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Dating is a minefield littered with anxiety bombs waiting to go off. Adding pressure to the cooker are the gargantuan expectations we have when it comes to ‘the perfect date’ and ‘the perfect date outfit’.
You can defuse the gravity of the situation and reinvent the perfect date outfit by defining your own personal brand of perfection. Not perfect for the one you’re dating, but perfect for you.
Don’t opt for that too-small, uncomfortable, blood-supply-limiting bodycon dress that has you seeing spots. Purple is not the new black.
Looking (and feeling) perfect on a date can mean glowing skin, a lipstick that gives you ScarJo pout confidence, or a bra that fits better than a pair of grey sweatpants on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
The Tinder date
So, the scenario is that you’ve never spoken face to face with this person you claim to your friends is “the one”. Therefore, assume you know NOTHING about this other person. As in absolutely nothing.
So, firstly, don’t make the same mistake Aron Ralston (127 Hours) made - tell someone where you’re going on your date because, psychos.
Then, dress like a bad bitch. I’d say show some character and don’t be shy to wear your favourite items. Think about what you feel beautiful in, instead of what this person might find attractive. I’m not saying onesie, but pick an outfit you love above all else.
Options:
1. Layer and accessorise
2. Juxtapose prints, textures and fashion eras
Image: Getty
3. Play with shape and don't feel compelled to show lots of skin
It’s a day/active date
Day dates tend to involve picnic blankets and crossed legs. Or hiking. So if you are doomed to sit on the ground somewhere surrounded by children and squirrels or scaling a mountain side somewhere, be sure you’re at least comfortable.
Not wearing a tight skirt is advised as it really doesn’t allow for much movement and we’ve all experienced that numb foot before. So wear something that allows for movement.
Then choose a bra that makes your boobs happy. I love the new Triumph Magic Wire bra as it has a soft-touch wire. It’s comfy and gives great support all at once. No metal means no more poking. Hoorah!
Then, let your skin do the flirting. To protect your skin and add a bit of tint, apply Optiphi Classic Hydration Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 20. This is by far my favourite beauty brand because it works and in more ways than one. It has mattifying, skin brightening and anti-aging benefits, which saves a girl a lot of time and money.
Or try the Clarins Multi-Active Jour and Nuit (Day and Night cream) which is ideal for busy, active, (i.e. stressed out) women. It’s truly like an extra few hours of sleep in a pot.
The drinks/dinner date
For a classic date I’d recommend keeping it glam, but maybe not Queen of Sheba glam. Wear something that’s half-way between Kate Middleton and Missy Elliot, i.e. perky yet relaxed.
You need an outfit that says something, but doesn’t say so too loudly.
Don’t over-do the face. I'd suggest you fill in your brows using Benefit Browvo! Conditioning Primer and Benefit Gimme Brow, then add a bright lip like Urban Decay (we currently love Pandemonium Purple).
Options:
Dress up a rather casual look with heels and nice jewellery or go for simple silhouettes in luxe fabrics like velvet.
