The Fashion Police ARE Watching!

Proverb: You don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression, especially on a first date.

Now let’s talk about that. Most of us always remember our first impression of people; Good or bad, it will stick in your mind. That being said, now let’s talk about how you cannot screw up on your appearance on that first date. You are ‘in’ and ‘on the dating scene,’ so your packaging is paramount. The packaging is what you put your body into. Your clothes!!!

Maybe you call it wardrobe basics, or should I say a bare basic wardrobe for anyone who is beyond their high school growth spurt. I hope you are listening; I don’t care how gorgeous you are, or how buff you are, you are trying to attract a soul mate, someone to bring home to the family who you might want to spend the rest of your life with. Get the picture?

The way you present yourself and how you look, yes, how you LOOK is so important. You think it’s shallow, well tell me someone who can SEE your terrific personality, and your good heart. You can’t, so let’s go on to clothing basics.

Wardrobe Basics for Women

The "little BLACK Dress" is back. Actually it never left. I know you have this picture in your mind of a simple sleeveless sheath dress. That was good in the past and OK now, but get one with short or cap sleeves. It should be about knee length (give or take a little). The reason for the short sleeves is if your arms are thin, sleeveless is NOT flattering, and if your arms are even an ounce more than perfect, sleeveless makes them look fat. And no sane woman wants to look fat.
Now shoes: Every women should own a pair of low heeled plain black leather pumps (no spike heels, "cause they’re sexy", we are talking basic). If you don’t have a clue, ask your mother, if she doesn’t know, chances are you should NOT take her to meet your boyfriend’s family.
And yes, stockings, or pantyhose, preferably sheer, are a MUST. Deal with it; it is called "window dressing" in some circles. The well-dressed lady wears the proper hosiery.
Simple jewelry and /or a scarf will make this basic outfit into the perfect "can’t go wrong date outfit."
If you wear open-toed shoes, always make sure you wear a nice polish on your toenails. No weird colors; save weird for Halloween. If you are a nail biter, invest in a manicure and maybe a set of acrylic nails. Remember you are NOT still in middle school. Look like you care. Keep your jewelry simple. No need to "bling bling" the guy you’ve just met. And most importantly, you are never well dressed without a smile.

Wardrobe Basics for Men

The navy blue wool blazer, with gold buttons, single or double breasted, is perfect for weddings, funerals, real estate closings, and (especially) first dates. If it’s hot, like it is here in Phoenix, just wear it long enough for her "to see you in it." You can take it off after you get in the restaurant or to drive your car.
A pair of Khaki slacks in grey or light tan, goes with the blazer. In fact, a really nice pair of "dress" jeans will do fine, depending on the situation. Now, about the shirt, a simple button collared polo shirt is OK. Ask for help picking out the color. I prefer light pastel or white. Now about your shoes, clean and polished loafers, they can be dressy or ‘penny loafers’, with OR without socks.
Also, a nice wrist watch is a necessary plus.
Sneakers are a no, no. Sorry!
Also, you need to have a haircut and a shave and if you have a beard, make sure you shave your neck.
Cologne is nice, but not in place of a shower, and don’t drown yourself in it.

And remember... you’re never fully dressed without a smile!