Getting across your bright personality is essential for a first date, and the clothes you choose to wear is one sure way of doing this. Here, Steve Cochrane, Managing Director of designer clothing retailer Psyche, gives his top tips for dressing to showcase your personality.
When it comes to a first date, your clothing is important, as it can say a lot about you straight away. Your outfit is the perfect way to express your individuality and show off your personality to your date. Plus, if you feel good, you’re going to come across well, too. That’s why choosing the right outfit is essential if you want to make the best impression. Here, I’ll be giving my expert advice to help you dress for a date and show off your personality.
Select a style
While it can be tempting to stick to popular trends, the type of clothing your wear can say a lot about you. So, if the current trend doesn’t quite feel ‘you’, it’s best to look for something else. And what better place to look than your own wardrobe. The casual clothes you wear on a day-to-day basis are the best reflection of your style, because these are the things you wear when you’re dressing for yourself, rather than to impress your boss or your co-workers.
So, have a look through the clothing you already own and see if there’s any specific style you tend to go for. For example, do you own a lot of maxi dresses? Do you prefer polo-shirts to T-shirts? Do you like to wear a specific pattern? Do you prefer something loose fitting or clothing that fits snugly? If you can pinpoint the kinds of styles you like to wear every day, you can look for something in a similar style for your date.
Consider the colours
There are some colours you’ll want to incorporate into your dating wardrobe, too. For example, red and black have been found to be popular choices among dates on the television show First Dates, as they felt these made them come across as more fashionable and attractive (Evolutionary Psychology).
When looking for your first date outfit, look at the colour of your clothing and consider what it will say about your personality. Bold colours, like red, orange and yellow, can come across as playful, positive and creative, while neutral colours, like brown, black and grey, can make you seem sophisticated.
You can also think about the kinds of patterns you wear, if any. Animal prints can show off your bold confidence and let your date know you’re not afraid to express yourself. Polka dots can show a soft, playful quality, while stripes can make you seem more organised. However, flower patterns can showcase your romantic side, so you might want to consider a floral shirt or dress for your first date.
Add some accessories
It’s not just your clothing that can show off your personality, but your accessories too. Delicate pieces of jewellery with a bit of sparkle can make you seem sophisticated and refined, and bold pieces with a bit of colour can show that you’re not afraid to take a risk. If you’re a fan of sentimentality and tradition, a watch with a leather strap is a good option, whereas a metal watch bracelet can show you’re a fan of the finer things in life.
For women, your handbag can also say a lot about you. Although it may just be a place to store your everyday items, the style and size you go for can make an impression on your date. For example, if you opt for a large bag, you like to be prepared for any occasion. However, a smaller bag, like a mini or micro bag, shows that you’ve had to narrow down what you can carry, so it shows that you’re a great decision maker. These miniature bags are also really on trend right now, so it can also show your date that you’re fashion forward.
It can also be a good idea to incorporate a subtle hint to your interests through your accessories. For men, you could wear a pair of novelty cufflinks, or some colourful socks featuring your favourite animal. For women, you could wear a pair of fun earrings or a charm bracelet.
On the other hand, you may prefer to take the no-fuss approach and avoid accessories all together. If you’re a fan of the simple things in life, preferring to use your time for experiences, friends and family, then this might be the style for you.
When it comes to a first date, what you wear is important. By getting the right mixture of styles, colours, patterns and accessories, you can showcase your individuality with your outfit. Just remember to wear something you feel comfortable in and your personality is sure to shine!
