Proverb: You don’t get a second chance to make a good
first impression, especially on a first date.
Now let’s talk about that. Most of us always remember our first
impression of people; Good or bad, it will stick in your mind. That
being said, now let’s talk about how you cannot screw up on your
appearance on that first date. You are ‘in’ and ‘on the dating scene,’
so your packaging is paramount. The packaging is what you put your body
into. Your clothes!!!
Maybe you call it wardrobe basics, or should I say a bare basic
wardrobe for anyone who is beyond their high school growth spurt. I
hope you are listening; I don’t care how gorgeous you are, or how buff
you are, you are trying to attract a soul mate, someone to bring home
to the family who you might want to spend the rest of your life with.
Get the picture?
The way you present yourself and how you look, yes, how you LOOK
is so important. You think it’s shallow, well tell me someone who can
SEE your terrific personality, and your good heart. You can’t, so let’s
go on to clothing basics.
Wardrobe Basics for Women
The "little BLACK Dress" is back. Actually it never left. I know
you have this picture in your mind of a simple sleeveless sheath dress.
That was good in the past and OK now, but get one with short or cap
sleeves. It should be about knee length (give or take a little). The
reason for the short sleeves is if your arms are thin, sleeveless is
NOT flattering, and if your arms are even an ounce more than perfect,
sleeveless makes them look fat. And no sane woman wants to look fat.
Now shoes: Every women should own a pair of low heeled plain
black leather pumps (no spike heels, "cause they’re sexy", we are
talking basic). If you don’t have a clue, ask your mother, if she
doesn’t know, chances are you should NOT take her to meet your
boyfriend’s family.
And yes, stockings, or pantyhose, preferably sheer, are a MUST.
Deal with it; it is called "window dressing" in some circles. The
well-dressed lady wears the proper hosiery.
Simple jewelry and /or a scarf will make this basic outfit into
the perfect "can’t go wrong date outfit."
If you wear open-toed shoes, always make sure you wear a nice
polish on your toenails. No weird colors; save weird for Halloween. If
you are a nail biter, invest in a manicure and maybe a set of acrylic
nails. Remember you are NOT still in middle school. Look like you care.
Keep your jewelry simple. No need to "bling bling" the guy you’ve just
met. And most importantly, you are never well dressed without a smile.
Wardrobe Basics for Men
The navy blue wool blazer, with gold buttons, single or double
breasted, is perfect for weddings, funerals, real estate closings, and
(especially) first dates. If it’s hot, like it is here in Phoenix, just
wear it long enough for her "to see you in it." You can take it off
after you get in the restaurant or to drive your car.
A pair of Khaki slacks in grey or light tan, goes with the
blazer. In fact, a really nice pair of "dress" jeans will do fine,
depending on the situation. Now, about the shirt, a simple button
collared polo shirt is OK. Ask for help picking out the color. I prefer
light pastel or white. Now about your shoes, clean and polished
loafers, they can be dressy or ‘penny loafers’, with OR without socks.
Also, a nice wrist watch is a necessary plus.
Sneakers are a no, no. Sorry!
Also, you need to have a haircut and a shave and if you have a
beard, make sure you shave your neck.
Cologne is nice, but not in place of a shower, and don’t drown
yourself in it.
And remember... you’re never fully dressed without a smile!
