I'm an Editor, and These Are the 25 Date-Night Outfits I'd Wear

The onset of spring brings about a bevy of wonderful things: warmer weather, blooming flowers, and, of course, spring fashion. The idea of shedding layers of winter staples, embracing new trends, and going out into the world is an exciting prospect for anyone. Spring can give us the courage to step out of our comfort zone and try something new—whether that be buying into a risqué trend or redownloading a dating app. Now’s your chance to really put yourself back out there (in all regards). But if you’ve got a little trepidation about what to wear on a spring date, don’t fret. Ahead, I’ve taken it upon myself to round up 25 spring date outfit ideas that you’ll fall in love with as well as the key pieces to re-create the looks at home. Whether you’re wondering what the perfect first-date look is or want to spice up things with your slow-and-steady partner, these trendy outfits are not only editor approved, but they’re also guaranteed to make them gawk.

1. Full-Length Cutout Dress + Heeled Sandals

Just imagine what a perfect spring date would look like for you—is it happening on April 25? Personally, I’m not focused on when the perfect date is happening. I’m thinking about what I’m wearing. And nothing screams "spring” like a cutout moment. A full-length cutout dress with heeled sandals is my definition of the perfect date outfit.

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2. Open Cardigan + Miniskirt Knee-High Boots

If you want to heat things up without waiting for the onset of warmer temperatures, then this is the perfect date outfit idea for you. Pairing a statement cardigan with a miniskirt and knee-high boots allows you to channel the shrunken-hemline trend that dominated spring/summer 2022 runways, and you’ll be putting yourself out there in a whole new way.

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3. Off-the-Shoulder Top Trousers + Heels

The best thing about spring is that you can finally start showing a little bit more skin, and why not do it with this cute outfit? An off-the-shoulder top styled with trousers and heels is a look that’s easy to replicate at home, and it’s the perfect balance of cute and chic.

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4. Tweed Set + Platform Heels

Be honest. How many times have you almost canceled your plans just because you didn’t know what to wear? Yes, I’m guilty of doing the exact same thing. So if you’re actually trying to go on that date, I recommend throwing on a matching tweed set and some platform heels. It’s a super simple pairing that packs a punch.

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5. Corset Top + Baggy Jeans + Shoulder Bag

When you want your outfit to strike the perfect balance between practical and sultry, look no further than this ’fit. Pairing your baggiest jeans with a corset top and some flats will ensure you’re comfortable the entire date, and you’ll give off effortless "I woke up like this” energy.

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6. Cardigan + Pleated Miniskirt + Ballet Flats

I’m not going to lie to you, fam. Even as an editor, when there’s a fickle situation (e.g., mid-weather temperatures or a surprise date venue), knowing what to wear can be a quandary. This makes this cute outfit the perfect solution for any situation. A cardigan styled with a matching bag, a pleated miniskirt, and flats will work whether you’re going to a museum or getting caught in the rain.

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7. Wool Coat + Cropped Tank + Jeans + Ankle Boots

When you want to show a little skin while it’s still cold out, this outfit is a perfect idea. Pair a cropped tank with your favorite jeans and ankle boots, and throw on a wool coat over. You’ll be hot in every way.

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8. Black Minidress + Colorful Bag and Matching Heels

Time and again, there’s one staple that will always be your faithful partner in crime: the little black dress. No disrespect to your beloved, but really, this staple is perfect for every function—girls’ night out, date night, a wedding, and beyond.

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9. Floral-Print Dress + Knee-High Boots + Shoulder Bag

If the idea of a black minidress is too passé but you still want an ensemble that’s just as iconic, then look no further than this ensemble. Pairing a floral-print cutout dress with knee-high boots and a shoulder bag is not only a fresher take on the go-to look, but it’s also just enough skin to keep them on their toes.

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10. Ruffle Dress + Sunglasses + Woven Tote Bag

There are so many cute spring date ideas, but none are closer to my heart than a picnic. Of course, you don’t want to worry about what to wear when you need to pack a basket full of snacks, so opt for a fun ruffle dress, and don’t forget to throw a pair of sunglasses into your woven tote.

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11. Open-Back Dress + Chelsea Boots + Shoulder Bag

So you want to wear your favorite Chelsea boots but aren’t sure how to dress them up for a date? Enter this ensemble. Pairing your booties with an open-back ribbed dress and a shoulder bag is the perfect way to strike a balance between wanting to be comfortable and wanting to look cute.

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12. Color-Block Dress + Sandals

ICYMI, bright colors are back and thriving, which makes this trend the right one to adopt for a springtime date. Simply invest in a color-block dress and style it with your favorite sandals, and you’ll be living your most vibrant life.

