Dress to Impress!... OMG, What should I wear?

The first date is an exciting time, especially if you've been out of the dating scene for awhile. After the initial excitement of being asked out on a date, the first thing she will think is, 'What on earth will I wear?' What do men like to see women wear when they're first getting acquainted and what would be a right outfit choice?

You've been talking and getting to know each other online for awhile and you've both decided it's time to meet in person. He's taken the plunge and asked you out on a date. The brief flutter of butterflies in your stomach has now turned to panic as you frantically start to think about what you're going to wear to amaze him. It doesn't really have to be difficult. Here are some quick tips on how to play it safe and look good without stressing out.

Keep it simple

Most men aren't impressed by loud and showy outfits. Don't wear anything too colorful or anything with an extremely bold print. You want him to remember your personality and how good you looked, not how vibrant your dress was. By all means, wear one bold color, but team it with another monotone color, such as black, gray or white. Additionally, don't wear too much 'statement' jewelry, particularly large earrings. He will be looking at your face the majority of the date. You don't want him distracted, staring at your glittery, oversized earrings instead.

Don't show too much

What you wear says a lot about you and first impressions do count. If you meet your date wearing a mini-skirt and a very low-cut top, will you leave the impression that you intended to? Think carefully about how much skin you are showing. If you want to wear a low cut top or blouse.. great. Pair it with trousers or a skirt worn with dark colored pantyhose. Alternatively, if you want to show-off your legs, make sure that your top or the upper section of your dress covers your cleavage sufficiently. Your date will admire you for looking like a woman with class rather than floozy.

Wear clothes that fit your body

Before you leave for your date, rehearse sitting down and standing up. Can you do this with ease and still look elegant? There's a temptation to buy clothes in a smaller size and convince yourself that you will lose a little weight before the date and you'll look the best you've ever looked. Before you know, date night has arrived and you're struggling to get into that figure-hugging shift dress. Buy clothes in your regular size. Make sure that they fit around your hips and behind with sufficient room to sit down and stand up again without straining the fabric too much. You want to be able to relax on your date and not worry about whether the seams of your dress will burst open at any minute.

Don't spend too much

When choosing an outfit to wear, always keep in mind that this is just one date. It may be a terrific date... or it may be the worst date you've ever had. You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to impress him. He probably won't have a clue how much your skirt cost or where you bought it from. And he's never seen you in any of your other outfits. If you don't break the bank to buy your outfit, you'll have money to spend on your next one, and you'll probably feel more comfortable knowing that you don't have to worry about taking extra care not to damage your outfit.

Don't be too fashionable

If you're a fashionable woman, chances are that you enjoy reading the monthly fashion magazines to keep up-to-date with the latest trends. Unfortunately, not all of the 'must have' pieces that you see translate well into date situations. Your date will appreciate garments that skim your curves and show-off your body. Stick to classic shapes and colors. Overly structured garments can be seen as too masculine and very loose or overly layered items can mask the shape of your body. Don't let a high fashion outfit be a barrier to your date feeling comfortable and being able to relax and get to know you.

When choosing an outfit to wear on a first date, remember that your choice won't necessarily make or break your date night. However, a carefully chosen combination of clothing and accessories can give an incredible first impression and will leave his eyes firmly fixed on you the whole evening.

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Leave a comment below if you agree, or disagree, or if you've ever been 'put off' by what someone wore on your first date with them.