January 27th 2010

Ready to Wear: The Date Edition

You met the cutie of your dreams and your prospective love is hot, funny, intelligent, and obviously has great taste because you were asked on a date. It puts you on cloud nine until you stand in front of your closet and can’t find a thing to wear. Ponder no more because whether your having a casual get together, a formal dinner date, or taking yourself out, here are some tips to make sure you are stunning while you're on the town.

The great thing about modern dating is that it can be very relaxed (e.g. a cup of coffee, a visit to an art gallery, or even a group excursion). So break out your favorite pair of jeans and make sure they complement your shape and are a modern wash and cut. Your personality can come out in the choice of top – whether you go funky, romantic, or preppy, you have some room to show a bit of style. Or, if you want to be foolproof, pick a black shirt or v-neck sweater and have fun with bold jewelry.

For shoes, take note of how far you are expecting to walk. Will you just be hopping out of a car to go inside a movie theater? If so, go for heels. Or is the possibility of walking around a park in your future? Then flats would be the perfect choice. The last thing you want to think about is your squished toes while you're coyly batting your eyelashes.

If your first time out is more formal, such as a trip to a trendy restaurant, it’s time to break out your LBD (little black dress). The great thing about the perfect black dress is that it morphs to fit almost every occasion, including your extra-special date. Keep it simple and stylish with small silver jewelry. Or, if you want to introduce an element of whimsy, match it with hot pink shoes or a chunky necklace. You will look appropriate, stylish, and will feel an extra boost of confidence.

It's a Matter of Balance

When I asked my guy friend, Sean, what a girl should wear on a first date he quickly responded, “A knee-length skirt, a simple sweater…..and stripper shoes.” Sigh….such a guy response. But, Sean unexpectedly stumbled on to something important about proportion. There is a fine line between looking flirty and fun and looking….well, like you should be dancing on a stage to Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me.” A tip to keep things in check is to pick an area that you want to show off – like your fabulous legs or your gorgeous shoulders – and then cover up the rest. If you are wearing a short skirt put on a long sleeved shirt. If you are wearing something that has a deep back, wear a pair of jeans. You will look balanced, give a hint of skin, and at the same time create an air of mystery. Sean got it right when he suggested covering up on top, then donning a knee-length skirt and high pumps (instead of stripper heels, Sean). The shoes will elongate the leg, and thus you will look proportional and sexy for your rendezvous.

Dating is always a bit of a gamble – on a first date you may end up with someone you want to be with for the rest of your life, or a loser that makes you want to run for the hills. The most important tip is to wear something that makes you happy. That way, if you need to ditch your date at least you can walk out the door feeling like a diva. If your partner is an amazing person you can focus all of your attention on the exquisite time you are having together and not worry one bit about what you are wearing.

Why just dress up for someone else? Don’t wait to go on a date to look and feel remarkable – it’s time to look great for you. If breezing through a bookstore gives you joy, or going shopping is thrilling, why not make it an occasion? Put on lipstick, break out the skirt that is in the back of your closet, add a simple shirt, and bravo – you are perfectly dressed for a date with you. There doesn’t have to be a formal reason for you to get all dolled up. The act of putting on something that makes you feel saucy is a sensual act and serves as a different way of engaging with your life.

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Kaarin Moore is the owner of Closet Caucus, a fashion consulting company located in Washington, DC. Her goal is to help clients express who they are through the medium of clothing. You can reach her at www.closetcaucus.com or on twitter (@closetcaucus).