First dates can be stressful because both people want to make a good first impression. What you wear on a first date can influence what the other person thinks when they first lock eyes with you. Thus, it’s common to spend hours trying on different outfits before settling on the perfect first-date look.
Choosing a first-date outfit doesn’t have to be stressful. If you can narrow down your options to certain colors and styles, it might make the decision easier. So, what colors work best for a first date? Should the type of date influence your decision?
Best Colors to Wear on a First Date
Below are nine colors that can make great choices for a first date. The color you settle on depends on which one you feel most confident and comfortable in. In general, solid-colored outfits are perceived more positively than patterns because they’re easier on the eyes.
Black
When in doubt, black is an excellent color to go with, whether you’re dressing masculine or feminine. Black is a classy color that goes with just about anything, so it’s an ideal color to select for a fancy dinner date. People who wear black often come across as sexy, smart, and self-confident, which are qualities that most people want to present when they’re meeting a potential partner. A 2018 study concluded that black is the most popular first date color for people of all genders and sexualities.
Red
Red is a close second to black when it comes to first dates. People are more likely to choose red over black if they want to draw attention to themselves. Red is a more common choice for women, but men can wear red too, such as a red tie. Men tend to be drawn to women wearing red, and they may also be willing to spend more money if their date is wearing red. However, most men are unaware of this attraction to red outfits. Red is the color of passion, after all.
White
White is another versatile color that goes with just about anything. It’s perfect for a date on a warm summer day, especially if you’re looking for something peaceful and charming. People often associate white outfits with someone clean and pure. However, some people could view a white outfit as cowardly or distant, especially if the date is laidback or in a cold environment.
Blue
Blue is the most popular color in the world, so it makes sense that people would wear it for every occasion. It’s a sign of trust and loyalty, so wearing blue is a great way to build a connection on a first date. People who wear blue outfits can also be perceived as intelligent. Blue is more common in male clothing, but there are plenty of women who will also choose blue clothes. Wearing blue is a great way to let your date know that you’re interested in getting to know them better.
Pink
Pink is a beautiful color that’s common for women to wear on a first date. It’s seen as feminine and sweet, so it’s a great way to appear attractive to your date. Plus, pink is a color that symbolizes love and compassion, so what better color to wear on a romantic date?
Purple
Purple is a great color to wear if you’re going somewhere fancy. While purple is often associated with royalty and luxury, a purple first date outfit is often correlated with someone romantic but shy. Purple helps a person stand out and get noticed by their date without drawing all the attention in a room toward them.
Gray
A gray outfit doesn’t say much about your personality, but it’s a good choice because it’s simple and goes with anything. It can be an appealing first-date color for both males and females because it comes across as neutral and practical.
Yellow
Looking at the color yellow tends to lift people’s spirits, so it’s a great way to put your date in a happy mood. People who choose a yellow outfit for a date are often seen as cute and gentle, so it’s a good first impression in most scenarios.
Green
Any shade of green can signify health, luck, and vitality, so adding green to your outfit can be a great way to ensure that a date will go well. People who wear green may be perceived as kind and youthful. Plus, green is more noticeable than neutral colors but not quite as vibrant as red or yellow.
Worst Colors to Wear on a First Date
Any color can work well for a first date if you feel confident in it, but there are a few colors that most people avoid. Many people choose to avoid orange and brown outfits on a first date because other people tend to associate those outfit colors with negative things.
First of all, orange is a color that usually stands out too much. You need to be very confident in an orange outfit to pull it off. However, some people think orange clothes are too attention-seeking. Most people associate orange with the outfits of construction workers, which signify caution. You probably don’t want your date to feel overly cautious around you when you first meet.
Brown has the opposite effects of orange. On clothing, it doesn’t stand out much or leave much of an impression. People who wear brown on a first date may come across as boring or too serious. Plus, neither brown nor orange makes people think of sexiness or intelligence.
Tips for Choosing a First Date Outfit
Choosing a first date outfit is a different process than choosing an outfit for an interview or a casual game night. A first date is an opportunity to introduce yourself to someone who could potentially be really close to you in the future. So, you’ll need to impress them in different ways than you would with new co-workers or friends.
Consider the Location
Where your first date is can have a big impact on the style of your outfit. If you’re going to a sit-down restaurant, you’ll probably want to dress up a little, but if you have an active activity planned, choose something that’ll be comfortable and practical for that situation. Once you narrow down the type of clothes, then it may be easier to choose colors.
Consider Your Intentions
Your outfit may tell your date a little about your intentions. If you’re only looking for something casual, you may go for an outfit that’s considered sexy, whether it’s tight, has bold colors, or shows lots of skin. If you’re looking for a long-term relationship, choosing something less flashy may give that impression. However, an outfit alone doesn’t determine your intentions, so be sure to have a conversation about it if you haven’t already.
Wear Something You Feel Confident In
Most people feel nervous on a first date, so it’s good to find ways to boost your confidence. When you look good, it’s easier to feel good too, so wear something that helps you look your best. Some people are most comfortable in a dressy outfit that stands out while other people feel confident in their casual clothes. It all depends on what look you feel best in.
Also Choose Something Comfortable
No matter the occasion, you should always feel comfortable. If your outfit is itchy or doesn’t fit in the right places, you may squirm or mess with your outfit too much. Those actions could come across as signs that you’re bored or not enjoying the date. If you’re worried your outfit might be too cold or too hot, dress in layers so you can adjust as needed. That way, you can focus your attention on the other person instead of what you’re wearing.
Many people spend time trying to choose a trendy, over-the-top outfit, but that may actually turn people away. While some people might be flattered that you spent a lot of time putting together a nice outfit, many people favor outfits that look effortless.
Let Your Outfit Showcase Your Personality
A first date might seem like the perfect opportunity to get as dressed up as possible, but that doesn’t work well for everyone. Of course, you’ll want to look nice, but you also won’t want to stray too far away from your natural personality. For example, if you don’t normally wear fancy dresses or tons of makeup, there’s no need to do so on a first date. A casual dress and a little makeup can be a good compromise in a situation like that.
After all, you and your date are trying to get to know each other better, so how can someone get to know you if you’re acting and dressing completely different than usual? Choose an outfit and color that reflects your everyday personality so you can let your true self shine through. It might sound cheesy, but if a person doesn’t like you for yourself and the colors you choose, then they probably weren’t the right fit to begin with.
Just Be Yourself!
It’s easy to get overwhelmed and overthink things before a first date, but take a deep breath. The color you wear can have an impact on what your date thinks, but it’s rarely a dealbreaker. So, consider what your outfit could say about you before choosing it, but don’t compromise your regular style and personality in the process. The best way to tackle a first date is to be yourself so it’s easier to decide if you and your date are compatible or not.
