and
avoid large logos that make you look like a walking billboard.
2.
Comfy first date outfits do not mean you should
wear something you sleep in. Stretched out and stained clothes or outdated
trends are something you should get rid of.
3.
The pressure of wanting to create a great first
impression can induce some stress. Planning will reduce stress and gives you
confidence.
Interesting observation is that the clothes you wear substantially
affect your personality, so you need to dress the way you want to feel. In
other words, practice “enclothed cognition” — a term coined by Northwestern
researchers Hajo Adam and Adam Galinsky to describe the phenomenon they
observed in their 2012 study: that clothing actually changes the brain. The
team divided subjects into two groups: One wore white lab coats, and the other
wore clothing unassociated with a particular profession. In the end, the
coat-wearing crew performed better on tasks that measured their attention.
So, it’s not a stretch to imagine that potential
partners’ fashion choices could unconsciously influence their mindsets — and,
in turn, their behavior. High heels, for example, are culturally associated
with femininity and sex appeal. So, wearing them might cause you to exhibit
more flirtatious or sexual behavior. Similarly, subtle differences in men’s
clothing — a bespoke suit versus off-the-rack, for example — can affect
people’s perceptions of their confidence and success.
Sources and Additional Information:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-to-wear-first-date_l_5dd7edfce4b0913e6f6afa27
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/attraction-evolved/201805/what-wear-first-date
https://www.color-meanings.com/best-colors-wear-date/
https://www.eharmony.com/dating-advice/getting-to-know/first-date-outfits/