The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Ask BB: What to Wear on a First Date


After getting out of a 3+ year abusive relationship a few months ago—and after lots of therapy—I am finally ready to get back on the horse and try dating again. However, I realized I need some cute outfit ideas from YOU! What do you wear on a first date? For example, drinks and dinner, [or] out to a movie/park? —S

First of all, I'm honored you would ask for my help. It sounds like you've been through a lot and you're ready to move on, and I sincerely applaud you for your courage and strength. When it comes to first date outfits, my advice would be to wear what makes you feel comfortable, beautiful and confident. Everyone wants to make a good impression on a first date, but it's important to just stay true to yourself. Keep it classy and don't forget to wear your best accessory: A smile!

OK, now that I got the motivational speech out of the way, here are three outfit ideas to help you get started—click on any image for details!

OPTION 1: FLARE-LEG JEANS + FEMININE TOP + WEDGE HEELS
Guys love a girl in jeans, and flare leg jeans in a dark wash are flattering on just about every figure. Add a feminine top in a yummy color and some gold jewelry for a look that's alluring and approachable.


OPTION 2: WHITE SHIRT + BLACK SKIRT + PEEP-TOE PUMPS
Another classic that's totally tailored but undeniably sexy is the white button front shirt. Pair it with a black skirt and ladylike heels for a look that will grab his attention in a not-so-obvious way.


OPTION 3: DRESS + BLAZER + FLATS
Add more coverage to a dress with a playful (not business-like) blazer and cute flats. If the date goes great, you can always remove the blazer to show some shoulder.

What do YOU think makes a great first date outfit?

Comments
I love option one for a casual day out but I don't know if I could stray away from my skinny jeans just yet! Cute outfits!

Have fun on your first date :-)
#1 Amanda on 2010-05-12 18:18 (Reply)
I like option 1 but I think 2 and 3 look like you just got out of work. For a first date I like to be very feminine. I would wear jeans with a romantic top - floral, red, blue, green, depends on your eye color - or a dress.
#2 clarissa on 2010-05-12 20:40 (Reply)
I like the 3rd outfit =D because I think that it's something that will make you feel confident and gorgeous but will make you feel comfortable too, i think this outfit is perfect for a dinner date =D
#3 Discount Printing Service (Homepage) on 2010-05-12 21:59 (Reply)
I love option one....sexy, fashionable and sassy!! A bit of a stray from "the conservative" first date look.
#4 The Beso Team (Homepage) on 2010-05-13 00:27 (Reply)
i agree that option two looks too "i just left the office" but cute if you're a bit older.

my go-to is def skinny jeans, feminine top, jacket/blazer/cardigan and heels unless it's going to be a really nice place in which nothing beats a dress. i try to stay in the middle ground with that though, esp on a first date.. not too sexy cuz it screams i'm desperate and not too cutesy cuz c'mon, you still want to look hot! good luck!!
#5 vicki on 2010-05-13 08:36 (Reply)
I think its amazing how everyone on this site is so supportive! I'd like to add on and say have an awesome time on all the dates you go on! I'm sorry to hear about your experience, but we're all here to cheer you on!! :-)
#6 Erica on 2010-05-13 08:59 (Reply)
You go girl ! Glad to hear that the past is just that, the past!
I really love option #1..relaxing, fashionable and confident.
Great picks BB
#7 sohoaccessories (Homepage) on 2010-05-13 09:23 (Reply)
For a first day unless its at a really fancy place i'm a dark wash jeans, flirty colorful top, and heels type of girl. The second date is where I pull out a dress or a skirt.
#8 Jessica (Homepage) on 2010-05-13 09:30 (Reply)
I like option 3 a lot. I think wearing a feminine piece paired with a more masculine piece is perfect--not too girly. Actually I got that idea from glamour.com which (fittingly enough) featured spring date outfits. This should be helpful on your first date! :-)

http://www.glamour.com/fashion/2010/04/14-cute-spring-date-outfits#slide=1
#9 Mindy on 2010-05-13 11:27 (Reply)
Thank you all...my date went well and I wore an outfit similar to number 2 for drinks in dt orlando. We have another date for later this week! Thanks to everyone for their support...-S
#10 -S on 2010-05-17 10:20 (Reply)
Leave a comment
E-Mail addresses will not be displayed.
Enclosing asterisks marks text as bold (*word*), underscore are made via _word_.
Standard emoticons like :-) and ;-) are converted to images.
E-Mail addresses will not be displayed and will only be used for E-Mail notifications.