Going on a first date can come with a mixture of emotions ranging from nervousness to excitement. While you may be eager to learn more about the other person and try something new, putting yourself out there isn’t always easy. What will the other person be like? How will the conversation flow? You may not be able to control these factors, but you can boost your confidence, feel comfortable, and make a great first impression by considering how you present yourself. Check out these 9 steps from the friendly team at OXXO Cleaners That Care to ensure that you make a stylish impact on a first date.
Be Yourself
When it comes to meeting someone new, sometimes our nerves can get the best of us. In an effort to make the other person like you, it can be tempting to change the way you present yourself. This is never a good idea. Rather than taking on a new persona or changing up your look, you should fully embrace who you are. For instance, if you’re a girl who’s usually sporting sneakers and workout clothes, a first date is probably not an ideal time to throw on some heels and a mini-skirt. While you certainly want to make an effort to look your best, it’s important to stay true to yourself. After all, you want your potential partner to be attracted to the real you, not some pretend version of yourself. Bottom line? Be yourself!
Prioritize Comfort
Of course, you want the outfit that you pick out for a first date to look fabulous, but that’s not the only factor to consider. How the clothes feel on your body is equally as important. First dates are stressful enough. You don’t need the added stress of clothes that don’t fit well or feel good. With this in mind, be sure to choose clothing that is comfortable when it’s time to select your ideal outfit for a first date. Once you’ve picked out what you’d like to wear, it’s a good idea to try each piece on to ensure that they feel as good as they look. This way you’ll know with certainty if a pair of jeans still fits and can make adjustments as necessary so that you can focus on the person you’re with instead of an unexpected wardrobe malfunction.
Complement Your Body Type
Let’s face it. No two bodies are the exact same shape and size. That’s a good thing! This means that the outfits that work well on some people’s bodies may not be as flattering on others and vice versa. Because of this, it’s worth considering what types of clothing look good on your particular body shape before choosing what to wear on a first date. For many women, this means wearing clothes that are baggy in order to “hide” the areas that they don’t care for. Sure, flowy clothes may make you feel more comfortable, but why not wear something that highlights your best features rather than trying to hide the ones you don’t like? By taking this approach, you can feel comfortable and confident, knowing that you’re dressed to impress.
Don’t Wear Your “Work” Clothes
If you think that wearing what you wore to the office is an appropriate option to wear on a first date, think again. Sure, you might look professional and put together, but you might also look stuffy and unapproachable in a more casual setting. If you plan on heading straight to your date from the office, don’t fret. There are simple steps you can take when you’re off the clock that can transform your professional attire into a date-ready one in a cinch, such as removing a blazer that’s paired with a camisole and pencil skirt, changing out your work shoes for ones that are more playful, throwing on some bold earrings, and swapping out your bag for a stylish clutch.
Choose a Favorite Outfit
Everyone has an outfit or two that they feel great in. Whether it’s your favorite color or you get compliments on it every time you wear it, these tried and true pieces are the ones that help you hold your head a little higher and make you feel noticed for all the right reasons when you walk through the door. Before going shopping for a new outfit for a first date, consider wearing one of these. Along with being convenient and cost-effective, you can rest assured that you’ll make a great first impression because you already know that others like it (and so do you!).
Consider the Location
Just because you love a certain outfit doesn’t mean that it’s the best option for every first date. You may have a jacket and pair of boots that work beautifully together, but if you’re meeting the other person at the beach, that particular outfit would obviously be a poor choice. Likewise, the activities that you’ll be participating in will also determine what you should (and shouldn’t) wear on a date. For example, a dress that you can’t comfortably move around in might make it difficult to go bowling while you might be cold wearing a sleeveless top to a pumpkin patch. For these reasons, it’s worth thinking about where you plan to meet for your date and what you’ll be doing together to ensure that your outfit doesn’t only look the part but also helps you feel comfortable and at ease while you’re with your date.
Don’t Forget to Accessorize
A great outfit is made up of so much more than merely a shirt and a pair of shoes. At the end of the day, the accessories that you pair with your clothing can take an ordinary outfit and make it look special. With this in mind, don’t be afraid to incorporate little details that take your first date look to the next level. This could include:
- Jewelry, such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings
- Hair accessories, including headbands and hats
- Handbags
- Shoes
- Belts
When it comes to making the most of an outfit with accessories, it’s important to remember that a little goes a long way. You don’t have to wear every piece of jewelry you own or go overboard to create a look that is memorable and attractive. On the contrary, one or two eye-catching pieces are usually all it takes to create a thoughtfully curated outfit that your date is sure to notice and appreciate.
Grooming & Hygiene Matters
Don’t be so focused on what you’re going to wear, say, and do on your date that you forget to take care of your basic grooming and hygiene. No one wants to spend time with someone who isn’t clean and fresh, after all, especially not on a first date where making a strong first impression is critical. Be sure to give yourself enough time to shower and style your hair before your date. Don’t forget to brush your teeth, use mouthwash, and put on deodorant. If you’re feeling up to it, a spritz of perfume or cologne can’t hurt (just remember that less is more; your fragrance shouldn’t be overpowering).
Get Your Outfit Ready
Even if you know what you’re going to wear well before your first date, it’s wise to pull out the clothing in advance to assess their condition. Whether you wear them all the time or they’ve been stuffed in your drawer for months, it’s always a good idea to bring them to a professional cleaner that you trust before the big day. Along with removing any stains that may be present, having your first date outfit professionally cleaned is a great way to make sure that each piece is clean and perfectly pressed. This small step can make a big difference in helping you put your best foot forward and make a fabulous first impression.
OXXO Cleaners That Care is Here for You
Like it or not, the clothes we wear play a significant role in how the world perceives us. While this is worth considering on an ordinary day when we’re getting ready for work or to grab lunch with friends, it’s especially important when it’s time to choose an outfit for a first date. At OXXO Cleaners That Care, we want to help make looking your best easy and convenient. That’s why our experienced team is proud to go above and beyond to take special care of every piece of clothing that we have the pleasure of caring for.
Whether you have an upcoming first date or you simply want to look your best, we’re eager to keep your clothing in the best shape possible by offering outstanding professional dry cleaning services. From stain removal and hand ironing to routine laundering and alterations, we’re eager to show you how convenient and valuable taking advantage of professional dry cleaning services can be. To learn more about how we can help you look your best on your first date (and every day after), visit us online or stop by one of our store locations today!
