8 Elevated Outfits That Are Ideal for a First Date

There's one big question that every woman struggles with at some point in their life: What is the best thing to wear on a first date? Should you go classic and stick with a little black dress? Perhaps it's more of a bold-frock, "here's who I really am" type of situation. Maybe, just maybe, you don't want to wear a dress at all and would be much more comfortable wearing a pair of jeans. However you feel about the other elements surrounding a first date (the person actually being the person they've said they are on the app being a primary concern), it's inevitable that you will stress out about what to wear.

But worry not—we've rounded up a few outfit ideas that will work for every kind of date. There's just one rule we stick to: make sure you feel good and really comfortable in what you wear. Whether that equals a comfy dress that you can wear your battered Converse with or a skirt that shows off a little leg, there's plenty to choose from for that all-important first date. Scroll on to see eight outfits that nail what to wear on a first date. Plus, you can shop the looks right now. 

1. Nice Top + Jeans

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(Image credit: @tamaramory)

Style Notes: Not everyone wants to go for the short-skirt option, but there are ways of feeling date-ready without showing off your pins. Try a pretty top and your favourite pair of jeans. This outfit is a guaranteed confidence booster. 

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2. Tailoring + Crop Top

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(Image credit: @carmelharrison_)

Style Notes: For an evening spent sipping wine and getting to know each other, tailoring makes for an ideal solution. Wide-leg trousers such as this are perhaps the comfiest thing you can wear—second only to leggings, perhaps—while the crop-top-and-blazer combination up top will showcase what an adept dresser you are. 

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3. Midi Dress + Knee Boots

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(Image credit: @ali_tate_cutler)

Style Notes: The midi dress is a classic for a reason. It is universally wearable and can be dressed up or down depending on your date activity. If you're unsure of the dress code, a pair of heeled knee boots strike the perfect in-between balance and will give any dress a fashionable edge. 

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4. Checked Blazer + Skinny Jeans

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(Image credit: @laurennicolefk)

Style Notes: Jeans and blazers go together seamlessly. (And hopefully, you and your date will too!) If you're stressed about matching up your separates, stick to classic colours, then add accessories that reflect your personality. 

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5. Minidress + Oversized Shirt

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(Image credit: @sabinasocol)

Style Notes: The minidress made a big comeback this year. You need only see the multitude of thigh-length hemlines on the runway for clarification. A black minidress is a timeless option which works for an array of dates. Again, if you're not sure how elevated you should go, try laying a shirt over the top of your minidress. It'll make it feel more casual if you end up going for a low-key dinner, but you can also sling it off should you find yourself somewhere fancier. 

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6. Silk Camisole + Black Trousers

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(Image credit: @femmeblk)

Style Notes: There's something to be said for simple first-date outfit combinations. This triad of a chunky chain necklace, silk camisole, and black trousers is a no-fail solution.

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7. Blazer + Miniskirt

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(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

Style Notes: Not a dress or jeans type of person? Try a miniskirt paired with an on-trend leather blazer for a look that'll impress your date in the style stakes. Minimal silhouettes and easy jersey staples, such as a T-shirt, will keep the look effortless. 

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8. Breton Top + Loose Denim

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Style Notes: Just want comfort? Fear not; a Breton tee and loose jeans can totally work for a first date, be it to grab a coffee on a walk or to do something more active like bowling. 

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Next Up: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger isBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her ownBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.