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Sweaty palms. Butterflies. Pre-stalking your date on Facebook. And
tracking down tweets and blogs to make a list of talking points for those
uncomfortable pauses in-between sips of wine or small bites of Tuscan
white bean hummus on artisanal pita chips.
C’mon, it’s okay to admit it.
We’re all friends here.
But those things are simple and pretty much stress-free. That’s when it
hits you — the dreaded “what-to-wear factor” and it hits you like a Prada
flash sale.
Gasp!
You know what’s coming. In mere moments every article of clothing in your
closet ends up in a sky-high pile on your bed. Some of it topples onto the
floor.
You try on and then frantically kick every last shoe you’ve hastily pulled
out from under the bed. They’ve now been re-distributed all around the
floor.
You perspire from the unwanted exercise of putting and pulling clothes on
and off in front of your mirror. And on and off. Again and again.
And there you sit on the edge of your bed…glaring at the clock…as time
mocks your fashion sense with each passing second.
“What to wear?”
Nothing looks right and the question circles around in your poor, reeling
mind.
Stop. Take a moment. Give your inner Anna Wintour a time-out.
Take a deep breath.
Calmly turn on your favorite song. Crank it up. Loud. Sip a glass of wine,
if you so desire.
Just remember…you have to feel good and confident in what you select to
wear. Pick something you feel comfortable and strong wearing. And sexy.
Once the Black Keys gets you loose and the wine inspires a little karaoke,
stop and consider your audience.
What type of message do you want to send on this first date?
Seriously. This is a first date. This is his first impression.
Do you want to come across as flirty? Fun-loving? Or, the girl next door?
Look, girls…this really isn’t a “good girl vs. bad girl” decision. It
really comes down to what type of date is this for you?
That’s right. How you look and feel is going to make or break how you feel
about this date. If he doesn’t get it, or get you, at least you will have
done it on your terms.
So, pick one.
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If you want to be flirty, it means that you want to be playfully romantic
but feature slightly hidden undertones of sexy (without getting tarted-up,
of course).
(Flirty outfit and accessories from modcloth.com)
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If you want to be fun-loving it means that you are playful with a dash of
naughty. Perhaps you are seeking laughter and adventure. You want this to
be an evening “out and about” on the town.
(Fun-loving outfit and accessories from express.com)
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Okay, so you’ve decided to “go retro” with the girl next door look. It’s a
bit old-fashioned, a little down to earth, but also a little enticing.
Everything is implied. Ultimately, you are letting him know that he should
consider that you are a good bet to be a “meet the parents one day” kinda
gal.
(Girl Next Door outfit and accessories from anthropologie.com)
So, ladies…think about which message you want to send on your first date
because, if all goes well, you just might just tempt your date to ask for
seconds (a second date, that is). And be sure to go with the style that
suits your personality and suits the person you are dating and the place
you are going.
Most of all, make sure that your message is seen and understood—loud and clear.
Meet your new best friend…InTraffik.com’s Fashion Accomplice:
As a media publication digital editions manager, Leah King manages the creation of the digital replica of design magazine, Dwell, and sees it through as it transforms to be viewed on the iPad, Nook, and Kindle. Shepherding through images and editorial pages, iconic designers and their designs,architects and their creations, and the photographers who shoot them,gives her a unique opportunity to see to the beauty and style produced in each issue. Leah also contributes editorially to dwell.com. In life outside of Dwell, she indulges in her passions for photography, producing graphic design projects, spinning her vinyl albums, collecting vintage electronics and calling it like she sees it over at Caught Looking. She also blabs about design, fashion, technology and architecture five days a week at Smitten Kitten Style.