First dates are intimidating. You want to make a good impression, and, for better or worse, many first impressions are made on what you’re wearing. Your choice of outfit is also a huge indicator of your personality, and you want to express the right one. If they’re going to keep your dating history to one outing, you don’t want it to be because of something you wore. With more styles available than ever before, it’s hard to know what to wear and what looks good.

Plus, if you’ve been working from home for nearly two years, your wardrobe might consist of mostly sweatpants, which isn’t exactly first date material. We’ve assembled fool-proof tricks to create and elevate any first date look, helping you make a great first impression and secure a second date before the night is over.

It’s All About the Venue

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Consider dressing for a first date the way you would any other event. And what’s the first question you ask yourself when choosing an outfit – “where am I going?” Just as you wouldn’t wear a tuxedo to a farm or overalls to an opera house, don’t miss-dress for the first date venue. 

Where did you and your date decide to go? Supper at a local low-key restaurant, coffee, or a walk through a nearby park calls for casual wear. Something you feel confident and presentable in, but would feel uncomfortable wearing to a gala. There’s no need to over-dress. This isn’t a job interview, it’s a date. Wear something you feel relaxed in. 

If you and your date are attending something more formal or higher-brow, consider a dressier look. A friend’s wedding, tickets to an off-Broadway production, or reservations for two at a Michelin-star restaurant calls for upscale clothing to match the upscale vibes. Don’t wear the same outfit you wore to work that day, unless, of course, you work in a very formal environment or had an important meeting that day. Go for something sleek and smart that shows you can dress for any occasion.