What to Wear on A First Date, According to Experts

You’ve set a time and a place to meet, texted about your interests, even scoped out the menu to pre-plan your drink order. But now comes the hard part of preparing for a first date: figuring out what to wear. No matter how many clothes you own, selecting what to wear on a first date leaves us staring at our closets, overwhelmed with options yet finding nothing that works. the goal is to strike a delicate balance between wearing what you’re comfortable in and impressing your date—which is no easy feat. You also want to avoid anything that might make you fidget or feel uncertain (like excessive jewelry or a new set of magnetic eyelashes), so anything too out of the box is off the table. Getting it right and feeling good can be tricky, which is why we asked relationship experts and matchmakers for the advice they give to their clients.  

According to Rachel Sommer, Ph.D., a clinical sexologist and relationship expert, “Being comfortable breeds confidence, ultimately translating to more smiles and genuinely engaging with your date.” So, without experimenting too much with your wardrobe, wear something that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to take on the adventure of meeting someone new. If you’re lost on where to start, here are some first date outfit ideas, approved by the pros.