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DebbieS
What should I wear on a first and second date?
posted 12/03/2008, 12:55AM new!
I'm 52 (but look younger) and am re-entering the dating world since my divorce. What should I wear on a first and second date?

responses (15)

Sherrie Mathieson said to DebbieS 12/03/2008, 12:55AM new!
I wish I had the benefit of your photo or knowing more about you . Besides your age, these are really equally important factors in dressing well. Physically and as personalities--we are all unique-and I think we should celebrate and appreciate that--especially as you approach a fresh start.

I might assume you look like you are in your forties, and that may be because you are, and look fit --and have taken care of your skin.

Still there are some basics I would advise.

1. Dress simply and modern-- definitely feminine---and appropriate for where you will be going (a movie or is it a high-end restaurant?).

2. Avoid being too overtly seductive (very tempting for many women when it comes to pleasing men), gaudy with excessive bling.

Choose well fitting, quality clothes that are not too tight or too loose, not revealing too much cleavage, too short or too (frumpy) long a hem on a dress or skirt, etc.

It's so important to remember --- yes, you want to look attractive-- but not overly eager and insecure. Your outfit should assure the focus is on you as a person.

3. Wear clothes that highlight your strengths and detract from your less attractive physical attributes (i.e. some women look great in a knee length skirt--but some look better in slacks or jeans).

4. Wear jewelry selectively---less is more.

5. Be comfortable and confidant in the outfits you choose. First dates should focus on rapport and mutual conversation -- clothes are always meant as a second language that supports the message you want to give.

Best,
Sherrie Mathieson (www.sherriemathieson.com)
Sandy Dumont said to DebbieS 12/03/2008, 12:55AM new!

Hi Debbie,

Sherrie makes many good points.  Clothes support the message, but remember they also send a message that can enhance or detract from who you actually are, and what you're actually saying.

It also depends on your age, lifestyle, profession, and city of residence.  But you always want to look polished and classy, as long as it's also appropriate for the occasion.  A pantsuit looks wonderful for dinner and a show.  Remember that you want to dress true to who you are, but dressing well is also a sign of respect to those around you.

Choose vibrant colors like royal blue, true or ruby red, or magenta to wear close to your face.  They will make your skin glow and give you a youthful look.  Be sure to put the focus on your face, though, by wearing a red/orchid/plum lipstick - whichever best flatters you, and bold earrings.  Silver earrings tend to look better than gold, as gold can overpower the face.

Avoid provocative clothing - you want your date to focus on your conversation after all!  But most of all, have fun, enjoy this new adventure, and remember that the way you dress announces the way you feel about yourself.  Others will see that and treat you accordingly!

Enjoy!
Sandy Dumont
THE Image Architect
www.theimagearchitect.com

Melinda Giordano said to DebbieS 12/03/2008, 12:55AM new!

A first date can be a fearsome endeavour.  Confidence is such a crucial element on a first date - or any date - or just in general. 

Do you have something in your wardrobe that flatters you-that makes you feel good about yourself?  The cut, the color, the decoration?  Is there something that you put on whenever you want to look unique/special?  When you're on the dating market, remember that you are competing with a myriad of other ladies - if you have something that sets you apart, then for goodness' sake WEAR IT. 

What I do, is wear an outfit that is pretty basic, or mildly retro, and then amp it up with jewelry, scarves or patterned hose, etc.  Light up the basics, if you like. 

However.  As the answers before me have said, you do not need to do anything excessive, or foolish.  Heels that are stylish but too high to walk in; blouses so low cut you can't lean over for a second helping of BBQ (or whatever) will make you uncomfortable, to say the least.

In many ways a first date is like a job interview.  You want to wear something that puts you at ease, but will set you apart.  On the other hand you don't want to wear anything dour, (who knows, your date might have the attention span of a lemming) or too tight/short. 

Amazingly, dates are actually supposed to be fun.  And what could be more fun than going out and Knowing that you look fabulous, and beating the ladies at their own game?

The Makeover Guy said to DebbieS 12/03/2008, 12:55AM new!

