Going for a first date, though exciting can be a nerve-wrecking affair for most. You want to make a good impression. No, you want to leave a good impression. You want to impress but at the same time look like you did not try too hard!
You will appreciate that the first thing to consider is where you are going. How much standing will you be doing for example? Here are some tips on what to wear or what not to touch when it comes to choosing an attire or shoes to go with on a first date :
How to dress up for a first date – Ladies
Photo courtesy of modernman.com
Find out where you are going on the date. This is highly important, because you need to know how much walking or standing you will be doing. Knowing this in advance will greatly affect your shoe choice. Consider where you might end up. Is the date going to involve one location or a few? Think about this as well before deciding on shoes.
Ballet flats - When in doubt, choose ballet flats. They come in casual and dressy styles, most are fairly comfortable, and they go with every type of outfit: skirts, dresses, pants, jeans, shorts and anything else that you can think of. Therefore, they are suitable for any occasion or circumstance. Flats are appropriate for miniature golf, bowling, movies, dog walking, dinner, dancing–you name it.
Choose heels - (and wedges) for a more formal date, or when you know the shoes are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time. Make sure that you are comfortable walking in them. This is another reason why it’s so important to know where you’re going on the date. You may love your 3″ heels. But if they kill your feet, they are not a good choice. Plus, what if you fall? That would hardly make a good impression. Leave your sky high heels at home , unless you are very comfortable in them..
Think twice about sandals - Choose sandals–whether flip-flops or heels–cautiously. Are you sure that you want to show off your feet, especially if it’s a first date? When was the last time you had a pedicure, or painted your toenails?
Choose boots cautiously – Choose boots in the same way that you would choose heels or flats. The same rules apply. There are two particular problems here, though. First, boots are not all-weather footwear, and are obviously not an option in the middle of the sunny season. Second, they can make you somewhat sweaty, even if it is 20 degrees outside.
The outfit – You can never go wrong with a feminine look , a dress, a ruffle top and jeans…You may want to leave the cleavage-revealing top and fishnet stockings at home though. It’s the first date.
How to dress up for a first date – Men
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Your shoes - It’s not just their own shoes or shoes on other women that ladies are obsessed with. They want to see your shoes. Remember, shoes tell tales. Also remember that your lovely date will judge you by your shoes.
Pick an appropriate pair — lace-ups or loafers for the evening; driving shoes, moccasins, or simple sneakers for the afternoon…….Whatever you wear , make sure your shoes are clean — and you’ve scored points before the handshake.
Don’t wear flip-flops to a date. Unless your toes are really something or your date venue is at the beach.
Tie or no tie ? – The first date is an occasion. Dress for it. However, don’t sweat the tie unless your destination requires a tie – then, you should wear one. A jacket would be an excellent idea though. All in all you don’t want to feel too dressy. You want to feel comfortable.
Wear clothes that fit you. Period.
Grooming – clip your fingernails, wash your hair. Women check the details. They look at a man’s hands more often than a man looks at his own. Make sure yours are presentable.
Take it easy on the cologne. – They like it when you smell nice, but there’s no need to bludgeon the poor woman.
What NOT to wear
Don’t wear a suit - If you are going to the opera, fine. The theater, maybe. Otherwise, you’ll seem uptight. And uptight is not good. A sweater is more preferable. You are going to a date. Not a boardroom meeting.
How casual? - Don’t wear T-shirts with sayings on them. In fact, don’t even wear t-shirts at all.
Anything else?
Don’t wear skinny jeans. – Simply because your date is more interested in seeing your personality first. 
As a general rule, whether you are a man or a woman, don’t wear something you are wearing for the very first time, to a date.
Now, put your phone on silent mode and have fun! A first date is like an interview. Only better.
Sources : www.esquire.com , www.ehow.com , www.princesswithapen.hubpages.com
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By far and large, I like this article. However, there is one question I have. Do the recommendations assume an urban setting or a rural one? For employed people in an urban setting, wearing of suits comes fairly naturally. If a lady wants to link up with me for the first time after work, then chances are that I will show up in a suit. Is this bad?
Of course, in a rural setting, suits are a rare commodity. There is no way a brother will get away with a suit on a first date.
Hi Macharia,
As you’ve pointed out, the context does matter. If you are from the office you’re date will understand that you had to be in a suite. Pretty sure it’s very rare to find a man who keeps extra attire in the office in case of a rainy day:-)