As a single parent, it might have been a while since you went on a first date. If you were with your child’s other parent for a long time before you had kids it may have been years, or even decades since your last date with someone new. What you wear on the date is one of the least important elements of the dating process, but finding the perfect date outfit crosses one stress off your list at least. So, what should you wear on a first date as a single mum? Here are a few tips to help you decide…
Tips for Date Dressing as a Single Mum
Comfort is Key
When it comes to first date outfits, comfort should be your top priority. You will likely be nervous going into your date, so you won’t want to worry about your clothes feeling restrictive or uncomfortable. Avoid anything too tight or revealing as you want to feel at ease and able to focus on getting to know your date rather than worrying about what your clothes are doing. If you are prone to sweating, don’t choose something that will show this, as you don’t want to be moving like a 00s Impulse ad on your date.
Dress for You
Trying to pick an outfit through the eyes of a date is a waste of time and effort. Thinking about what your date will and won’t like you wearing is not only futile (since it’s a first date and you don’t know much about their taste yet), it sets a bad precedent. Hopefully you don’t plan to change your style in the long run based on their taste and away from your own, so don’t start now.
Dress to Impress
Having said that, you also want to make an effort and show your date that you’ve put thought into your appearance. Choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and put-together, without steering away from your personal style. The outfit you’d wear for after work drinks, not the one you’d lounge around the house in on a Bank Holiday.
Dress for the Plans
Take the word ‘date’ out of the equation when you’re choosing your first date outfit and think about the activity you’re doing, instead. Imagine you have the plans with your friends and not a date and choose according to the activity you’ll be doing together. Going for dinner? Choose something you’re comfortable sitting down in and that will look great from across the table. Going for a walk? Dress for a walk! A bar? You get the idea.
Date Shoes
Your shoes can make or break an outfit, so choose wisely. Opt for a pair that you feel confident and comfortable walking in, so forget super-high heels, stilettos or anything that rubs your feet. If you’re not sure whether to go smart or casual, play somewhere in between with a nice pair of comfy Chelsea or cowboy boots.
If in Doubt
Jeans and a nice top, what?
Don’t Obsess
The right clothes, hair and makeup can make us feel really confident before a first date as a single mum, but remember it’s the least important part of the dating process. Leave plenty of time to get ready so that you feel good before leaving, but then once you’re on the date try not to focus on how you look, what you’re wearing, or what they’re wearing. You’re there to figure out if the person you’re meeting is someone you could be happy with, for a while or a lifetime, so focus on what you’ve got in common, beyond fashion. (Obviously if they look great it’s a bonus, though.)
Need childcare for your date? Read this guide to affordable childcare options.