What to wear on a first date, according to professional matchmakers

Updated February 12, 2020 at 6:23 AM·4 min read

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First dates don’t have to mean panic. Having a go-to look in mind ahead of time can save you a ton of stress (especially when you’re the type who likes to dig through every item you own and build a mountain of clothes on your bed).

Yahoo Lifestyle host Sandra Vergara sat down with professional matchmakers Lori Zaslow and Jennifer Zucher to concoct the perfect outfit for any first date. Yes, there is such a thing!

An outfit can transform your attitude, and when it comes to your very first time meeting someone new, feeling confident and attractive can make all the difference.

“Everyone needs to have their favorite first date outfit,” Zucher says. “What makes you the most beautiful on a date is feeling good about yourself. That’s it!”

Keep scrolling to read what these date night experts recommend you wear on that special day.

Dress with the future in mind

When it comes to a first date, consider what kind of message your outfit might be sending.

“A lot of people are thinking down the road when they see somebody on a first date, ‘Do I want to go on a second date with this person?’” Zucher says.

To get perfect marks on this first impression, dress in a way that’s conservative with a little bit of edge to it. Keep in mind, though, there’s a fine line between edgy and too risqué.

“Your goal is to nail the date, not get nailed on the date,” Zaslow jokes.

Closet essentials

When it comes to wardrobe, there are a few essentials Zucher says should be in every woman’s closet. Classic staples like wrap dresses and dark jeans are on the list, but there are some surprising items the matchmakers say are crucial.

“You cannot go wrong with black pants,” she says. “You can put them on at any time.”

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Also a must? Shapewear. Zaslow says tucking in any hanging skin can help you exude all the confidence in the world.

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Wear what makes you feel good

The first date is all about putting your best foot forward, and that requires a bit of confidence. To feel your best, the matchmakers recommend dressing your best from head-to-toe, including wearing some fancy undergarments.

The reason being: “It makes you feel good!” Zucher says.

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Also a great option: The wrap dress. The date experts say it gives off just enough sex appeal, while keeping your look appropriate for a first date.

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Don’t forget a comfortable top for the days you don’t feel your best!

For Zucher, a black top is perfect for making you feel good no matter what. She says the top is perfect “for those days you don’t feel good, you feel bloated, you had a big lunch, you have your period.”