For a first date in summer, an outfit that is polished and in which you feel comfortable works best. For women, a lovely top or blouse with a light trouser or skirt works, for men a knitted polo or shirt with a smart trouser. Choose light colours, clothes that stay comfortable when seated and shoes you can walk in. The most important thing is that the outfit suits your own style.
The basis: polished and familiar
Choose clothes you already know and feel good in. So pick from what you already like to wear, and lift it one step: a blouse instead of a T-shirt, a trouser instead of jeans, loafers instead of sneakers. If you like, make the combination slightly smarter than your daily outfit.
Where is the date? That decides the outfit
| Place | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Terrace or coffee | Knit top with trouser or jeans | Polo with chino or trouser |
| Dinner | Blouse with satin look and trouser or skirt | Shirt or knitted polo with trouser |
| Walk or museum | Polo or T-shirt with flared trouser, flat shoes | Polo with light trouser, leather sneakers |
| Picnic or park | Jumpsuit or skirt with airy top | Polo with light trouser |
For women: three summery date outfits
1. Terrace on a summer evening. A cable-knit polo such as the Liorah in navy, with gold-coloured buttons, on a white flared trouser such as the Florence. Navy and white is fresh and calm, and the gold buttons add just a touch of festivity. Flat sandals or loafers.
2. A dinner. The Cordelia blouse in white, with V-neck, centre back pleat and a soft satin look, on a black trouser with pleat and flared leg such as the Daphni. Small gold earrings and a small bag. Polished without looking like too much.
3. A walk through the city. A fine-knit T-shirt with high-waist jeans and white sneakers. Bring a thin cardigan for when it cools down.
You can find more ideas in the Dinner & Dates collection.
For men: three summery date outfits
1. Terrace or drinks. A softly draping polo, such as the Montgomery in brown made of modal, with a light trouser. Brown with beige is warm and calm, and suits a summer evening. Note: the Montgomery has a slim fit, take one size larger than usual.
2. Dinner. A white or light blue shirt with the Harrison trouser in beige, a tapered trouser with a single pleat. Top button open, sleeves neatly rolled up when it is warm. Suede loafers.
3. Walk or museum. A fine-knit polo with a chino and leather sneakers. Relaxed and polished, and you can walk in it for hours.
Also take a look at the Dinner & Dates for Men collection.
Colours for a summer date
- Navy and white: fresh, calm and always good.
- Cream and beige: soft and warm, lovely with a summer complexion.
- Light blue: friendly and open.
- One warm accent: brown, burgundy or pink, if you want to show a little more personality.
Comfort stays important
Clothes that pinch or shift distract unnecessarily. So pay attention to:
- Shoes you have broken in. New shoes that pinch ruin a walk.
- A trouser you sit well in. You will soon be sitting at a table for two hours.
- Fabrics that do not crease or cling. Knitwear and supple blouses still look good after an evening.
- A layer for later. A summer evening can turn fresh after sunset.
What you had better not wear
- Something you have never worn and are not sure how it fits.
- An outfit that is much more formal or much more casual than the place.
- Clothes with big logos or striking slogans.
- Too much perfume or aftershave. One spray is enough.
Polished details
An outfit is more than clothes. Clean, well-kept shoes, a belt that matches your shoes and ironed or steamed clothes make more of an impression than an expensive brand. Also check for lint and loose threads on dark fabric, and bring a small clothes roller if you come by bike. Together these details create a polished look.
A date after work
If you meet straight after work, you have no time to change. In the morning, choose a base that works at the office and on a terrace: a knitted polo or blouse with a smart trouser. Bring a small detail to swap after work: different earrings, loafers instead of work shoes, or a cardigan that you tie over your shoulders. Men roll up the sleeves of their shirt and open the top button. With a few small adjustments, the same base also works after the office.
Looking for a polished base for both moments? Also take a look at the blouses for women.
The last check before you leave
Look in the mirror once and ask yourself three questions. Do I feel at ease in this? Does this suit the place where we are meeting? Can I walk, sit and knock over a glass in this without the evening being ruined? If you can answer yes to all three, the outfit is probably suitable.
Shop the look
Liorah: cable-knit polo with gold buttons, navy
Florence: flared ankle-length trouser, white
Cordelia: blouse with V-neck and satin look, white
Daphni: trouser with pleats and flared leg, black
Montgomery: softly draping modal polo, brown
Harrison: tapered trouser with pleats, beige
Frequently asked questions
What do you wear on a first date if you do not know where you are going?
Choose smart casual: a polished top or polo with a smart trouser or dark jeans and shoes you can walk in. That way you fit in almost anywhere.
Does a man have to wear a shirt on a first date?
Not necessarily. A good knitted polo is just as polished and often more relaxed, especially on a terrace or during a walk.
Which colour do you wear on a first date?
Colours you feel good in. Navy, white, cream and light blue are calm choices. A warm accent shows a bit of your personality.
