Fashion

Science says: with this outfit your date is guaranteed to be a success

By Sophie Rietmulder | #!30Wed, 26 Apr 2023 14:00:06 +0200+02:000630#30Wed, 26 Apr 2023 14:00:06 +0200+02:00-2Europe\/Amsterdam3030Europe\/Amsterdam202330 26pm30pm-30Wed, 26 Apr 2023 14:00:06 +0200+02:002Europe\/Amsterdam3030Europe\/Amsterdam2023302023Wed, 26 Apr 2023 14:00:06 +0200002004pmWednesday=9#!30Wed, 26 Apr 2023 14:00:06 +0200+02:00Europe\/Amsterdam4#04-26-2023#!30Wed, 26 Apr 2023 14:00:06 +0200+02:000630#\/30Wed, 26 Apr 2023 14:00:06 +0200+02:00-2Europe\/Amsterdam3030Europe\/Amsterdam202330#!30Wed, 26 Apr 2023 14:00:06 +0200+02:00Europe\/Amsterdam4#

When I was single, I had to endure more first dates than I cared to. Those dates went all over the place. Some were a great success, others a debacle that my friends and I can still laugh about. What I encountered on those dates was always a surprise, but they all had one common theme: the complete outfit crisis that unfolded in the hours leading up to the date without exception. Now that I am in a relationship, those strange dates along with the weekly clothing crisis have left the building, but I did wonder if that outfit stress of a first date is something that could perhaps be avoided. That’s why I dove into the wonderful world of science that had a crystal clear answer to the age-old question: what should you wear for a successful first date?

Today is red
Let’s start with which colors you should wear on a first date. The answer will probably not surprise you: red. But why do you look best in this color? Experts explain: ‘Often the main goal on a date is to ensure that our partner feels attracted to us. Various studies show that red is the color to achieve that.’
If red is not your color, then according to science, you’d better go for black because this color is associated with confidence and dominance.

Confidence is key
Confidence is attractive, we all know that. If you want to feel sure of yourself on a first date, you should think about wearing high heels. The psychology behind this is super interesting. Even in presidential campaigns, the taller candidate is always more popular because we associate height with power and authority. By wearing heels, you can evoke this feeling in your date while simultaneously creating a boost in your confidence (if you can walk well in heels, otherwise you might want to skip this step to avoid a Bambi-on-ice moment).

Casual denim
Good news for denim lovers and fellow fans of the latest denim midi skirt trend. For a more casual outfit, you should think of a red top combined with your favorite denim item. Casual fabrics like denim are often associated with coziness, extroversion, and increased friendliness, so your favorite jeans, denim skirt, or denim jacket is perfect for coming across as warm and approachable on a casual date.

Exciting colors
If you’re going out for drinks, opt for a cheerful, exciting color like red, orange, or yellow. Having drinks with a new, potential love can be quite thrilling and exciting, so match that energy by embracing colors that stimulate sympathetic neurons in our autonomic nervous system. Sounds complicated, but it actually means that these colors increase our heart rate and give us an active and energetic feeling. With these colors in your outfit, you literally make your date's heart beat faster.

Out of your comfort zone
I know: having a first date with a complete stranger is already far enough out of your comfort zone. Still, wearing something eye-catching that doesn’t fit your usual style can bring an extra dimension that makes a first date just a bit more memorable. It can also help us showcase the uniqueness of our characters and keep the excitement going, especially during a long dinner date. No idea how to translate this psychology into your outfit? Unique jewelry or a striking bag are a good start.

Are you curious how to apply these tips on your next date? Our fashion editor Lilian looked it up for you.

Source: A fashion psychologist shares what to wear on a first date | Marie Claire UK