It takes just one-tenth of a second for us to judge someone and make a first impression.
That’s a fact. And we’re all guilty of it. Which is why when the spotlight is turned onto us in say, a first date situation, we place an immense amount of pressure on ourselves in terms of our presentation.
The function of what we wear goes beyond just fit-for-purpose. Suddenly it’s all about needing to tell whomever you’re making a first impression on about who you are, what you’re into, and what your unique proposition is, all while remaining attractive, desirable and approachable. It’s a big ask.
And if you’re in a relationship…
Perhaps an even bigger ask, is to dress for a date with someone who you’ve been seeing or committed to for a length of time. Someone who’s already seen you at your worst or has become conditioned to you on a day-to-day basis.
Now we’re not suggesting that everyone feels taken for granted in their relationship. Far from it. However, with relationships, sometimes you want to drop a few reminders to your significant other of their good fate to be with you. On a first date, failing to inspire a reaction out of your partner can be dismissed as “well, they weren’t the right one for me”. But when you’re in a relationship, this can be a right kick in the gut, especially if you’ve put the effort in.
So we’re here to avoid that from happening with a gallery of endearing outfits that will guarantee self-confidence in any date situation and for any relationship status.
Scroll for the gallery below:
1/7
Hitting the flicks
Or the theatre, or karaoke, or a comedy club that may very well turn into a late night pub crawl. Slinky, comfortable and pretty – but not too pretty. With the addition of opaque tights in the colder months or slim leg jeans for a more casual affair, this outfit strikes the perfect balance of functional and fashion-forward with ease of wear.
Zimmermann mini dress $850 AUD (approx. $922 NZD); Little Liffner shoulder bag $370 USD (approx. $507 NZD), from Net-a-porter; Country Road Selena boot $299; Essie nail colour $22.99, from Farmers.
2/7
Cocktail after hours
Destination sexy. If you’re prepared to bring the va-va-voom or merely want to feel feminine and empowered all in one, then a slip dress paired with a strappy stiletto and a weighty leather jacket will send all the right signals. Not to mention the addition of a beautiful set of matching lingerie worn underneath for maximum confidence.
Country Road leather biker $899; Anine Bing Gemma silk-satin midi dress $295 USD (approx. $405 NZD) from Net-a-porter; Lonely Label lingerie bra $45 and brief $33; Topshop strappy slingback heels £42 GBP (approx $82 NZD); Deadly Ponies bag $520.
3/7
Brunch
Brunch is a playful and approachable arena for a date, so you needn’t go overboard when it comes to landing on your outfit (it is during daylight after all). Choose everyday flattering items that make you feel good – such as a nice top and cute jeans – and elevate them to date-appropriate heights using your accessories. Opt for a versatile shoe that would look equally lovely with a summer dress and avoid dragging along a mighty old shoulder bag or tote to ensure your date doesn’t appear like you’re running one of your regular errands.
Karen Walker blouse $550; Neuw cropped flare jeans $190; Castañer velvet mules $221 USD (approx. $300 NZD), from Net-a-porter; Zara minaudiere bag £30 GBP (approx $58 NZD); Oliver People sunglasses $420, from Sunglass Hut.
4/7
Picnic stroll
Whether a picnic, a walk along the beach or eating takeaways in a cute spot, these dates are typically intended to be super casual, super relaxed and highly romantic. Do away with short flippy dresses that are one wind gust away from too much exposure, tight jeans with waistbands that cut in, or bulky sandals that make your feet go numb when you sit cross-legged. We suggest a sweet cotton maxi dress that’ll disguise any over indulging or uncomfortable bloating and will allow you sit any way you want. It’ll protect against the elements (hello prickly sand and wind) and can easily be layered upon for warmth. Opting for a sweatshirt means you can sling it over your shoulders or tie it around your waist and still look like a knockout.
Lonely Ruthie dress $399 $200; Lingua Franca cashmere sweater $462 USD (approx. $633 NZD), from Net-a-porter; Topshop heart bow sliders £22 GBP (approx $42 NZD); Moochi cane bag $120; Karen Walker kerchief $50; Meadowlark protea stone studs $609.
5/7
Bowling alley
Or any active excursion heading your way. Regardless of how your skills pan out, nothing says “I don’t take myself too seriously'” like pairing red and pink together. Not to mention it’ll send waves of adoration at a subliminal level. A high-waisted trouser and cropped top isn’t just a practical pairing for this genre of date, but a flattering one that draws the eye to your waist. Teamed with barely there makeup, this look is bound to be a hit.
Staud Lilia cropped wrap top $222 USD ( approx. $305 NZD) from Net-a-porter; Ganni Dubois striped piqué track pants $210 USD (approx. $290 NZD); Arowm Triangle Slinkys in Wet Denim, $45, from Infinite/Definite; Garment Project ace floater $279, from Superette; Manu Atelier mini suede backpack $514 USD (approx. $705 NZD), from Net-a-porter; Bobbi Brown luxe lip colour in Almost Bare $65, from Mecca Beauty.
6/7
The cheap date
Here we’re referring to cheap and cheerful dinner dates rather than the person you’re on the date with *wink*. The dates that involve night markets or all-you-can-eat buffets. The ones that start casual, wind up at the movies or a trip to the ice cream parlour. There’s a time and a place for these kinds of dates in anyone’s relationship date rota, and this is what we recommend you wear.
Commoners slim cropped jean, $189 $109, and boyfriend shirt $160 $99; Anine Bing bra $96 USD (approx. $130 NZD), from Net-a-porter; La Tribe slides $199 from Superette; Yu Mei tote $359; Urban Decay vice lipstick in ‘backseat’ $33, from Mecca Beauty.
7/7
At home cinema
The ‘let’s just stay at home date’, otherwise known as Netflix and Chill, doesn’t need to be void of any romantic effort by way of wardrobe. Resist the temptation of hauling into your flannelette PJ set and opt for soft, luxurious fabrics in a carefully considered matching set instead. Top it off with a sensual fragrance, effortlessly undone hair and some cashmere socks and you’ll wonder why you’d ever date outside the comfort of your own home with your other half ever again.
Skin cotton sweater $206 USD (approx. $280 NZD), from Net-a-porter; Stella McCartney bra $187 USD and thong $81 USD (approx. $250 NZD and $110 NZD respectively); Fleur Du Mal shorts $201 USD (approx. $275 NZD), from Farfetch; Falke cashmere socks £50 GBP (approx $95 NZD), from Matches Fashion; Jo Malone London Red Roses cologne, 100ml $232, from Farmers.
Words and styling: Terri Dunn
Photos: Michael James Rooke (styled by Danielle Clausen) for Fashion Quarterly Issue 4 2017
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