Have you ever agonized over what to wear, how to do your hair, and what to talk about before a big first date? Who hasn’t!
We’ve all been there – stomach in knots as we get ready, racks our brains trying to anticipate everything that could go wrong.
Our inner critic starts listing our flaws and imagining our date being totally underwhelmed and unimpressed. Not exactly a confidence boost!
The truth is, first dates are nerve-wracking for everyone. Even the most outgoing, experienced daters feel the pressure to get everything just right and make a stellar first impression.
It’s only natural when meeting someone new we potentially like and want to impress.
But here’s a secret: the key to nailing that first date and wowing your partner isn’t being perfectly put together or impressing them with witty banter and clever jokes.
It’s about staying true to who you are, relaxing, and focusing on having an enjoyable time getting to know each other.
No need to beat yourself up or let your insecurities sabotage you ahead of time! With the right mindset and preparation, you can feel cool, calm, and confident going into that first date and make a memorable impression just by being your genuine self.
In this post, I’ll go over some simple tips to help you look and feel your best, have engaging conversations, and leave your date excited to see you again soon…
Pick the Perfect Outfit
Dress to Impress
What you wear on a first date says a lot about you. Pick out an outfit that is flattering, fashionable, and makes you feel confident.
For a daytime first date, like meeting for coffee or lunch, opt for casual clothes in solid colors or simple patterns. A nice blouse with dark jeans or a casual sundress are great options. Make sure clothes are pressed and lint-free.
At night, you can get a bit dressier with a cocktail dress or skirt and blouse combo. Avoid anything too revealing or formal for a first date. Go for flattering colors like blue, green, black, or red.
Bring a jacket or cardigan in case it gets chilly. Don’t forget accessories! A pair of cute earrings, watch, or necklace can tie your look together.
Focus on Fit
Wear properly fitted clothes in styles that accentuate your best features. Avoid anything too baggy or tight. Make sure tops, pants, and skirts fit smoothly without gaps or pinching.
Properly fitting foundation garments are a must! A supportive bra and smooth shapewear will help you look and feel amazing.
If wearing a skirt or dress, consider shorts or slim slip underneath to avoid wardrobe malfunctions in case of wind.
Pick the Right Shoes
Complete your outfit with shoes that are comfortable and complement your look. For daytime, ballet flats, loafers, or wedges are great options.
At night, try heels or boots with a slight platform to avoid sinking in the grass or dirt. Bring an extra pair of flats in your bag just in case your feet start to hurt.
Make sure to wear socks or stockings with closed toe shoes to avoid blisters. Break in new shoes before the date to be sure they won’t rub or pinch your feet.
Prep Your Hair and Makeup
Play Up Your Best Features
Use makeup to highlight your favorite facial features. To make eyes pop, use neutral eyeshadow, black mascara, and eyeliner on upper lids only.
For fuller looking lips, outline with liner and use a moisturizing lipstick or gloss in a rosy shade. Add a sweep of blush on the apples of cheeks for a fresh glow.
Use makeup that complements your skin tone. Ask for samples to test colors under natural light before buying cosmetics.
Style Your Hair
Make sure your hair is freshly washed and styled in a way that flatters your face shape. Try volumizing mousse for extra body and bounce.
For straight hair, run a smoothing serum or cream through the mid-lengths and ends to eliminate frizz and flyaways. Give curls definition by scrunching in leave-in conditioner.
Use styling products sparingly to avoid stiff, crunchy hair. Set your look with a light hold hairspray to control frizz and flyaways for hours.
Perfect Your Manicure
Even if hands won’t be the focal point, neat nails are a must. Trim and file nails to a flattering length and shape.
Apply a thin coat of strengthening base coat before using two coats of chip-resistant nail polish in a neutral or pink tone.
Finish with a fast-drying top coat for shine that can last over a week without chips or smudges. Bring the polish with you for quick touch ups.
Arrive Confident and Cool
Pump Yourself Up
Right before the date, spend 5-10 minutes doing things that make you feel relaxed and confident. Listen to upbeat pump-up songs and give yourself an affirming pep talk in the mirror.
Take a few deep breaths and visualize yourself laughing and having a great time on the date. Remind yourself that you are an amazing, datable woman!
Make Good Impressions
Arrive on time – being late is stressful for you and your date. Give yourself extra time to account for traffic or transportation delays.
Have good posture and smile as you approach your date. Make eye contact, give a hug if appropriate, and thank them for their time.
Compliment them sincerely on something like their outfit, hair, or smile when you first see them. This gets things started on a positive note!
Have Engaging Conversations
Ask Good Questions
Show interest by asking open-ended questions about their job, hobbies, background, opinions, goals, dreams, etc. Listen closely to their answers which give you clues for more questions.
Share about yourself in response to questions. Find common interests you can bond over and discuss more in depth.
Avoid controversial topics like politics, religion, or past relationships on early dates. Keep it light! There will be time for deeper talks if things progress.
Be Yourself
Let your personality shine through in the conversation. Share funny stories and laugh at yourself – it shows confidence.
Use humor when appropriate, but avoid telling off-color jokes, sarcasm, or teasing which may not land well when you’re just getting to know each other.
Stay positive. Don’t complain or criticize. If talk turns negative, politely change the subject.
Mind Your Manners
Remember common courtesy. Don’t talk with your mouth full, chew loudly, or pick at your teeth. Don’t swear. Say “please” and “thank you” to your date and servers.
Avoid checking your phone beyond a quick glance. Give your date your undivided attention. If you must take a call, excuse yourself politely.
Offer to pay or split the bill. If they pay, sincerely thank them. If you pay, don’t count it as earning you any privileges or favors in return.
End on a High Note
As the date wraps up, express what a nice time you had getting to know them. Compliment their conversation skills.
If you’re interested in seeing them again, say so and suggest planning another date soon. If you don’t feel a connection, let them know politely that it was nice meeting them.
Give a parting hug if you both seem comfortable with that. Follow up later with a text or call thanking them again for the enjoyable time.
Make a Memorable Impression
The most important thing is to stay positive and focus on having fun. Don’t worry about having the perfect date – just be your genuine self. With the right prep and confidence, you can rock that first date and make an awesome impression!
