6 things men should avoid wearing on a first date
First
dates are always stressful; you're pumped up on a potentially lethal mix of
excitement, the pressure to be charming, and the prospect of getting bedded,
with the added risk of being wired on coffee or drunk on alcohol.
So
the last thing you need is to be concerned about a style faux pas that would
result in your date openly feigning the squitz just to get away. Even after
Tinder, first impressions matter, which is why we've compiled the definitive
list of what not to wear. On all of them, swipe left.
A ‘HILARIOUS’ T-SHIRT
Stop
right now if you're the type of person who buys his essentials in a tourist
trap in downtown London.
Any
motto or image on your chest that has to be defended with the words "Chill
out, it's just banter, innit" is a turn-off.
Save
your 'FBI: Female Body Inspector' and 'Sex Instructor: First Lesson Free'
T-shirts for painting the house or, you know, when you're out of kindle for a
bonfire.
In
fact, we're going to propose that any kind of slogan T-shirt, even one that
says "Pick flowers, not fights," should be prohibited. In other
words, it's you, not your outfit, who should be amusing.
WHAT TO WEAR INSTEAD
"On
a first date, a guy's major goal is to avoid scaring (or offending) his date
right away. Opt for a shirt in a light colour like white or sky blue instead of
a slogan T-shirt or anything with a bright eye-watering graphic – it's the
perfect in-between to avoid appearing too sophisticated or too casual." Topman's
creative director, Gordon Richardson
A BARE ANKLE
Perhaps
controversial, but mankles are like Marmite in the dating world, so it's
advisable to err on the side of caution and cover them up for an initial meet.
An
ankle without a sock conjures up one of two visions of what lies beneath that
of the very polarising trainer sock — a piece of apparel that, while necessary,
can never be regarded as sexy.
Alternatively,
your date may believe that you are, shockingly, sockless. Given that it's date
one and they don't know how thorough your hygiene routine is, it could be
interpreted as pongy toes. It's never a good idea for your date to receive even
a whiff of your feet smell.
Save
that flash of lateral malleolus for those future dates that are a lot more
likely to happen now that you've listened to us.
WHAT TO WEAR INSTEAD
"If
you're wearing brogues, opt for a vivid flash of the sock." Tube socks are
your best friend if you're wearing sneakers. Wear socks that are the same
colour as your trousers if you are a shorter gentleman. This will make your
legs appear longer and improve your overall silhouette."
YOUR WORK SUIT
While
a date can cause you to experience the same devastating levels of dread as a
job interview, keep in mind that it isn't one. The whole thing should be
enjoyable, and you should feel (or at least appear) calm rather than fidgeting
with the tie that you've been knotting since 9 a.m.
Of
course, if the date is on a weekday, coming home from work to change isn't
always an option. Show some insight and make a few sartorial alterations
deskside to prevent making your date feel underdressed or making yourself
appear uptight.
WHAT TO WEAR INSTEAD
"A
few little alterations can dramatically affect the perception of your
outfit." A nice pair of trainers and a smart T-shirt or lightweight crew
neck knit to substitute a shirt and tie can be game changers."
POLITICAL MERCHANDISE
It's
advisable to toss the badge and leave the tote bag at the door unless you're a
genuine card-carrying member of a political party who is adamant about never
dating anyone who holds opposite beliefs.
Politics
and religion, as every good dinner party host knows, are two topics that should
never be discussed at the dinner table. The same can be said of dates. Few
things are as irritating as someone forcing their political beliefs on you.
Furthermore, you don't want to dismiss your date just because they admire
Theresa May's shoes.
Things
that might be important when moving in together or about kids such as- your thoughts
on private education – are not first date talking stuff, so don’t even tempt
yourself with a sartorial segue into conversations of that type.
WHAT TO WEAR INSTEAD
A
statement purse is a lot more secure topic of conversation. The messenger
satchel should be avoided since it can make you look like a '2006 IT
technician.' Instead, pair a nicer clothing with a stylish document holder or a
tiny rucksack for a more casual look. Head of the River Island Style Studio,
Giles Farnham
TOO MUCH AFTERSHAVE
We've
all seen the TV commercials when a man emerges from a cloud of asthma-inducing
body spray to be met with a hundred objects of desire. Who doesn't want to
believe that a strong spritz of perfume may have such results?
Too
much, on the other hand, is more likely to leave your date gasping and
spluttering and running for the hills. Grooming for a dating night should be
understated. Overdoing it on the fragrance front also communicates to the mind
that "I couldn't be bothered to shower, so I'm hiding my musk."
As
previously stated, do not give them the opportunity to criticise your personal
cleanliness. After all, a first date is a moment when you're supposed to at
least act like a gentlemanly type.
WHAT TO WEAR INSTEAD
You
want your date to lean in close and catch a whiff of your scent, not just sit
there inhaling through their mouth." Choose a scent that you like and
spritz one on each wrist or bicep, as well as one in the dip of each
collarbone.
WOODEN ACCESSORIES
As
you fasten your wooden watch, you think to yourself, "Oh, how
charming." "She'll think this is brilliantly cute," you think as
you slip your iPhone into your pants pocket, safely wrapped in a whittled
cover. Wrong. So, so, so wrong.
Remember
how we mentioned ironic T-shirts aren't appropriate for first dates?
Pretentious accessories that are from a bygone era aren't either.
You
don't want to bring anything that smells of a desire to leave the present in a
scenario where everything you do will be over-analyzed.
Finally,
you don't want to convey the appearance that after a few months of dating,
you'll want to rush away to the woods to get your whittling on and hide from
the world.
WHAT TO WEAR INSTEAD
Wear
just mild accessories like a minimal watch or simple jewellery in classic
colours and metals to avoid the blingy effect, just as you should keep your
attire simple.