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Stephanie Tipple
Fashion Columnist

It’s February, and love is in the air. With Valentine’s Day almost upon us, you’re likely to have a slew of dates on your schedule. That being said, what is the most important part of getting ready for any date? It’s picking out what to wear, of course. The way you look and the first impression you give off when you meet up with your date can have a true lasting impact. So if you want to send out the right signals and start off right, then you need to figure out what to wear.
But even if you’re a fashion maven, picking out exactly what to wear for a first date, or even a fifth date, can be stressful.

So what can you do to make sure you look great on every date? The first thing you need to assess is the person you’re actually going to be with that evening. While you should never dress a certain way just because someone else wants you to, there is something to be said about looking compatible with your clothing when you’re out on a date.

The next question is, where are you going on your date? This is one of the biggest factors into what you should be wearing on the first, second, eighth or even twentieth date. If you are going to the ice rink, don’t wear stilettos, and if you’re going to be indoors all night, don’t expect to wear your winter coat the entire time.

When you are on a date, you want your personality to shine through and not be overpowered by your clothing. The outfit you select should allow your personality to show and should play up all of your best attributes. Fit is key here. You want your clothing to fit but not to look baggy or skin tight. Chances are this can make you appear sloppy to your date or, depending on circumstances, downright scary. Go with something simple, and you’ll thank yourself for it later. While you may be into the latest fashion trends and enjoy dressing up like a Lady Gaga impersonator, it isn’t the best way to start off a date if that person can’t see you beneath the lace, sequins and hair bows.

And when in doubt, go for comfort. Sure, you may look super cute in those new heels you bought at Forever 21, but why spend your night grimacing from the blisters, when you can throw on a cute pair of flats? This will allow you to focus on your date and your conversation, not on avoiding wardrobe malfunctions.

No matter what the weather, you also need to try to wear layers, in case you get too warm or too cold. A pit stain from sweating isn’t something you want to deal with on a date and neither is shivering the entire night.
One more tip: accept a compliment! You’re going to look beautiful when you’re on your date, and you need to allow your date to compliment you with grace. Check your insecurities at the door and just have a good time.

By: Stephanie Tipple

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