What to Wear on a First Date in a Bar? 🤔 First Date Outfit Ideas

What to Wear on a First Date: Outfit Ideas for Every Type of Date Night

Going on a first date can be thrilling but also nerve-wracking. One of the biggest decisions is figuring out what to wear on a first date. Your date night outfit sets the tone and makes that critical first impression.

You want an outfit that makes you feel confident, reflects your personal style, and is appropriate for the date activity. Here are some tips and first date outfit ideas for different types of dates, from casual date to formal.

Key Things to Consider For a First Date Outfit

When deciding what to wear on a first date, keep these tips in mind:

Wear Something That Makes You Feel Confident and Like Your Best Self

The most important thing is picking an outfit that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and like your best self. If you don’t feel like yourself or keep fidgeting with your clothes, it will show. Opt for silhouettes, colors, patterns, and fabrics you know you rock.

Dress For the Date Activity

Your outfit should suit the date plans. A cocktail dress works for the theater; jeans and a nice top are great for mini golf. Don’t wear a ballgown to a coffee shop or clubwear to a museum.

Avoid Anything Too Revealing

Steer clear of outfits that are overly sexy, sheer, or show a lot of skin. You want to look classy and put-together, not like you’re trying too hard. Save the crop tops, high heels and mini skirts for date three or four.

Add Your Personal Flair

Incorporate pieces that express your personal style, whether it’s a great pair of earrings, a stylish handbag, or a colorful headband. Just don’t over-accessorize or your look becomes distracting.

Check the Weather

Dress appropriately for the weather and bring layers in case the temperature drops after sundown. Freezing or sweating profusely doesn't make for great date conversation.

First Date Outfit Ideas For Different Date Activities

Here are some first date outfit ideas tailored to different dates:

Casual Coffee or Lunch Date

For a relaxed daytime date like meeting for coffee or lunch, keep it casual but still put-together. Great options include:

• Jeans or casual trousers with a blouse, sweater, or nice top
• Sundress or casual midi dress
• Skirt and blouse or sweater
• Dark jeans with heels and a silky camisole

Bring a jacket or cardigan in case it gets chilly. Wear comfortable shoes like sandals, loafers, or white sneakers. And don’t forget your sunglasses!

Casual Dinner or Drinks Date

When going for casual dinner and drinks, step it up a notch with these first date ideas:

• Black jeans or leather pants with heels and a silky tank or wrap top
• Feminine midi dress with leather jacket
• Jumpsuit with heels
• Two piece crop top and midi skirt set

Have fun with your accessories like statement earrings and an eye-catching cocktail ring. Strappy heels or block heel booties complete the look.

Movie Date Outfit

For a movie date, aim for casual and comfortable so you can relax in your seat. Great options include:

• Jeans with a casual top or graphic tee and sneakers
• Romper or jumpsuit with flat sandals
• Leggings with an oversized sweater and booties
• Casual loose dress with white sneakers

Bring a jacket to stay cozy in the theater. Avoid noisy jewelry and shoes.

Bowling, Arcade, or Active Date Outfit

If your date involves activities like bowling, playing mini golf, going to an arcade, or even dancing, dress casual, cool, and comfortable:

• Jeans with a crop top, sneakers, and a bomber jacket
• Printed romper with casual flats
• Leggings with a loose graphic tee, denim jacket, and sneakers
• Short skirt or shorts with a bodysuit, cropped jacket, and flats

Focus on shoes you can move in and clothes that aren't restrictive. Don't forget your hair tie!

Cocktail Party or Cocktail Bar Date

If your date is a sophisticated cocktail party or swanky lounge, break out these first date outfit ideas:

• Cocktail dress or sleek jumpsuit with strappy heels
• Two piece skirt and sparkly top set with heels
• Faux leather leggings with a silky cami and moto jacket
• Sequined skirt with a bodysuit and booties

Have fun with glitzy jewelry and makeup. An updo and bold lip tie the look together.

Upscale Dinner Date Outfit

For a formal dinner at a fancy restaurant, you want to look polished and elegant. Great options include:

• Little black dress with stilettos
• Formal one shoulder or off the shoulder gown with heels
• Dressy two piece like a sequin skirt and satin bodice
• Jumpsuit with blazer and heels

Bring a dressy clutch rather than a big handbag. Keep accessories minimal and choose fine jewelry.

Seasonal Date Outfits

Tailor your first date outfit to the season:

• Spring: florals, short sleeves, midi skirts, wedges
• Summer: sundress, strappy sandals, shorts, cotton fabrics
• Fall: boots, jeans, jackets, sweaters, rich colors
• Winter: sweater dress, coat, gloves, tights, knee boots

Layer up and bring a coat or shawl to stay warm in cooler months. Opt for lighter fabrics in spring and summer.

