Written by Ezrella Kho

Listen up, men! First impression is everything on a first date, and just as much as you are making judgements on how your date looks, so is she. You might not think much about your own style, but she sure as hell does. A little extra time and effort to dress up will certainly go a long way.

Here are some fashion Do’s and Don’t’s to score extra points and hopefully earn yourself those subsequent dates.

1. Dressing for the Occasion

One should always plan to dress appropriately according to the activity, and this applies especially on dates. Take wearing long-sleeves and jeans to an outdoor picnic date for example. Not only will you look out of place, you’ll also be sweating buckets! You should thus definitely plan the where’s and when’s of the date so that you can dress accordingly. (Tip: Someone who is able to make concrete plans and not always “go-with-the-flow” is bound to create a better first impression on their date.)

2. Casual wear — Mingling at the mall

In the event that both have decided a typical afternoon-hanging-out-at-the-mall date, a great idea would be to go for a mandarin-collared blouse or plaid shirt with rolled-up sleeves and pants that cut off at the ankles. Keep in mind that the colours should be kept neutral and clean to give off a smart look while still keeping casual.

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3. Semi-formal/ Formal wear — Dinner dates at dusk

Perhaps both have agreed on meeting at a more fancy eatery after work/ school. In this case, a denim jacket paired with jeans and sneakers or a collared blouse-trousers-dress shoes combination will work nicely. (throw on a blazer and a thin tie if you’re going somewhere extra fancy!). You can never go wrong with a classic denim jacket.

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4. Comfort is Key

For the first dates that are out of the ordinary, such as outdoor activities, concerts or even the amusement park, it would be wise to dress in an outfit that is more breathable and that allows for convenient movement. My take on these unusual first dates would be to don on a pair of berms with a basic tee and comfortable sports shoes to complete the outfit. This will allow you to remain stylish while being functional.

5. Ultimate Deal Breaker: T-shirt and Slippers

If you’ve ever worn a cartoon tee and flip flops to a first date, or any date at that, you ought to re-consider the decisions you’re making in your life. Making that mistake could be — no — definitely is, the biggest fashion faux pas any guy can make. What are you, 12? It’s time to get rid of your old childhood shirts and move on.

6. Accessorize to Mesmerize

You could also opt to accessorize with your favourite watch or a hat (fedoras, boat hats, caps, etc.), adding a perfect touch of your own personality into the mix and making the outfit more ‘you’.

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What other dressing Do’s and Don’t’s for first dates would you recommend?