CategorySTYLE

IRL Dating is Back. What can you wear If You’re Ready For It?

12.07.2022 Off By manager_1

It is official: Dating has resumed. The days of socially distant relationships are over. Say goodbye to awkward, blister-inducing walks. Enjoy the IRL!

Although it is unlikely that people will be able to hop between their music-filled, dimly lit spaces at full speed, the vaccine rollouts are causing more people to meet up for coffees and drinks. We’re embracing each other and even saying goodbye if things go well. It can be difficult to know what to wear on a first date in a post-pandemic environment. It’s not 2019, and the tried-and-true outfits of dating’s past (read sky-high heels), need to be updated to fit 2022.

The ideal outfit for a first date is something that is up to you, but it is not easy to find. As we move away from sweatpants-laden lives, it is important to be less. Are you looking for a coffee date with someone? You can wear jeans with a pair of high-end basics and some casual attire. Going out for a drink? Pair a knit top with precise cutouts or an open-back with trousers and flat footwear. Are you heading to dinner? You can wear a polished shirt in many different contexts and ways, regardless of where you are going. Don’t worry dress people: Longline dresses with simple hemlines and no fuss are also a good choice.

When preparing for a first date, there is rarely the need to overhaul your entire closet. Instead, getting ready to go on a first date means establishing your first-date plan, then repeat the process. You should feel empowered to purchase a new dress, or an accessory to complement your existing wardrobe. Shop polished shirts, simple dresses, slinky knits and modern takes on basic basics here to help you get back in the dating game.

Polished Shirts

Christian Allaire, Vogue’s fashion writer and style editor, says that he would cancel a date due to anxiety and not go. But if he did go, he would wear dark jeans and a printed shirt. A good top can go a long way. A polished shirt can elevate your favorite trousers or denim.

Shop the trend:

Gucci silk chiffon ruffle shirt
Reformation Roe shirred silk satin top
H&M Off-the-shoulder Top
Ciao Lucia Isla printed smocked cotton blouse
Jacquemus ruched cotton blend poplin shirt
Christopher Esber silk wrap top in cropped silk
Nanushka Tippi satin blouse in sage

No-Fuss, Simple Dresses

Many of us love to dress up and feel best in a formal outfit. Super-short hemlines may be in fashion at the moment, but longer-lined dresses with simple silhouettes can be a great choice for first dates.

Shop the trend:

Reformation Lauryl tie-front floral-print Ecovero-crepe midi dress
Zara openwork embroidered dress
Alessandra Rich floral silk midi-dress
Proenza Schouler White Label yarn-dyed plaid full-sleeve midi-dress
Zara dress with cutwork embroidery
Set of midi-dresses and scarves in shirred linen from Sleeper Belle
Fleur du Mal halter neck slip dress

Elevated basics

You can’t go wrong dressing up for a date, no matter if you’re going out for coffee or a glass of wine. Simple, minimalistic, and great.

Shop the trend:

Anna Quan Lena rib knit sleeveless top
Mugler cutout ribbed knit tank
Helmut Lang cutout cotton-jersey T shirt in ribbed cotton-jersey ruched
Peter Do top in ribbed-knit
LaQuan Smith mockneck silk top ribbed
Gauge81 Beja knitted one-shoulder top
K Ximeno Line open-back ribbed stretch jersey top

Slinky Knits

Summer 2022 will see second-skin dressing be a major trend. For a foolproof outfit idea for first dates, choose slinky knits that have careful cutouts and open backs.