Finish Off Your First Date Look

Pull together a flawless first date look from head to toe with these finishing touches:

• Hairstyle: Wear your hair in a way that makes you feel confident, whether that’s loose waves, a ponytail, braid, or sleek updo.
• Makeup: Apply makeup that enhances your best features. Focus on one bold focal point like eyes or lips.
• Nails: Get a fresh mani-pedi. Neutral, red, and pink polish shades are first date safe bets.
• Fragrance: Wear a signature scent but don’t overdo the perfume. Apply lightly to pulse points.
• Undergarments: Opt for undergarments that don't show lines and make you feel sexy underneath.
• Accessories: Choose accessories in metals and colors that coordinate with your outfit. Don't over-accessorize.
• Shoes: Pick height-enhancing heels or flats that complement your look and you can walk in comfortably.
• Coat: Have a coat, wrap, or jacket ready in case it gets cold. Choose one that works with your outfit.

With the right first date outfit, you'll look and feel amazing, ready to just focus on having a great time. The most important thing is finding an outfit that allows you to feel like the best version of yourself. So pick pieces that flatter your figure, reflect your style, and make you feel confident and comfortable.

What to Wear to a Bar on a First Date

Figuring out what to wear to a bar on a first date can seem daunting. You want an outfit that is both attractive and appropriate for a bar setting. Here are some tips on how to strike the perfect balance with your bar date outfit.

Dress Up...But Not Too Much

The key is to elevate your look beyond everyday casual wear but avoid overdressing. For women, stay away from formal dresses and opt for dark jeans, leather pants, a jumpsuit, or mini skirt paired with heels and a dressy top. Men can wear an Oxford shirt with nice jeans or trousers with dress shoes.

Pick Bar-Friendly Shoes

Skip the 4-inch stilettos or clunky platforms. Opt for lower heels, wedges, dressy flats, or leather boots. Make sure you'll be able to walk and stand comfortably. For men, wear well-fitting leather shoes or dress boots.

Add Stylish Layers

Bars can get quite warm. Bring a lightweight jacket or wrap you can take off. A moto jacket, wool coat, or trench adds polish. Men can layer with a sport coat or bomber jacket.

Get Your Accessories Right

Elevate your look with touches like cuff earrings, a cocktail ring, or pendant necklace. A watch and leather bracelet or bag add sophistication. Skip the big beach tote or backpack.

Style Your Hair and Makeup

Do your hair so it looks intentional and frames your face nicely. Apply makeup with emphasis on your best features. Lip color and defined eyes make a striking impact.

Pick the Right Colors

Stick to classic color combos that work in a bar's moody lighting. Black, white, red, metallics, and jewel tones all look fantastic and aren't distracting.

Be True to Yourself

Most importantly, wear something you feel amazing in. If you prefer dresses, rock one! Love sneakers? Wear your nicest pair. Dress in a way that lets your personality shine.

Your bar date outfit should be fashionable but not over-the-top. The goal is to look stylish and put-together, not like you just stepped off a runway. Focus on flattering pieces and textures you love that transition seamlessly from day to night. With the right outfit, you'll look chic and feel confident to have a fun bar date!

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More First Date Outfit Tips and Ideas

You scored a first date - amazing! Now comes the fun part: deciding what to wear. With these tips, you'll nail the perfect first date outfit.

Pick an Outfit That Makes You Feel Confident and Comfortable

Wear an outfit that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Whether that's a new dress, your favorite jeans, or a top you get compliments on, pick pieces that make you feel confident, not self-conscious.

Stay True to Your Personal Style

Don't completely change your style for a first date. Incorporate your typical fashion sense whether that's preppy, sporty, classic, trendy or edgy. You want your date to get to know the real you.

Consider the Location

Dress accordingly for a casual coffee date versus an upscale restaurant. You want to match the mood and formality of the date's setting and activity with your outfit.

Plan With the Weather in Mind

Check the forecast and dress accordingly. Bring layers to adjust for drops in temperature after sunset. Nothing kills the mood like freezing or sweating profusely!

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Heels to elevate your look are fine, just make sure you can walk and stand in them comfortably. Skip brand new shoes and opt for broken-in pairs.

Accessorize Thoughtfully

Keep accessories minimal. Pick one or two statement pieces like earrings or a necklace. Anything more than that competes for attention.

Check Your Outfit in Multiple Lightings

Make sure your outfit looks flattering under different lights. Bar and restaurant lighting can really change appearances.

Feel Sexy Underneath

Boost your confidence with lingerie or undergarments that make you feel sexy underneath it all. But avoid anything overly revealing or visible through your clothes.

The perfect first date outfit is different for everyone. The most important thing is that your look represents your personal style and makes you feel amazing from head to toe. Focus on pieces that play up your best assets and give you an extra boost of confidence.