I have been thrust back on to the singles market again. After five years of ...OK, not marital bliss but of being one half of a couple, I have been returned to the angst-making, stomach churning ordeal that is dressing for that all-important first date. It’s quite daunting to be back on the dating market again and I’m really not sure what to wear – can you help?
What is most attractive to the opposite sex: sense of humour, a fit body or a beautiful face? Well, none of these will matter if you make the wrong first impression. Like it or not, on a first date you'll be judged on what you're wearing, from your aftershave or perfume to your footwear. We all want to make a great first impression, but how do you know what outfit will bowl him over?
If you go for the dressed-to-kill option, you know you'll look amazing, but no one wants to be overdressed on a first date. On the other hand jeans and a T-shirt make you feel more girl-next-door and relaxed, but would your date just think that you hadn't made any effort?
Going on a date can bring on a love/hate situation when it comes to your closet. This is a social occasion that requires you to be both at your most attractive, yet also unthreatening, all without masking your personality. It's also vital that you look more stunning than you did when you first met your date. No pressure then.
This stressful set-up often prompts that age-old cry: "I haven't got a thing to wear!"
But don’t worry; when it comes to men they’re fairly easy to please. They don’t like anything too glittery or fussy but they DO love something feminine that shows off your figure. In fact, a recent survey showed that men find women more attractive when they wear jeans than when they are all glammed up - so finding a look should be relatively simple.
Keep it in mind that men hate flats, particularly ballet pumps, but they seem to be wary of wedges, too, so avoid them. Avoid anything super-trendy, or eighties, or gimmicky, and avoid too much jewellery and make-up. Men run a mile, too, from anything super smocky/shapeless/maternity-ish. They hate too much perfume, and if you have long hair, wear it down — they seem to like that.
Denims are always a safe bet because you will feel comfortable. There are so many styles on offer that you can't fail to find a pair of jeans to suit. Of course if jeans are not your thing, you can always try a simple skirt teamed with a pretty top.
For a flattering silhouette why not try A-line and pencil skirts that end just on or below the knee. They're elegant, but still sexy. The pencil skirt is a shape that flatters a woman. It holds everything in, doesn't add volume and gives a gorgeous hourglass shape.
I love that 50s silhouette because it's seductive but ladylike. My favourite way to wear it is to make a whole look out of it, kind of sexy secretary, with a fitted masculine shirt, good bra and some high heels or boots. It’s a flattering shape that works very well on curvier women.
Of course, I'm not dismissing miniskirts. You just need to balance the look. If you're wearing quite a little miniskirt, counteract it with a modest cardigan over a non-revealing top, tone down your makeup and keep your hair simple.
However you're built, be mindful of the rule that if you get your cleavage out, put your legs away and vice-versa. You’ll look better and feel more confident and comfortable, which will come across in your whole approach. Yeah, miniskirts can be sexy, but spending the evening tugging the pitiful thing down because you feel exposed is not.
