Best First Date Outfit Ideas To Make A Lasting Impression

Dress to impress with these gorgeous, comfortable, and stylish outfits on your first date.

Reviewed by Keicia Shanta, Fashion Expert
Written by Pratima Ati, MSc
Edited by Asmita De, MA (English)
Fact-checked by Srijita De, MA (English & Literature), Certified Style & Image Consultant  • 

With the first date comes the endless dilemmas around first date outfit ideas. Yes! The tension is real. You would definitely want to look presentable. But the problem is, you might find yourself worrying about looking too dressy or fully underdressed. Well, now that you are here, you can let go of this worry. Below, we have made our own roundup of the best attire ideas that you can try for your first date. All you have to do is, scroll down and read this article. So, go on and get started because it is time to look your best!

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  • Face Prep: Get plenty of rest the day before and stay hydrated. Follow your skincare routine to accentuate your natural features without needing much makeup.
  • Footwear: Opt for flats, sandals, or sneakers to complement your casual outfit during the day. Low-heeled wedges and block or kitten heels complement dresses and skirts.
  • Patterned Clothing: Don’t wear clothes with distracting patterns and bold prints to avoid drawing attention to certain body parts. Pair a solid-colored top with patterned pants.
  • Stockings: Avoid wearing patterned stockings or fishnets. Opt for dark-shade tights with short skirts for a cute look.

  • What To Wear On A Casual First Date
Image: Gettyimages

Keep your outfit, date, and conversation extremely casual. Go for a bodycon or slip dress with a leather jacket and Converse or white shoes. Put your hair up in a bun, dab some lipstick, and throw on a cross-body bag. This is a go-to dress-up for casual wear.

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You can also wear a pair of comfortable jeans with a nice blouse (nothing too fancy) and flats for a casual day date.
  • What To Wear On A First Date To Dinner
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Movie and dinner? Or the other way round? Either way, this look is a keeper. A humble one-piece, a flowing maxi dress, or black jeans and a white shirt fits the bill here. Wear one statement piece of jewelry or a few delicate pieces, depending on what you prefer. Or you can switch to trendy pieces to make your look speak to your personal style.

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Wear your hair in a loose braid, a face-framing ponytail, or a braided updo for achieving the polished yet soft and approachable look that is perfect for first dinner dates.

  • What To Wear On A First Date For Drinks
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Dinner and drinks is a cliche I don’t mind. Choose something form-fitting but charming without looking too eager to please. A little black dress? It’s a classic. Go for black pumps, a clutch, or a side body bag if you do not want to be too dressy. Tie your hair in a bun and do a subtle smokey eye look. Make simple choices and make them work for you. That is the new mantra.

  • What To Wear On A Coffee Date
Image: Gettyimages

The rule for dressing for a first date is pretty simple. Wear your personality, be casual but not too informal, and stay comfortable. More so on coffee dates. Something breathable, airy, and effortless is an excellent place to start. Opt for joggers or side-striped pants that have taken over the fashion world, tuck in a plain T-shirt, and complete the look with white Converse shoes. Jeans, a casual T-shirt, and a layer on top is fail-proof too. Put your hair up in a bun, half-bun, or a messy ponytail. Go for nude lipstick and neutral makeup. Throw on a pair of oversized glasses to complete the look.

  • What To Wear On A Blind Date
Image: Gettyimages

Blind dates are fun, and there’s nothing that can beat the adrenaline rush before you finally meet that person. The expectations are usually high, with the pressure to impress even higher, but think of it as just an opportunity to dress up. If it were me, I would go for an LBD because there’s nothing like it – it is form-fitting, elegant, and brings out the best in you. You can add a layer if the evening gets colder. Or you can wear a pleated skirt, a tank top, pumps, and neutral makeup if you have a more minimal sense of style. Comfort takes the cake on blind dates because you don’t want to feel too conscious. Drink some wine and wait for him to melt when he sees you.

  • What To Wear On A First Date In Winter

Winters mean strong outerwear game. Go for skinny jeans or trousers and any top that flatters your figure. Finish off with a jacket, a shrug, or any layer that stands out. An overarching faux fur jacket or a pastel trench, adds texture to your plain blouse. Put on some ankle booties or knee-high boots – do what your heart desires. Don’t forget a chic red lipstick that makes winters brighter.

Naomi Boyer, a YouTuber, shares her date outfit ideas in a video. She acknowledges that date night outfits can be tough to figure out, saying, “It’s kind of like a brain teaser because you don’t want to look like you’re going to a club and you also don’t really know what to wear.” She advises using a jacket to make looks versatile and to protect yourself from the chill, and to invest in tunic blouses, stating, “… if you’re ever at a loss of what to wear to an event, to a meeting, to dinner, or something like that, a tunic blouse is kind of really easy. You look put together, you look super cute, and you can just pair it with a pair of jeans or even a skirt and you are good to go (i).”

