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You’ve got one hour until you’re due at the local coffeehouse for cappuccino and scintillating conversation (you hope!)—and you’re staring blankly into your closet wondering what to wear. It’s the first time you’ll be coming face to face with the same man you’ve e-mailed with countless times, and perhaps shared a few phone conversations, and you want to command the same power in person as you did online.
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Your hair plays a key role in your appearance too. Often we keep the same style for years, unwilling or seemingly unable to do anything different. If you’re hairstyle consists of pulling your mane back into a ponytail and calling it a day, it’s time for a change. It’s a common misconception that “doing” one’s hair takes hours. With the right cut and products, maintaining a stylish cut shouldn’t take any longer than picking out the right outfit.
When you’re staring down a questionable closet with no time to spare, the only thing on your mind is that you want to be at your best, both inside and out—but don’t sweat it! Face your fashion fears and step out in style to your first date this season with these Spring-into- Summer fashion basics that will first amplify your own style and then teach you a few new tricks to take your right now to wow. With these recipes of basic tips, simple pairings, and a bit of accessorizing, you will feel confident in your ability to cook up a delicious outfit for any occasion.
The Cinderella (Formal) A dinner for two and a table reserved for 8 p.m. On the menu: yellow tail and tuna tartare, smoked duck confit and seared foie gras. On you: a strapless embroidered number, with threading of metallic silver throughout, an empire waist, and pleated bubble skirt. And the hair? Since it's a formal affair, a classic updo would look best.
When romance calls, your outfit must speak to the moment. How do you achieve a look that’s "happily ever after"? By accessorizing a classic wardrobe favorite: the black dress.
Go Classic: A black cocktail dress should be a staple item in your closet. A classic cut can be your go-to piece for years. One dress can be "worn" in so many ways, projecting a different attitude each time by simply changing your hair, shoes, jewelry, or handbag. Just think of the black dress as your groundwork. Make it your own with the items you choose to accessorize with.
Add a cropped jacket to change the tone—jacket on can be shy and mysterious and jacket off can be revealing and sensual. If you’d prefer pants, try a pair of black satiny trousers paired with a Victorian-styled ruffled blouse.
Quick Tip: In addition to adding a layer of depth to your outfit, a coverup can also act as a shield against a cool summer night or an over-air-conditioned restaurant.
Jazz Up:
- Colored pashmina
- Patent leather clutch
- A neckline of costume pearls
- Metallic wide headband
- Jeweled high-heels
- Ballet flats (Trend alert: Try gold or silver, glittered or patent leather)
Go Trendy: Blue is the new black. Hues of rich navy, like a sailor blue, are the power shades of late. Take it to the next level and try something decorated with rosettes, gold or silver trim, lace or embroidery.
Where this works:
- Romantic dinner
- Theater
Don’t have the time to make a pit stop at home after work? No problem! This city girl dresses for work and play—mixing and matching convertible pieces for a high-powered day and high-powered night. Here are a few small changes that can transform your executive 9-to-6 wear into that magical date at 8. If you are going from work to play, you may want to bring along a jeweled hairpiece to sweep your hair up in seconds.
Go Classic: The key to winning this look is to accessorize and layer. Each piece accommodates the other in creating the perfect packaged deal.
The concept is clean and tailored—layer a white tie blazer over a camisole and match with a pair of trousers or a pencil skirt.
The blazer is universally functional in that it works to complement any outfit—it’s corporate enough for the workday and sassy enough for a rendezvous in town.
Instead of a camisole, try a fitted button-down with puffed sleeves or a patterned silk blouse with a delicate tie-neck.
Count on the pair of pants or the skirt that flatters your body type the best. It’s more important to fit your body than it is to fit the trend. Knowing your best features are accentuated can make you feel both confident and attractive.
Quick Tip: Go bolder on the shoes when trying to spice up a conservative outfit. Experiment with red or a zebra print.
Jazz Up:- Wide belts cinched at the waist
- Large leather carry-alls
- Tortoise shell sunglasses
- Peep-toe flats in patent leather or animal print
- Double-strapped Mary Jane pumps
- Earth inspired jewelry—wooden bangles, turquoise necklaces
- Oversized cocktail rings
Go Trendy: Celebrate spring with a cap-sleeved wrap dress of brightly colored flowers against a white sheath. Go daring with your color choice. This season’s most popular shades are cobalt blue and bright yellow.
Or try an ankle pant with a bubble tank. Throw on a linen cropped blazer for the workday.
Where This Works:
- Happy hour
- Casual dinner
- Casual party
- A night out in town
Want a look that’s laid-back but still playfully romantic and feminine? Casual is comfortable but being comfortable doesn’t mean you have to compromise style. Here’s how to get a look that’s casual, easy-going and breezy. The good news is that just about any casual hairstyle compliments this look--loose curls or an informal ponytail will do you just fine.
Go Classic: To embody this look, choose light fabrics such as linen and cotton jersey. Combine a patterned full skirt with solid colored tee or sleeveless top. Another option is to slip on a pair of cuffed shorts or capris. Pair with a knit tunic and belt, if desired.
Quick Tip: When putting together separates, if wearing a patterned bottom, balance with a plain top or vice-versa. Two loud pieces will make for a screaming outfit.
Jazz Up:
- Ankle-tie wedge espadrilles
- Embellished flat-thong sandals
- Head scarf
- Straw totes
- Ballet flats
- Chunky plastic beaded necklaces and bracelets
Go Trendy: Try a linen shirt dress with a tie waist in a neutral color such as brown, black or white. Quick Tip: Dress up with a patterned headscarf and embellished sandals.
Experiment with floaty jersey dresses in trendy cuts (Trend alert: Some of the "now" styles are baby doll, bubble, and trapeze). Though, a classic halter or sleeveless scoop neck works just as well.
Where This Works:- Museum
- Walk in the park
- Coffee
There’s something for every occasion—you have the casual day outfit, the night outfit, and even the in-between outfit, but how about the play outfit? That something you can run in and "cheer for your favorite team" in—the one you can jump through hoops in and look fabulous doing it. For this ensemble, consider pulling your hair back and forgetting it as it may get in the way of your active afternoon.
Go Classic: Start with pieces that are fluid and easy to move in. If you plan to be outdoors all day, choose breathable materials like cottons and linens.
Quick Tip: When dressing for an active afternoon, go for easy-to-wash pieces so you can play as hard as you want without the worry that you’ll ruin your clothes.
It’s as easy as pairing a basic tank or tee with blue jeans. In this case and in most cases, your opportunity to dress up your outfit lies in how you accessorize.
If your date involves sand and water, experiment with fun geometric patterns and floral arrangements when choosing beachwear. Wrap a patterned sarong around your legs or slip on a light linen kaftan tunic as your cover up.
Jazz Up:
- Assorted bangles
- Hoop earrings
- Brightly colored sarongs
- Clear vinyl beach bag
- Colored flip-flops
- Straw beach hat
If at a sporting event, don’t forget to pull out the team paraphernalia. It’s easy to layer your favorite player’s jersey over a coordinating basic and jeans!
Where this works:- Sporting event
- Hiking
- Beach
[Editor's Note: Thank you for all of your wonderful comments! Your points of view are very much appreciated. As you may have noticed, the previous images have been updated with more realistic photos of women who present another way of experimenting with different fashion styles as outlined by the author. Many of you have pointed out the most important first-date tip of them all—it is you above all else that shines! Although this article does not speak to the emotional experience of a first date, that is definitely one topic that will be covered in future articles. Are there any topics that impact you that you would like to see featured in eHarmony Advice? Feel free to contact us here.]
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