I say a good bra for when you're approaching and a good shaper for when you're walking away.  :)

The Makeover Guy said to DebbieS 12/03/2008, 12:55AM new!
I might add to get in line for the book:
How to Date Like a Grown-Up: Everything You Need to Know to Get Out There, Get Lucky, or Even Get Married in Your 40s, 50s, and Beyond by Lisa Daily. I've read it and it's very insightful and hilariously entertaining!






Lois Joy Johnson said to DebbieS 12/03/2008, 12:55AM new!

 WOW First date huh ? As I'm on my third husband with a major dating history, I am qualified to answer this ! Date 1 He is still auditioning so cover up but show your shape in a fitted little dress ( anything from a little Milly or Rebecca Taylor number to Banana Republic;and heels.You want to look modern and take control. Date 2 ( if he makes it this far ) wear skinny jeans and a silky draped top, and boots or heels. By date 3 you can lose the heels and add a V neck cashmere.

LindaR said to DebbieS 12/03/2008, 12:55AM new!

I thought Sherrie made some excellent points. For me, it all boils down to her #5 point: be comfortable and confident. If you look in the mirror and don't see your authentic self...change your clothes. And have fun.

Rita@Goldivas said to DebbieS 12/03/2008, 12:55AM new!

All good answers above - be sure whatever you wear is appropriate for the occasion, don't be a frump, but avoid the excessive, "trying too hard" syndrome.

Julia Wolf Mazow said to DebbieS 12/03/2008, 12:55AM new!

Oh gosh. Reading these responses made me feel that I am not in the dating game, as I have been married FOREVER. But--if I were, I too would vote for comfort above all. And if the guy can't handle that, too bad for him.

alaskangal said to DebbieS 12/03/2008, 12:55AM new!

Wow! so many good suggestions. I will be entering the dating scene this summer. I think that I look older than what I am, currently terribly out of shape, (working on it though), and scared whitless. I never really dated, (past history) so I don't have a clue of where to begin. After 7yrs I'm going to give it a whirl. Thanks for all the great advice. I will go shopping for a nice little black dress and patterened nylons. A good bra, and a shaper for the rearend! Plus keep up the new workout routines (including the Kegals).

JoJami said to DebbieS 12/03/2008, 12:55AM new!

 

Good luck. We think that you need to dress to acctract the qualitities that you are searching for in a man, and dress to your highest standards. Are you a neat and fun person? Than your clothes should reflect that! If you are more creative? Make sure your not hiding the real you under a safe and boring outfit!

If you want actual current outfit solutions, you might want to check out fashion some over 40 fashion sites, like:

www.fashionforrealwoman.com or www.fabulousafter40.com

 

More magazine is also an excellent source of inspiration!

Donnagirl said to JoJami 12/03/2008, 12:55AM new!

I am delighted that a publisher finally came out with a magazine geared toward mature women. Though most fashion is fun, a lot of it is geared to the younger set.

Donnagirl said to DebbieS 12/03/2008, 12:55AM new!

I'm 51, and what seems to work best for me at least, is what I like to refer to as casual chiche. An example would be be a skirt or pant that fits well, but not too tight; it would look nice with semi-tailored tops/jackets and a piece or two of quality costume jewelry or the real stuff. I'm a big believer in aging gracefully. :-)

sue22655 said to DebbieS 12/03/2008, 12:55AM new!

I wish I had an answer for you. I recently went on a lunch date and the man showed up in a running suit. Another date had him show up sloppy. Third date, the guy showed up in shorts and a t-shirt. I was in a nice blouse and dress jeans and felt over-dressed to all three dates.

sue22655 said to sue22655 12/03/2008, 12:55AM new!

Since I can't delete my comment, I think I should amend. All three of these dates were with 3 different men (the post reads like I went out with the same man 3 times), all over age 50 (first 60, second 60, third 52). None of them felt the need to be presentable themselves is my point. I wore a nice blouse -- not too tight, not to low cut and dress jeans, hair and makeup done, nice jewelry. My last 6 dates were all similar. The men show up dressed for I don't know what and I'm feeling overdressed (one met me after work and I was in a dress and he was in jeans and a t-shirt).

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