5 Things Not to Wear on a First Date

If you can't decide what to wear on that next hot date, start with what NOT to wear.

by eHarmony Staff

Don’t let your first date attire ruin your chances for a second date. What you wear is the perfect opportunity to present who you are before you say a word. To win your date over with captivating style, consider the location, time of day and weather as these factors will weigh heavily on your attire choice and stay away from our top five things you shouldn’t wear on a first date.

1) Don’t Try a new Trend

Reveal the real you, and stick to clothing you actually wear. “Don’t get in a costume-like outfit,” says Keylee Sanders, owner of the successful consulting and styling company Style Studio and a former Miss Teen USA. “Dress in something you would wear on a regular basis because hopefully you’ll see this person a second date. Stick to your true style self or fashion self on that first date.”

2) Don’t Reveal too Much

First impressions are quick to be made, hard to get rid of and set the tone for the entire date. Ask yourself what your outfit says about you. There’s a difference between wanting to look flirty and sexy and leaving nothing to the imagination. “That doesn’t mean you need to dress dowdy or frumpy, for example if you’re going to wear a short skirt, don’t wear a low cut top,” says the former beauty queen. A good rule of thumb is to choose one area of your body you want to reveal—whether that’s an above the knee skirt to show off your legs, a subtle scooped neck blouse to enhance your décolleté or an off the shoulders sweater to feature a graceful neckline.

3) Dress for the Situation

Most first dates involve doing something very casual like grabbing a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. “Make sure whatever you’re wearing is true to the situation,” says Sanders. You don’t want to make your date feel uncomfortable or intimidated because you aren’t dressed appropriate for the occasion. However, as a style caveat, if the situation allows for it, a man shouldn’t be afraid to opt for a tie. Although rare, if the first date is a charity gala, night at the opera or symphony, or any situation where the woman would be wearing an evening dress, a man should don a suit and tie. “It’s safe, classic and shows a level of maturity,” says Sanders. “I think men have it so easy, it’s not rocket science, it [a tie] looks great and is an easy solution.”

Leave the Sloppy Clothes at Home

Even if your date is outdoors or involves some kind of physical activity it’s still important to make an effort, which lets that person know they’re important. “Don’t throw on sweats that have been on the floor of your closet for months and a shirt with a stain down the front,” warns Sanders. If you don’t own appropriate outdoor activity gear, for a small price you can purchase a sleek and proper outfit at most discount clothing stores.

Break Away from all Black

Include a splash of color in your outfit. “I always try and tell women to not wear all black,” says Sanders. “As women, we love all black, it’s easy and safe but men like to see women in color and it’s a great way to show your personality.” Color, especially in shades like peach, coral and yellow gives the impression of a happy, energetic and warm person—attributes most single people are looking for in a partner.