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13. Leather Trench + Leather Pants + Corset

For those springtime dates at night, trying to be functional and fashionable is no easy feat, yet this ’fit is doing just that. A corset top with a leather trench and leather pants is the date-night look I didn’t know I needed in my life.

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14. Satin Blouse + Satin Skirt + Sandals

When those warmer spring days do finally come around, I personally recommend ditching your chunky cable-knits for satin pieces. Pairing a satin blouse and a satin skirt in contrasting hues with sandals is the breath of fresh air you’ve been needing. Trust me.

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15. Cardigan-and-Bra Set + Water-Print Skirt + Sandals

So you caved into the matching-knitwear trend and are wondering how you can wear the pieces into the spring. Well, consider this outfit your blueprint. By pairing a knit set with a colorful watercolor skirt, you make the winter staples feel more spring-ready.

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16. Puff-Sleeve Floral Dress + Knee-High Boots

Okay, I know what you're thinking: Florals for spring? But really, when it comes to crafting a look for a date, you can not go wrong with a floral moment. Simply make this timeless print a little more trendy by pairing it with those knee-high boots you bought over the winter, and you’ll be blooming with this look.

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17. Shearling Coat + Sweaterdress + Slides

Spring weather can be a hit or miss, which is why, in addition to pulling out your arsenal of floral and puff-sleeve dresses, you’ll want to keep a few of your favorite winter staples on deck. Personally, I love the idea of wearing a sweaterdress with a shearling coat and slides because it’s still a styled look but will keep you warm throughout the evening.

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18. Statement Trench Cocat + Sweaterdress + Chelsea Boots

Unless you missed our fall trend guide, you’d know that leather trenches were having a moment. And while we’re very much excited about spring, some trends are worth wearing still—like that trench! Personally, I recommend rewearing the statement piece with a simple knit dress and Chelsea boots for that upcoming date.

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19. Toile Top + Midi Linen Skirt + Sandals

All I want in life is to step out in two things: a cottagecore-inspired toile-print top and a brightly hued linen skirt. For real though, nothing screams "spring” to me more than this print. It’s the ideal print for any date and can come in a variety of styles, including tube tops, corsets, and puff-sleeve tops.

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20. Teddy Coat + Colourful Sweater + Printed Skirt + Metallic Loafers

Spring is the time to really experiment with your clothes—getting some last wear out of your beloved winter pieces while test-driving some newer spring pieces. What better way to do that than by replicating this outfit? Simply pair your favorite teddy coat with a colorful sweater and coat, and finish off the look with metallic loafers.

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21. Pleated Dress + Knee-High Boots + Shoulder Bag

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve told my partner I’m almost ready to go and am still trying to decide what to wear. It’s really a struggle. But I found that having a few great statement dresses that I can throw on in a second and pair with my favorite accessories of the moment will always save me in a time crunch. Your go-to dress can be anything, but I recommend a pleated number, as it’s always polished.

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22. Beret + White Button-Down + Tube Top + Leather Pants

What better way to dress up for a coffee date than with a Parisian-inspired look? Sure, it’s a little extra, but you want to remind them that the café isn’t the only one serving. Personally, I recommend pairing a beret with an oversize button-down, a tube top layered over, and your favorite leather pants.

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23. Y2K-Inspired Printed Dress + Cowboy Boots + Shoulder Bag

Dreading the idea of wearing any form of heels on that date? Well, luckily for you, there are so many cute outfits that don’t require the highest of heels. Case in point: the look above. Simply throw on a pair of cowboy boots with a retro-print Y2K dress and shoulder bag and you’ll look so damn good.

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24. Pleated Set + Faux Fur-Lined Coat + Sandals

Scroll on Instagram on any given day, and you’ll most likely spot an influencer in a pleated plissé set. While you may have already known these sets were trending, what you may not know is that they also happen to make for an effortless date outfit. Simply throw on the set with a statement coat and sandals. You’ll be as stunning as ever.

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25. Maxi Dress + Flat Sandals

You’ve made it to the end, and hopefully, you’ve got enough inspiration to schedule your next date night and pull off a look for the books. But should you need one last dose of advice, remember that choosing what to wear for a spring date is all about being comfortable, so don’t be afraid to lean on tried-and-true looks like a maxi dress with eyelets, ruffles, or lace and flat sandals. It’s simple yet so stylish, and that’s what you want to aim for this spring.

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Next: Here's How to Dress Up for a Date Night at Home