Do’s and don’ts for things to wear on that crucial first date:

Don’t wear anything too tight. You will end up fiddling with your outfit all night and won’t be able to eat anything which will only make you look nervous and uncomfortable.

Make sure your outfit fits properly. Nothing worse than your straps falling off all the time or your skirt riding up. Make sure you will feel comfortable and confident in your outfit no matter what you do.

Don’t wear a new pair of shoes unless you know you’re going from door to door. Nothing worse than someone hobbling uncomfortably behind unable to keep up.

Opt for a lower heel especially if it’s a blind date. You don’t want to tower over him or look a little unbalanced yourself.

Be yourself. When choosing an outfit to wear on a date, don’t make a huge departure from your normal style as this could create mixed messages – after all – if he doesn’t like it, best to find out now.

Less is more, go for colour, texture or pattern but not all 3 together. As much as you want to stand out, you don’t want to frighten him off.

If you’re not sure what you’re going to be doing, jeans with heels and pretty top / jacket is always a safe compromise.

Plan what you’re going to wear well before the day, to avoid any last minute panic stations.

Keep it subtle, too much cleavage or flesh on show won’t guarantee any long term commitments.

Don’t over do the accessories, it will only make you look like a Christmas tree or worse a gold digger – opt for 1 feature piece as a safe bet.

Dressing for your shape to impress but not making yourself uncomfortable :
Accentuate your best assets. So what if you’re not a size 8, extreme dieting before your big night out isn’t a good option. Use clothes to draw attention to the bits of your body you’re proud of. For example:-

Inverted Triangle
Wear deep v-necks or wide scooped necklines – avoid high necks
Avoid big bold patterns on your top half; also avoid heavy wool sweaters – fine knits are more flattering
Wrap dresses are really flattering because they accentuate your waist and separate your bust
Tailored jackets and coats without belts are the best choices
Hipster belts worn off centre help attract attention away from your chest.

Pear Shape
Balance the width of hips by playing up your shoulders – try wide slash-neck tops
Wear ¾ length or long jackets and coats that skim over your bottom or thighs – large lapels will draw attention to your upper half
Boot-cut or flared trousers create a more balanced silhouette
Low-rise trousers make your bottom and hips look smaller
A-line / bias cut skirts skim over wide hips
Wear a dark colour on your lower half
Wear eye-catching jewellery, eg earrings, necklaces or big brooches, to keep attention focussed on your upper body. Mikey and Accessorize have great collections.
Heels are a fantastic way to elongate the calves and slim the legs, avoid wearing flat shoes all the time.

Apple Shape
Make sure your bra is the correct size and gives you a defined silhouette
Break up your torso with deep V or wrap-around tops
Avoid busy patterns on your upper half, as well as polo neck sweaters
Wear tailored jackets and coats that nip in at the waist – but leave them undone. Always try the smaller size first as often it will hold its shape better when worn open.
Large chunky belts around the hips give the illusion of a waist and disguise a flabby tummy – look in Kew for some lovely examples
Please, please, please avoid thin straps and cap sleeves when choosing evening wear! Opt for ¾ length, fluted and long sleeves instead
Draw attention to your wrists by wearing pretty delicate bracelets

Rectangular
With no waist and small boobs, you need to create curves so avoid anything baggy or unfitted.
Fitted or tailored coats and jackets will flare over your hips and give the illusion of a waist
You can wear high-neck tops such as polo-necks. Wrap tops and deep v-neck tops are good if worn with a round-necked t-shirt underneath.
Padded, push up bra’s can increase chest size and improve proportion.
The key is to break up the body as much as possible, so avoid wearing one colour from top to toe.
High waisted trousers and pencil skirts will all help create definition around your waist.
Belts worn on the waist will help draw the eye towards your waist creating the illusion of curves.

Current fashion trends to avoid
Neon – You don’t want to light up the room like a beacon when you arrive, opt for a softer shade of bright as opposed to neon.
If you’re after the Smock style top, make sure to inject some shape and form into it otherwise you might look pregnant rather than perfect. Wear with a waisted belt or under a fitted cropped jacket and team with skinny jeans or leggings to tone down the volume a bit.
The Maxi dress – fabulous for the long term but a bit too hippy chic for the first date. Opt for something just below the knee instead.

Best fashion tip for a first date
Keep it simple and sophisticated. Nothing too leery or fussy that will make you feel uncomfortable or under or overdressed. Confidence is everything, so if nothing else pick your tried and tested pieces which you know pull the punches.

Personal First Date Disasters
I’ve certainly had many disasters but not many involving clothes. One that pops to mind is at a university ball when the guy I was on a hot date with offered to take a photo of me and my girlfriends. I had my arms around my friends smiling away, it was only after that I noticed my strapless dress was around my waist and my bra and boobs were on show for all to see. I don’t think we went out again after that. Hence my point about making sure your clothes are the perfect fit. I think I’d borrowed my dress from a friend.



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