The First Impression: First Date Fashion
By Paul Livingston
So gentlemen: you’ve probably read through the other fabulous advice on this website on how to GET a date, and maybe even where to TAKE your newly acquired date. But au contraire, all that means nothing. If you don’t have the personal image to match the picture perfect date, then you better have one heck of a personality. Ok, relax, I’m kidding! A reality of life, and with the dating scene, is that many of us place an instant emphasis on the superficial, the first impression, as soon as we meet someone. And unless your date is a long-time friend, you, my male friends, are judged no differently. But don’t get me wrong. Say perhaps your new ‘friend-turned-lover’ is a little hesitant about taking the next romantic step, you need to be on your game: looking good and smelling right. Prove why you, the perfect friend, would make her the girl with the perfect BOYfriend. And if it’s a total stranger, one would only imagine you have even more to prove. But enough about first date theory, as I call it.
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This column is, and will be for the foreseeable future, about FASHION! What to wear, and when to wear it. It is only fitting that with the LoveinToronto ‘reno’, we use our debut to talk about the start of love, and the start of this website: Dating. With all things in life you must tailor your life to your circumstance: a good resume to match your job, lifestyle to match your finances, a partner to match your tastes. For us, we’re going to find an outfit to match your date. Not like wearing Prada loafers to go Golfing; or a trench coat to a Sunday picnic on the island. You get the idea… |
So I’ve created a mini checklist, or thought break-down if you will, that you can do while you stand confusingly in front of your closet.
Stop, sit, stare at that clothing and ask yourself:
Where are you going?
Again, Prada at Canada’s Wonderland, no!
What time of day is it/weather?
Flip-Flops at night or in the rain could mean dirty feet.
Is any physical activity involved?
Running in skinny or fitted jeans could prove to be a challenge.
Any removal of clothing…at all?
If you’re bowling, your socks better not have holes…embarrassing!
How long will I be out?
A simple, black night blazer is versatile and can be carried in your car or in your hand in case you end up at a restaurant or a cold night in the park.
So let’s start with the DON’Ts:
DO NOT over accessorize. If you like chains and all that jazz, and you’re doing something a little more ‘refined,’ you don’t want to have on more bling than she does.
DO NOT not shower. I don’t care if you did it in the morning; two-a-day keeps the smell away.
DO NOT wear graphic tees. A little class, please. Go solid colours or go home.
DO NOT wear a suit. Unless it’s a black-tie event, she doesn’t need to meet the “office” you just yet.
DO NOT wear the rainbow on your sleeve. Try minimal colour combinations. Classic black-white, blue-white, or if you want to get dangerous try: white-brown, brown-pink, or black-pink. Always keep the shoes to dark colours.
DO NOT (When possible) wear flip-flops or anything open-toed. For more casual or physical activities, consider a simple Puma or Nike-type running shoe or even Diesel casual footwear.
And then do everything else! Especially:
DO wear nice cologne. A light spray of John Paul Gautier or Calvin’s Obsession will do just fine. Nothing generic!
DO bring your wallet. We know you’re faking it if you ‘forgot.’ And that’s just trifling.
DO keep your phone on silent. Leave work and play at home, especially if you’re trying to give her your full attention.
DO tell her she looks nice as soon as you get the chance.
DO make sure you add your personal style. A small pin on the coat breast, nice watch, or scarf will do.
And just in case you’re wondering, most of these great ideas can be fulfilled through local retailers. I recommend H&M, Zara, and Club Monico. Avoid Old Navys, West 49s, or A&Fs. C’mon guys, it’s all very common sense: Know your audience, and know what you will be doing.
And ladies, don’t think I forgot about you! But because you’re a little more fashion forward (generally), I’ll take my time on that one!
Until next time, e-mail me with any questions or comments, I’d love to hear from you.