What is best to wear on a first date?

The last time this happened (last Fall), I wore a long-sleeve white blouse, a black corduroy miniskirt, black Mary-Janes, my J. Crew watch, a multi-colored silk scarf, and my black leather jacket. I guess I was in a monochromatic mood (but for the scarf). I also took along a hat and gloves but wore them only briefly when we went for a walk late in the evening.

Short skirt and a long jacket.

Something appropriate to the activity. Good grooming is far more important than the specifics of the outfit. With the words "autumn day" and "country", I visualised a bulky cableknit sweater and some comfy faded jeans.

Where is this autumn? Here we can wear shorts through the first half of October and don't need to wear a jacket until November. Whereas in Maine, I would think it'd be decidedly different.

Wear whatever you usually wear. I don't believe in putting on airs for potential partners.

Dress modestly.

Dress for comfort, not for looks. Why make dating out to be such an ordeal?

I would personally wear a knee length or just above (but not mini unless you're covering up on top - don't get your legs and your bust out at the same time) skirt with a vest top and some pumps. Or a smart/casual knee length dress. It shows that you've made an effort, but you're not tarted up. Since there is no knee length option, I chose 'short skirt'.

Other (): whatever you feel most comfortable in, look best in, reflects your personality, doesn't give the wrong impression and is suitable for the occasion.

If it was me, I'd be wearing trousers because that's what I always wear and my one (long) dress would be too formal for what sounds like a pub dinner and was a bit lower cut than I remembered last time I wore it (because I'm a prude, not because it's actually revealing by the standards of anyone but a 19th century Quaker) and my one (long) skirt is a bit dated. I haven't worn shorts, short skirts or short dresses since I was about 7 years old so they would definitely be out. I don't even know what "capri pants" are, but I assume they are like pedal pushers, something that I have never worn and would never wear. But it's not me, it's you, and I'm not going to tell you what to wear. I didn't select any of the options.

Biggles.

Sorry about the absence of an "other" option. I did not think to include that option because I thought that my list covered pretty much all possibilities for what I would actually wear to a nice country inn. Of course, I now realize that there are some people who do not have any preference, and so forcing a choice does not make sense. At any rate, thanks for being a sport about this and sharing your opinion even without the "other" choice. (And thanks for saying what you would wear and *not wear*; that's all useful information.)

~Trish

Melissa

That's my choice. And some songs from Cake to listen to on the drive.

~Trish

Well, I own long pants, capri jeans for the summer, and two jean skirts. I guess I would wear a jean skirt, a tee, maybe sneakers but possibly some nice shoes. But I doubt I'm going anywhere soon.

autumnlight

Thanks for your vote and your comments. (As you guessed, I intended the "short skirt" category to include knee-length skirts.) I am with you on not showing too much. I like wearing short skirts, but I always pair them with modest tops (usually with long sleeves). Of course, some of the time, I like wearing things that are more revealing above the waist, but then I usually go for long skirts or pants. First dates are tricky because you want to be modest but you also want to show off a little.

~Trish

> Dress for comfort, not for looks. Why make dating out to be such an
> ordeal?

Linda

I agree that it is important to be comfortable. The good news is that I am comfortable with all of the outfits that I listed. The question is which to choose. Although I agonize over such decisions, it is not unpleasant. In fact, I quite like the challenge of deciding what to wear. I just wonder what others think of my choices.

~Trish

> Well, I own long pants, capri jeans for the summer, and two jean skirts.
> I guess I would wear a jean skirt, a tee, maybe sneakers but possibly
> some nice shoes. But I doubt I'm going anywhere soon.

Crayons,

Okay, a drive to a country inn may not be for you in the near future, but maybe something closer to home. Of the options you listed, I agree that the jean skirt would probably be best. Thanks for your vote and your comment.

~Trish

Just the short skirt is good. And nothing else.

> Just the short skirt is good. And nothing else.

cerealkiller

Ooh. I like the sound of that. It's a deal. When you and I go on our first date, I will wear a short skirt. And nothing else. Seems only fair to do something for you, since you will no doubt be wearing a kilt to please me.

~Trish

Sure, that way there is less interference for both of us.

Something that you are comfortable in. If it makes you feel the way you want to feel on a date, all the better.

Whatever you're most comfortable wearing.

Nanananananananananananananananananananananananananananana

I dunno, I never clicked any........... any of these can be nice its relative?, I kinda like a pair of tight Calvin klein boot-cut jeans, with pixie boots a plain white T/womens Oxford shirt and a cropped leather jacket black or Brown (matching the boot color) no purse , minimal jewelry

Medium length dress (just below or just above the knees) or long pants are what I would've gone for.

I don't find a short skirt too appropriate for the situation, I would've opted for that if the date was at a fancy bar.

> Where is this autumn? Here we can wear shorts through the first half
> of October and don't need to wear a jacket until November. Whereas
> in Maine, I would think it'd be decidedly different.

kelly

Well, I live in San Francisco; but I was thinking of New England. I had in mind a date I had last Fall. (See first message for my outfit.) Blue skies, leaves changing colors, just a hint of chill in the air. The guy and I are now just friends, but that date was one of the best of my life.

~Trish

Oh okay. I like the description
It's really not that cold in New England then? Wow. That's really surprising to me.

