Finding the perfect outfit for dates can be difficult but, it doesn’t have to be. If you shop smartly, you can create a capsule wardrobe that will be versatile enough for any date. To help you narrow down the options, we spoke to Michael Barker from designer clothing retailer Garment Quarter, to find out the top five timeless pieces he says are a must for any dating wardrobe.
Dressing to impress can be incredibly fun, but when you’re gearing up to meet your new love interest and you haven’t yet found the perfect date night outfit, it can also be overwhelming. There are endless options of where you will go on dates over your lifetime and what you will do but, that doesn’t mean that you need to buy heaps of clothing for each occasion.
Instead, investing in a few key pieces can guarantee you are always date-ready, whether you’re headed to the cinema or to a posh restaurant. Here, I will be sharing the top five pieces you should be incorporating into your dating wardrobe to ensure your outfit is a hit every time.
The White Blouse
As one of the most functional and versatile pieces, a white blouse is a dating wardrobe essential, and will ensure you always have something dressy to wear, no matter how last minute your plans are. While a white shirt is also a great timeless piece, the more relaxed nature of a blouse means that you can dress it up or down, making it an all-round perfect choice.
There are so many materials to pick from but, for a super chic aesthetic I recommend opting for a silky satin. If this isn’t your style, try looking out for a quality cotton version that has a looser fit. Wear your white blouse tucked into jeans for a smart-casual look or, pair it with a skirt, tights and heeled ankle boots to create an ultra-stylish evening outfit.
The Perfect Skinny Jeans
You can never go wrong with denim, and for a truly timeless pair of trousers, I recommend going with skinny jeans. They will accentuate your legs, and can easily be worn for both casual and formal dates, depending on what you pair them with.
With so many washes available to buy, it’s better to go with darker washes as these are easier to dress up and down. A dark or indigo blue will be perfect, as will jet black — just make sure you’re avoiding any rips or detailing as these will make your denim less versatile.
If you’re looking to guarantee a quality pair of jeans that will last, consider investing in designer denim. Despite being more expensive, they make up for it with their exceptional quality and are sure to be a great fit!
The Knitted Jumper
Unfortunately, it’s not always going to be the weather of dreams on your dates so, being prepared and having key layering pieces is important. One must-have in your dating wardrobe is a classic knitted jumper. There are so many designs out there so feel free to get creative and pick styles from cable-knit to Aran or plain and simple cashmere knits. I recommend going for neutral colours like beige, white and cream or for darker colours like black that will go with many of your outfits.
While solid colours will be the most versatile options, don’t be afraid to show your personality with busier designs. For example, subtle logos or patterns will show your stylish side to your date while making sure you’re still getting creative with your outfit.
If sweatshirts are more your style, opting for a designer one will give even the most casual of outfits a put-together look. Many big-name brands such as Balmain and Moschino take the ‘less is more’ approach with their athleisure lines, so incorporate one of these into your date wardrobe for the perfect luxury touch.
The Tailored Midi Coat
During the cooler months, you’ll need a stylish coat that can keep you warm. A tailored midi coat will seamlessly carry you through the seasons and can be worn open with a T-shirt on warmer dates, or with a jumper layered underneath for extra warmth in the evenings. When picking a great coat to add to your dating wardrobe, I recommend opting for a versatile camel or black as these will effortlessly go with any of your outfits.
If you’re a little shorter and don’t think a midi coat will suit you, you can certainly choose a shorter length — just try to ensure it goes to about mid-thigh length so that it will still look smart if you’re wearing a skirt and tights. The best material for these coats is wool: this has many advantages over synthetic fibres, particularly as it can absorb rain and keep you looking relatively dry. These may be a little more expensive but will be worth the price tag to look great all year round.
The Heeled Ankle Boot
It’s not uncommon for many women to get totally stumped when it comes to picking the perfect footwear for their date. And, while you will want to look your best, a stiletto heel might not always be a good idea if you don’t want to look too overdressed. To add timelessness into your dating wardrobe, I recommend going for a quality pair of heeled boots. These go with a number of outfits, whether you’re wearing jeans, a skirt and tights or bare legs, and will give you a little extra height boost should you need it!
Ankle boots are a key component for many women’s wardrobes and with so many styles and finishes available, you’re sure to be spoilt for choice. Plain suede and patent leather are two materials that have proven popular for years so, you can’t go wrong with one of these styles.
Get prepared for any date by incorporating my top five classic pieces into your wardrobe. You’re sure to be dressed to impress each time!
