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Back in the day, people used to meet in real life. Forced together by (well-meaning but clearly delusional) mutual family and friends, drunk and with drastically lowered standards on a night out, or just hooking up with someone at work because you were too lazy to look elsewhere.
Thankfully, times have changed and with online dating the average single lady is likely to meet more people, and go on more first dates than ever before.
Unfortunately, first impressions last (I know, this sucks, I wish I could wear my slanket everywhere too), so if this is a first date that you hope segues into a second, how you dress matters.
Table of Contents
Heels and a Low-Cut Dress – I’m all in
Sweet Zeus, calm your farm. Is this the last dateable man left in the world? If the answer is no, then you need to swap into something a little less eager beaver. Maybe it’s been a long time between renditions of the horizontal mambo, but that’s no reason to let your outfit shout it out loud for the whole world to hear. It is always good to give off an ‘I’m chill and I can totally take it or leave it’ vibe. Remember, even if you are up for a bit of action; make them think they have to work for it.
Work Clothes – I don’t really care
Going to a date straight from work is the norm for many young professionals. You’re a super busy businesswoman who has a lot of other stuff going on in your life, like trying to decode your cat’s horoscope or keeping up with every single franchise of The Real Housewives. You’re not going to waste your Saturday night on a potentially heinous first date.
Bonus tip from someone who was born to make a mess: maybe bring a spare shirt to work just in case, you don’t want to show up to the date with the Wednesday risotto special stained all down your front.
Work Uniform – I don’t give a shit
Sadly, not everyone has the luxury of wearing whatever they want to work, some of us have to wear a nametag, a uniform and sensible closed toe shoes. It’s always a good idea that you give off an air of being in demand and sooooooo not desperate, but showing up to a first date in a work uniform really gives the impression that you are totally indifferent. Why are you even on this date anyway? Did you lose a bet? (disregard this advice if you are a cop, or have some kind of sexy uniform that people might be into).
The Super Quirky Outfit – I’m a poser
Everyone wants to stand out as an individual, but settle down, you’re not Carrie Bradshaw. A straight man is never going to understand your sartorial genius anyway, save it for a night out with the girls.
Jeans and a Nice Top – I’m cool and chill
It’s classy and chic without trying too hard. I approve. You may proceed.
Leggings and Uggs – Why am I here???
There’s a line… ok, really a six lane highway, between looking like you care too much, and looking like you don’t care at all. If you are wearing any type of clothing that might double as loungewear, then you look like you don’t care at all. Your date is definitely going to think you are only going out with him for a free meal.
The most important thing to remember when choosing what to wear is that you are a grown-ass adult who is in charge of your own life. Who cares what some stupid hecking internet list says? Wear what you want.
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