It can be one of most daunting aspects of embarking on that initial date with someone you are hoping to impress. As if there aren’t enough butterflies swarming around inside, you know the first thing your date will judge you on will be your overall look, your clothes being a big part of it. Thus, it is fair to say you need to think very carefully about your fashion choices. Long before you’ve engaged in conversation, your outfit will have already formed a lasting impression on your date. As we pick our way through this minefield of first date do’s and don’ts, we’ll also include a geographical slant.
USA
An important factor behind your sartorial decision-making must be based on practicality. Whether you met your prospective partner via a dating site or a more traditional social setting, many first dates are arranged as informal get-togethers: visits to the movie theater or a local bar. In that case you should be thinking ‘smart but casual.’ While your attire should convey a relaxed, easy-going attitude, here’s the crucial aspect. You should still undercut your outfit with a strong sense of style. Rather than paying attention to your smart shirt / jeans combination, your prospective partner will always be more impressed by your unique style.
Jeans are a common, but smart choice, well-cut denim with subtle details is so much more stylish. Your jeans can then be accessorized with either an eye-catching t-shirt or a slick dress shirt. An all-black t-shirt might appear plain but is anything but if it has a great cut that makes you look good. And, speaking of t-shirts, if you want to wear a simple t-shirt and still look stylish, a v-neck piece is great choice, as it is dressier than a crew-neck t-shirt. Your date will remember you turning up in something a bit more imaginative than the grey shirt you wore to work that day. Anything from a green and white-striped Paul Smith to a slate-gray shirt sporting the red and white Tommy Hilfiger flash will achieve the desired results.
France
The French have a reputation of being bon viveurs who adore terrific cuisine and relish the finest contents of any restaurant’s wine cellar. But when it comes to first dates, the key consideration is dressing to impress. When a French guy invites a woman out for the first time it won’t be to do ‘Netflix and chill’ or to grab a sandwich. First dates in Paris are far more of an occasion, so elegantly stylish clothes will be the most favored option. A smart suit could be tempered with a colorful, open-necked shirt. You can even go for colorful shoes or colorful socks to make a long-lasting visual impact.
As with most western countries, the worst attire you could turn up in would be something too casual or sporty. The French expect their dates to convey a refined and sophisticated image, reflecting the natural French love of culture and art. They won’t be impressed by someone who looks as if they’ve dropped by on the way back from the football match with their mates.
Russia
First dates in Russia can be somewhat more complicated than their western counterparts. Despite feminism being at the forefront of society elsewhere, women in this part of the world often remain traditionally feminine in their outlook, addicted to romance. With this in mind, Russian females prefer their dates to be confident, masculine and gentlemanly in their attitude. Again, far better to show up wearing either smart jeans with an even smarter shirt, or an elegant suit. Another big tip is to arrive with a small gift.
Don’t overdress. A dark three-piece suit and a conservative tie will make you come across as either a dull banker or someone who works for the Intelligence Service. Under-dressing is another no-no. Forget scruffy jeans, baseball caps and sneakers. You need to look as if you think this woman was worth making an effort for. She most likely will.
Also, if you don’t want to opt for something really eye-grabbing, accessorize smartly with a belt, a tie or a great pair of cufflinks.
India
In a nation as vast as India it might seem daunting to come up with generic do’s and don’ts. But there are certain universal rules. Men should always give the impression they’ve put some thought into their outfit. Although this nation is typified by gaudy colors everywhere you look, from women’s beautiful saris to white or pastel shirts, when it comes to your first date the more recommended option is to inject a hint of formality. Black and other dark colors are more preferable to anything brash or bright. You can even go for a good sherwani.
As for the don’ts. Indian females don’t like it when a first date looks like he’s auditioning for a rap video. So no baseball caps, shades, multiple-chained necklaces or tight-fitting t-shirts with no jacket.
Australia
Dates ‘down under’ benefit from taking place in a sunny environment. The knack here is to achieve the sophisticated and dressed-to-impress rule favored by Americans or western Europeans, while being attuned to the practicalities of living in a hot climate. T-shirts? Fine, as long as they’re stylish not scruffy. Smart, open-necked shirts can exude a relaxed confidence, but not too many buttons opened (see previous comments about rap videos.)
In the end, the main lesson that can be drawn from looking at these variations is that looking neat, clean and showing that you are putting some effort in your look is something that works in any culture. Of course, looking overdone will convey the message that you want to be judged only by appearances, which is why you should always remember to keep it simple and clear and that your grooming is on point. Make sure you have a statement piece and several supporting pieces and that they all go well together in terms of color and style, and you are all set.
Frauoh and Franchomme
Further reading:
How to dress to impress on the first date
Finding your love online: A few myths and a couple of tips
What should a man wear on a date
5 ways to get a date for Valentine’s Day
P.S. We want to hear from you! What do you wear on a date? What do you wish to convey? Would you dress differently in another culture? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!