*Collaborative post.

Dating is definitely fun, but it can also be a bit nerve-racking, especially when it’s the first one. With your hectic life, simply determining a good time to make it happen can be a chore, and with the craziness of the past two years, this could very well be the first time you’re going on an actual date in quite some time.

It could also mean that you’re not really sure what to wear for it. Or, perhaps it’s that other than a new trendy coat, it has been quite a while since you’ve added anything fashionable to your wardrobe.

Either way, even if you just want to see a few ideas for something new to wear on a second or third date, I wanted to put this list of tips to try and help you out.

1. Go for Practicality & Comfort

Even if you use Elizabeth Taylor as a beauty muse, you look absolutely stunning, and you’re otherwise having a good time, when you neglect to dress properly, it’s all too easy to inadvertently send nonverbal signals that your date totally misinterprets.

While you’re just keeping your arms crossed in an attempt to stay warm because you forgot your coat, they may take it as a sign that you’re unhappy. Holding your purse over your stomach because your favourite dress magically “shrunk” and is unexpectedly tight and uncomfortable could lead them to believe that you’re ready to end the date.

On the other hand, wearing a really comfortable pair of wide leg jeans or another well-fitting practical outfit allows you to give your date your undivided attention. Instead of thinking about how your pants are cutting off the circulation to your legs or that your shoes are rubbing blisters on your feet, you can focus on engaging in conversation with the person across the table.

Take the time to plan out your outfit to ensure practicality and comfort so that the date isn’t doomed before it even starts.

2. The Colour of Your Outfit

While those green earrings might look great wherever your date night takes you, your lime green sweater might be a little too loud for the occasion. When it comes to a first date, you really can’t go wrong with red and black.

In fact, a 2018 study found that regardless of gender or sexual preference, black is the most popular color to wear for a first date.

Similarly, in 2008, two psychologists at the University of Rochester completed five psychological experiments that revealed that the “color red makes men feel more amorous toward women.” It also goes on to say that generally, men are willing to spend more if their date is wearing red.

So, maybe instead of spraying expensive perfume to attract your date, wearing red or black will attract them. There are many ways that you can pair these two colors for a wonderful look.

Seriously though, when it comes to a first date, as long as you avoid using an 80s amount of hairspray or don’t slather on enough makeup for three people, you’re virtually assured that you can’t go wrong with black and red outfit combinations.

Everyone says, “be yourself” when it comes to dating and that is indeed great advice. However, if you want to make a good first impression, being yourself doesn’t mean that you should just wear whatever you grab out of the bottom of the closet.

Use the above tips for your next first date and help ensure that the only thing you have to overcome is a small case of butterflies.