Date Wear Dilemmas
This will sound very strange, but I am researching dating. This week begins a seemingly endless list of singles events for myself and my other single female friends who I’m dragging along on these adventures. Speed dating, cooking classes, you name it, we will be doing it— all in the name of research, of course. These events present quite a conundrum in the wardrobe department, however, since most of them suggest dressing as you would for a first date. There are two major problems with those guidelines. Firstly, one usually knows the person they will be going on said first date with and what they will be doing and dress accordingly. Secondly, I’m not sure I’ve ever been on a proper first date? Chime in after the jump.
My generation is not really the, “pick you up at eight for the sock hop” kind. In fact, I’m fairly certain that if a man in my age group can avoid dancing of any type in a dating scenario he would—so club wear is out at least until the research involves trying to pick up at a club! I have been told that my sense of style can be intimidating to guys, particularly guys that don’t really get fashion, so the majority of Canadian guys are already write-offs for me. I can understand not showing up in an avant-garde haute couture gown, but should a woman really compromise her personal style for a date? Isn’t the dude supposed to fall for you as you are, in my case, shoe fetish and all?
A lot of ladies adhere to the “jeans and a cute top” rule, but I have to say that I don’t think jeans are my best look. I’m a pretty curvy girl with a woman’s body (aka. Hips) so I like to dress like a woman in skirts, dresses and wide leg trousers if pants are called for. However, I run the risk of being over dressed (story of my life in casual cities like Vancouver and Calgary!) or looking too office appropriate.
So tell me ladies: What is your ideal date ensemble? Have a go to outfit that works for you? Should a gal change her style when looking for a man?Are jeans really the fail proof way to dress for a date? Are there certain things that should never be worn on a date? Please shed some light on the cold lonely world of date-friendly apparel.
Posted by: Navis | Nov 20, 2009 7:26:46 AM
Jeans are pretty versatile...are you going to any musicals on your dates? Highly recommend!
Posted by: mary | Nov 21, 2009 5:31:40 AM
I'm with you...I like fashion and my wardrobe usually is different from the other girls in the office.
The last few dates, I wore skirts (jean or corduroy) with tights and tall boots, a plain tight shirt with a scarf and earings.
My view is; dressing up is fun and he should like you for how you are.
Posted by: rita | Nov 21, 2009 10:05:10 AM
definitley go for a cute skirt. it should be what your comfortable with. plus skirts are moe feminine and guys like that. you have to wear something yoir confident in and so that ur not always second guessing urself. But dont go for a straight pencil skirt or somethin. go for somehting fun with design and thats really flirty
Good luck!!
Posted by: Frankie | Nov 21, 2009 6:08:26 PM
Megs, mega prob that I fully get- I rarely rock the jeans cute top como especially when there's sooo much of what I wear is based on expression, creativity and feeling comfortable in my own cloths. And yes, van city & boys are rather laid back. Recently, I've been mixing wideleg tailored pants (of any kind) with really casual tanks, graphic t's, or 70's vintage lil boy shirts which still leaves me with enough room to do what I do: "style and express" without the "overdressed"
Btw miss ur face!! Love love!!!
Posted by: Donna | Nov 21, 2009 9:24:24 PM
As for should you dress differently for a first date - absolutely! It's like being in a job interview - first impressions count. If they feel you are too 'over the top', they'll feel you are high maintenance, even if you aren't. As for liking you as you are, they can't do that until they know WHO you are, so give them a chance.