You have a first date in 30 minutes, and you have nothing to wear. Your closet is overwhelmed with options, but you can't decide. You want to look and feel your best. Is your trusty black shirt too boring? Is that red dress too bold? Is your new pink blazer too Elle Woods? Instead of focusing on what outfit to wear, try focusing on the color, as different hues can send different messages.
"Our brains are more drawn to colors that are bold, vibrant, and warm. This is because these colors are associated with energy, stimulation, and life," says Laura Wasser, relationship expert and chief of divorce evolution at Divorce.com. For the specific colors that'll help you feel your best on a first date, keep reading to hear from relationship experts.
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1 | Wear red to exude confidence and passion.
ShutterstockThe song "Lady in Red." Julia Roberts' iconic red gown in Pretty Woman. The red mini dress Rachael Leigh Cook slowly saunters down the stairs wearing in She's All That. Red is the color to wear when you want to make an impression.
"Wearing red on a first date showcases passion, excitement, and confidence," says Wasser. "Red is the color of love and desire, known to evoke feelings of attraction and arousal. It is a bold and assertive choice that can make a strong impression, allowing the wearer to stand out and make a memorable impact."
But you might not want to overdo it. "When it comes to red, you don't want to go too over the top for a first date," says Jessica Alderson, relationship expert and co-founder of So Syncd. "We're not talking about a head-to-toe red satin jumpsuit look. Instead, opt for a statement piece like a blazer or a dress that brings vibrance to your outfit."
2 | Try blue if you want to seem trustworthy and stable.
iStockBlue can be a very calming color, which is why nurses wear it. "It is also one of the most popular colors, so you are sure that it will be pleasing and reassuring for your date," says Fiona Eckersley, confidence coach and dating expert.
In fact, a 2021 study published in the International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT) found that the color blue makes people trust you more.
There's also navy which can be, "an underrated color when it comes to dressing for first dates," says Alderson. "If you want to look refined and put-together, navy is the color for you…When it's paired with white, it can look particularly crisp and classic. When styled correctly, navy is classic yet modern and flattering."
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3 | Dress in black for timeless sophistication.
ShutterstockThere's a reason the little black dress is such a date night staple. "Wearing black on a first date suggests sophistication, power, and elegance," says Wasser. "It can also project an air of confidence and authority, which can be attractive to some individuals."
"You can be as bold or subtle with black as you like, depending on the style of your date," adds Alderson. "For a dinner date, you could go for a little black dress with a fun pair of shoes. For something more casual, a black leather jacket with statement jewelry always looks great."
4 | Wear white for a fresh and simple look.
iStockAnother timeless look can come from wearing white—just try not to go too bridal.
"White can be more dependent [on] the weather, but it’s also a very popular first date color because it is associated with purity, simplicity, and it can help create a fresh and innocent atmosphere," says Eckersley.
But at the end of the day, you want your date to get to know the real you. "The most important thing to wear is what makes you feel comfortable and confident as that can have a positive effect on your overall demeanor," suggests Eckersley.