> Medium length dress (just below or just above the knees) or long pants
> are what I would've gone for.
> I don't find a short skirt too appropriate for the situation, I would've
> opted for that if the date was at a fancy bar.

Iseult

I intended the "short skirt" category to include knee-length skirts. I probably should have used a better phrase or maybe added another category. Like you, I save my super short skirts for clubs and parties; and I agree that modest skirts are most appropriate for country inns. On the occasion that inspired this survey, I went for something slightly shorter - a corduroy skirt 5-6 inches above my knees. I was in the mood to show off my legs, and I figured it was okay since I was wearing a modest long-sleeve blouse and jacket. I wanted an outfit that said modest but not too modest, and this seemed like a good compromise.

~Trish

I think a shorter skirt is okay in most circumstances. It's the shoes that can make a difference - a short skirt with six inch pumps and a short skirt with flats mean a whole different thing.

What? No mention of pantyhose?

I would personally choose the warmest, especially if it might be nippy. Are you as choosy with every day wear as with dates? Or as choosy with regular dates as with first dates? Just curious.

short dress or skirt so I could look up it when I think I can get away with it.

> I would personally choose the warmest, especially if it might be nippy.
> Are you as choosy with every day wear as with dates? Or as choosy
> with regular dates as with first dates? Just curious.

Linda

I am definitely choosier about clothing on dates than in everyday wear. For me, dressing up is part of the fun of going on a date. And, for me, first dates are extra special. You only get one of them, and you are making that all important first impression.

I agree about the importance of staying warm. However, I don't think I would be comfortable wearing pants on a first date no matter how cold it is. For me, it is always skirts. When it is chilly, I just wear a sweater and/or jacket and sometimes a hat and gloves. Yes. my legs get cold, but my upper half is toasty. In colder weather, I add kneesocks and boots. And in the winter, I will break down and wear tights.

Of course, I don't live in Alaska. However, I went to college in New England; and I now live in San Francisco, where the evenings can be downright chilly, even in the summer.

~Trish

> short dress or skirt so I could look up it when I think I can get
> away with it.

Matty

So you think we don't know when you are looking?

~Trish

Not a goofy grin, that's for sure.
geez, I checked the choices...I thought long and hard about it...I tried to picture the scene and darn it... I just don't care.

I did say "think." I am also equally sure you don't know EVERY time you've been looked at. Anyway, it's fun to keep the facade up, if not the skirt.

Also, I won't reject any beaver shots sent to me in a private reply...just sayin'.

Did you count those alongside the song?

cloudhugger

I probably should have included an 'other' option or a 'don't care' option so that respondents like you could express a lack of preference. At any rate, thanks for thinking about this and taking the time to make a comment.

~Trish

Really, I did try. Had I known you were personally responding to each and every response, I might not have been so snarky. Egg on my face.
By the way, do not go wearing egg on your face.

I used one of those ubiquitous lyrics sites. I might have spelled it wrong otherwise.

Hahaha

A single red rose, clenched tightly between the buttocks.

For some people, comfort is not an issue.

Sweatpants with holes and a big oversized t-shirt with Tweety on the front. The one with mustard stains.

It's a good way to weed out the superficial guys.

Let them use some imagination. Don't give up all the goods up front!

> Let them use some imagination. Don't give up all the goods up front!

Breaconley

I am guessing that you were the one who chose capri pants. It is an interesting choice. (1) You show enough of your legs to get their imaginations working. (2) You save the feminine skirt thing for later. Thanks for voting and leaving the comment.

~Trish

Well "nothing" came to mind first. Either short skirt or short dress or booty shorts for her. For me, hopefully she likes jeans and a T-Shirt with some witty/raunchy saying on it, since that is pretty much my whole wardrobe.

Nothing. what a surprise that would be, I knew gopmez would say nothing also. lol that's why I love him.

the rose between the butt cheeks is a wonderful idea, thanks. butt NO thorns. ok. lol

but not too short because you don't want to come off as slutty

Jabbc7

Saying "short skirt" was probably a mistake as it suggests "really short". All I meant was to distinguish skirts that are above the knee from those that are below the know. So, why didn't I say that? I don't know. At any rate, I agree with you. If one is going to wear a short skirt on a date (particularly a first date), it is crucial to make sure it isn't too short. Also, with a short skirt, it is good to cover up on top (as autumnlight pointed out).

~Trish

long long long

Mandy

Right. Long dress, long skirt, long pants. But if *you* were the one going out, which would you choose?

~Trish

long skirt black...... black lace camisol....silk black blouse
hair up
silver jewelry
touch of eye make up
clear nail polish
black leather purse
black boots
I'm boring

Jeans. Can't go wrong in jeans.

Sounds hot!

> long skirt black...... black lace camisol....silk black blouse
> hair up
> silver jewelry
> touch of eye make up
> clear nail polish
> black leather purse
> black boots
> I'm boring

Mandy

Nice outfit. And the exact opposite of boring for me! Just the sorts of details that I had hoped people would write. Thanks. The black cami is a nice touch. No show through. I suppose that there is also the chance that the guy might get to see it (though it *is* a first date).

~Trish

definitely wear heels tho, if you're gonna wear a short skirt