  • What To Wear On A First Date When You Are Over 50

I think there’s no better time to go on a date. Women are most sorted in their 40s and 50s. They have clarity but are still a lot of fun. So, if you are at that time in your life, listen up – pull out your go-to dress, and make sure it is classy and sophisticated. You can also wear jeans and a blazer for a comfortable look. Pair it with gold jewelry, and it can’t get better than this. Don’t try too hard to hide your age – dress up and wear it with grace!

  • What Should You NOT Wear On A First Date?
Image: Shutterstock

Let me get to the point – too much skin is an absolute no-no. Don’t wear clothes that are too revealing, transparent or anything that steers the attention away from the conversation. This is the case with makeup, accessories, colors, and prints as well. Don’t go for anything over the top, too random, or too casual. Plan ahead, but look effortless. Run your look in your head thoroughly if you know it’s a special date. Avoid anything you may need to fiddle with or need constant attention. And don’t, under any circumstances, wear new shoes that you haven’t broken into.

Infographic: Places To Go For A First Date

Dressing well for a date is very important to make a good impression. However, in order to pick appropriate outfits, you must first consider the physical environment of the place you are going to for your date. Check the infographic below for a list of the perfect places to have your first date.

place to go for a first date (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

You do not want to mess up your outfit on your first date. So, follow this article religiously and get ready to look fabulous. Also, as we have categorized your options based on different situations, choose your outfit that fits well with the kind of date you are heading towards. Your clothing will differ according to the place, time, and season. Keep in mind that you should not feel out of place. Let this article on first date outfit ideas be your guide and help you save the day. And, do wear your confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best color to wear on a first date?

Black, red, white, and blue are considered the best and most appropriate for first dates. It’s best to steer clear of loud colors and busy prints. Soft shades are a safe bet. Always wear something that defines your personality.

Do you have to kiss on the first date?

There is no rule of thumb. It depends on how the date progresses. So, if you feel like it, lean in and make the first move. Or take a pass if you don’t feel like it. Either way, go with the flow and savor the moment.

How should you act on a first date?

People say that it’s best to be yourself and not put up a show. It sounds preachy, but they are right. People go on an impressing spree and put their best foot forward, which is excellent. But the best thing you can do is be yourself. It is more comfortable and the only way you can trust that the other person likes you for who you are.

Where should I go on a first date?

Probe and get a sense of what the other person enjoys or likes. Is it live music? A great food joint? A silent coffee bar? A club? What do you guys have in common? Think about it. Add a personal touch. Keep it relatable instead of random – it always makes for a great beginning. Avoid places that are too crowded, cliche, or loud. It is a total turn-off!

What type of materials do you think work best for a first-date look?

Pick comfortable and breathable materials such as cotton or linen for casual dates. Jeans and a t-shirt or a sundress are good options. Materials like silk and satin give you a sense of formal wear and a dressed-up look. Add your personal touch to your outfit with accessories.

Is it better to dress up or down for a casual first date?

There is no harm in dressing up and being more presentable on your date, especially if it is a blind date. Opt for jeans paired with a plaid shirt, graphic tee, or well-fitting white top with a jacket. You can also try dresses or skirts. Avoid heavy jewelry. Also your outfit choice should be according to the place and occasion of your date. When in doubt, keep it simple yet elegant with nude make-up.

What kind of footwear is appropriate for a first date?

For casual dates, shoes and flat sandals are fine. Wear block heels or platform wedges to enhance your figure, and add a few inches. Get a pedicure if you are planning to wear open footwear. Your first-date footwear should complement your overall outfit and make you feel confident and comfortable for your feet.

Are there any clothing items or styles to avoid on a first date?

Avoid anything that makes you feel uncomfortable and underconfident. Wearing a type of dress that you have never worn before may make you feel self-conscious. Avoid accessories or clothes that are too flashy unless you are meeting at a party or night concert. Shabby, ill-fitted, or revealing clothing, excess perfume, and showing too many brand names are some things that you should avoid for a first date.

Key Takeaways

  • Dress for your first date according to the location and the time of the day.
  • The form-fitting black dress will be a good choice for most situations. Make sure it is not revealing, giving the impression that you are eager to please.
  • Wear something that you are comfortable with. Have your hair styled in a bun or ponytail to prevent tugging at flyaways.
  • Keep the accessories and makeup to a minimum. Get the feminine look with your dressing and style the rest to look effortless.
  • Choose the dress and shoes from the most comfortable ones in your closet. Stay away from going for a new one.


Are you stressing over what to wear on your first date? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Check out this video for some outfit ideas and slay it like a boss!

Personal Experience: Source

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