What I’d Wear on Our First Date

You’ve asked me this more than once. “What would you wear if we went out?”

I’ve thought about it. Probably too much. Here’s the whole look.

The plan

First, where are we going? That decides everything. So let’s say it’s the kind of first date I like best: an early dinner somewhere small and warm, then a walk, then maybe one drink somewhere with music.

Not a club. Not a place where we have to shout.

The dress

A slip dress. Midi length, so it hits below the knee. Silk, or something that moves like silk. The color is burnt orange, obviously, the shade right before the sun disappears.

Slip dresses are perfect for first dates because they look like effort without looking like a costume. They’re simple. They move when you walk. They say “I thought about tonight” without saying “I thought about tonight for six hours.”

The layer

An oversized blazer or a soft denim jacket over the top. It’s LA. It gets cool after sunset, even in summer. And a jacket over a slip dress makes the whole thing feel more relaxed, like I’m not trying too hard.

If you’re a gentleman, you’ll offer me your jacket later anyway. I’ll say no the first time.

The shoes

Low heels. Block heels, or a strappy sandal with a little lift. We’re going on a walk. I’m not going to limp through our first walk in stilettos.

The jewelry

Gold. Always gold. Small hoops, a thin chain, maybe one ring. Nothing that jingles when I move my hands, because I talk with my hands.

The hair

It depends on my mood. A silk press if I want to feel sleek. Loose curls if I want to feel soft. Either way, it’s done early enough that I’m not fussing with it at the table.

The scent

Something warm. Vanilla, amber, a little spice. Nothing that walks into the room before I do.

The bag

Small. Just big enough for my phone, lip gloss, and a card. First dates don’t need a whole purse.

What I want you to notice

Not the dress. Not the shoes.

I want you to notice that I showed up on time. That I asked you questions. That I laughed at your joke about the waiter.

And maybe that I wore orange for you.

If you’re planning a first date

Wear something you feel like yourself in. Clean shoes matter more than expensive shoes. A good fit matters more than a label. And smell good, but not so good it’s the only thing she remembers.

Now tell me: what would you wear?

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[question]What would you wear on a first date with me?[/question]

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