First Date Dilemmas

First dates are probably one of the most nerve wracking things you’ll ever go through. They rank just as important as an interview and to be honest that’s basically what they are. It has been said that a good relationship is worth the equivalent of a sixty grand a year job but instead of being able to send in a CV or witter on about things you did for past partners that you’re proud of and give them a reference contact you’re going to have to get through the first round on first impressions, witty banter, eye contact and a great dress sense. Whilst the first three are mostly down to you, the latter can be helped with some careful guidelines. The trick is to look like you but better and wear something that invites a well-rounded audience not just a niche market. However, if the guy or girl you want to date is a pretty niche market themselves, we’re talking gothic, very high fashion, surfer etc. then obviously they probably picked you for a date on the basis that you are already similar to them, in which case niche yourself out!

A general rule for everyone else not dating a niche market is to go smart casual so smarter than you would to meet your friends at your local café or pub but not as dressed up as you would go for a night out or formal enough for work, unless of course the date venue allows for that i.e. a ball.

A tip for girls is not to blatantly show legs or cleavage on the first date. Now we’re not saying go in a ski suit here but we are saying either pick one or the other and don’t go for anything ridiculously plunging or terrifyingly short. You don’t want to be self-consciously pulling at your clothes all night, getting cold or worrying if he’s taking what you’re saying seriously or just eyeing up the goods whilst pretending to listen.  Unfortunately men have a natural need to look at your assets and are not too skilled in the listening department so don’t make it harder for him.

A tip for guys is- go smart! I know we said don’t go overboard but girls love it if you’ve made a real effort and a t-shirt and jeans just doesn’t say ‘I bought this top just for tonight and I spent half an hour picking the right jeans to go with it’. Don’t go for a suit but do go for a casual shirt and dark denim jeans that aren’t frayed at the bottom with clean shoes. And remember, the best accessory is a smile ?