To me, the concept of an ideal first date outfit has changed. If this were a ’90s rom-com, women would be expected to wear staggering stilettos and flirty little dresses. But these days, fashion has shifted and evolved, and jeans and a tee can look just as refined as a full-on cocktail gown. There is also something about pandering to the male gaze that feels, well, outdated. Intrigued, I asked around the Vogue offices to see what exactly the fashion-inclined are wearing.
Below, read on as seven Vogue editors weigh in with their freshest first date outfit ideas—from jeans, to sexy lace camisoles.
Florence O’Connor, associate content manager
The key to not getting burnt out while dating is having an outfit formula that is equal parts comfortable and hot! On my first date with my now boyfriend, I wore my go-to date outfit: a silk skirt, a T-shirt or tank top, and a cute jacket thrown over my shoulders. I always felt very like myself in this outfit. Although I probably wouldn’t wear the exact same pieces I wore three years ago, I would still pick out a silk skirt, white tank top, and a jacket or sweater over my shoulders to wear on a first date today.
Kylee McGuigan, associate production manager
When I went on my first date with my boyfriend, I showed up in double denim: a short sleeve denim top paired with ’70s flare high rise jeans. I tried to make it a bit more chic with some chunky earrings and necklaces, along with a heeled boot, so it didn’t look like I got dressed in the dark (though I am an advocate for double denim no matter what). It was a particularly cold and rainy day at the end of May, so I had cycled through a few outfit options with my roommate the morning of—I didn’t want to be too hot or too cold, as I’d be coming from work. I felt like this outfit was the most “me” at the time, and considering I already knew him (and it was technically our second first date), I didn’t feel like I had to overdo it.
Elise Taylor, senior lifestyle writer
For summer dates, I always go in with a minidress. . . although shift rather than skin-tight, if that makes sense. Not to get weird, but I feel like you need to show off some skin—but not too much? You’ve gotta leave something to the imagination.
