Even though Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, I wanted to avoid going overboard talking about this annual festivity. Lets face it, it can be a tad depressing! (putting it mildly). The declarations of love, the pressure to do something amazing for dinner that day, or maybe worse; the feeling of not having a Valentine – I’ve been familiar with this one over the years.
It did get me thinking though, what do guys actually prefer girls to wear on a first date in those beginning encounters where the stakes are high?? Also, for all the coupled-up girls out there: date night inspo in general.
I’m sure you’re all familiar with the process of trying on endless outfits and sending pics to your friends asking “which outfit should I wear on my date?!” Inspired by this, I did some asking around about date preferences and came up with some outfit suggestions.
LOOK ONE: JEANS AND HEELS
This look seems to be a firm favourite. It’s casual and chic but doesn’t scream out for attention – after all, you want the focus to be more on you than your outfit.
Here I matched the heel colour to the top. This works every time – it’s a really simple way to make an outfit look co-ordinated and polished.
It nods to a caring about your appearence in a healthy way, but also not trying too hard (I know I’m such a game player right??)
It’s also an approachable outfit, and may even help you get the best from your date (they’re sometimes nervous too ya know!). I would avoid the top being too low cut: no one wants a nip slip sitch on the first encounter.
If the heels are killer and you have to take a big commute to your final destination consider a sneaky shoe swap further advice here – no one wants an injured ankle pre-date.
JUMPER – H&M 2017
JEANS – ZARA 2017
CLUTCH – ARMARNI EXCHANGE 2013
SHOES – MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION 2014
LOOK TWO: JUMPER, LEATHER SKIRT AND HEELS
A pleather skirt can be a classy way to dress up and get your legs out.
The roll neck jumper keeps the outfit respectable for a dinner or posh cocktails. The length of the skirt is suggestive, without being too brassy. You want to hint at the underneath but not show too much. In this skirt, your date will be guaranteed to hold the door open for you – even if it’s just to check out your derrière!
I would suggest sticking to neutral colours to keep the look sharp. I would steer away from bright colours which may make the outfit look too busy. These leopard print shoes add some personality to the outfit, and the tan bag ties in nicely with them.
ROLL NECK – ZARA (CURRENT)
SKIRT – FOREVER 21 2014
SHOES – KURT GEIGER 2013
BAG – CHLOE (CURRENT)
LOOK THREE: SHEER TOP AND LACE BRALETTE
Now, a word of caution, this may not suit a bigger bust. But a slightly sheer jumper with a bra-lette is a really cute date look.
The matching coat and heels keep the outfit sharp and co-ordinated. The leather-look jeans are a personal favourite of mine so you will see them crop up a lot in my wardrobe.
The newspaper bag is from the ETUI concession in TOPSHOP, Oxford Circus. I have a massive thing for their clutches.
JUMPER – ASOS (CURRENT)
JEANS – ZARA 2017
COAT – DOROTHY PERKINS 2016
SHOES – BLOOMINGDALES 2015
LOOK FOUR: A SHIRT DRESS
Pulled from the archives, this little number was actually my third date dress with my BF. A shirt dress is such a simple, no fuss, feminine outfit.
The heels can be interesting rather than a plain court shoe – this creates more depth in the look. I matched these particular ones to the khaki in the dress to give the look a pulled together feel.
Speaking of pulling together, I would always wear a belt with this outfit. Not only does it add some more interest to the look, but it helps create shape at the waist and keep everything in proportion.
SHIRT DRESS – H&M 2015
SHIES – TOPSHOP 2015
COAT – MISSGUIDED 2016
NO NO’S
So, after some research and speaking to a few guy friends, these first date situations seem to be less popular.
No trainers
Okay so I’m always down for a trainer situation, particularly on a Sunday. But it seems that guys are less convinced on a first date situ. Unless of course the first date is in the park, with a cute guy and his even cuter dog. In which case, chuck the rule book out the window!
No tracksuits
I’m assuming they mean matching tracksuit sets but yeh I can get why it looks too casual for the first encounter. Like everything, there’s a time and a place, but probably the first date isn’t it. Maybe keep this one for staying at home eating pizza with the besties…
No red lips
Now this was a real split decision, and I realise for the looks above I championed a red lip sitch. The truth is, a lot of guys seem to be a bit intimidated by it. I would say wait for a couple of dates in and then pile it on!!!! Or, if you’re not sure on the attraction levels, it might be a good deterrent in the early stages!! Ha.
Besides, we all know, you’ve gotta leave a few lipstick marks on some frogs, before you find your prince.
Happy dating girls!
Hannah
xox
HANNAH STYLED IT 