First Date Fashion

GOING on a first date this week? McArthurGlen’s Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet has drawn up a definitive list of the dos and don’ts of first date dressing.

Gabby Cowley, Style Consultant at McArthurGlen’s Cheshire Oaks, said: “The key to dressing for a first date is to wear what you feel confident in. It’s not the time to reinvent your look or experiment with a daring new style.

Stick to the shapes and silhouettes you know you look and feel great in. Whether it be a classic little black dress accessorised with this seasons boucle jacket in a soft pastel shade, or a pair of skinny jeans with super leg lengthening sky high heels - the key to wowing your date is to appear relaxed and stylish.”

What To Wear...?

Tips for her:

1. If he’s picking the location, try to find out the dress code ahead of time but if in doubt it’s always better to be over-dressed than under-dressed.

2. Avoid extremes. On a first date it’s natural to want to play up your best features but try to keep a good balance and avoid exposing too much.

3. Express your personality through your clothes. Again this all boils down to choosing styles that you feel most comfortable in. An LBD is a failsafe option to show sophistication but if you’re more the fun and outgoing type you might feel more at ease by swapping the classic for an on-trend alternative. Jaeger has a great selection of dresses in this season’s floral prints.

4. A sleek pair of heels will convey confidence and style and Kurt Geiger has a range of styles in a variety of colours. Just make sure the extra inches won’t leave you towering over your date or stumbling on the pavement.

5. Accessorise in style with a clutch bag in this season’s candy colours. Be sure to choose one big enough to fit all your essentials.

Kurt Geiger

Tips for him:

1. Wear something on-trend but uncomplicated. A colourful knit demonstrates that you’ve made an effort, without sacrificing comfort. Lacoste has a wide selection in this season’s bright colours.

2. Clean, freshly-ironed clothes are an absolute must. A crisp white T-shirt will make all the difference even if you can only see a flash of it.

3. For a cold winter night, layer a coat over one of this season’s striking tailored jackets like the ones in Ted Baker so when your date gets cold you can be a gentleman without freezing yourself.

4. Make sure your shoes match your outfit. It’s not just about colour coordination; you don’t want to make the mistake of wearing trainers with more formal fashion.

5. An eye-catching piece of jewellery like a stylish watch can really add to an outfit whilst making a great talking point. Chapelle has a great range of watches and cuffs for all tastes.

Ted Baker

McArthurGlen’s Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet is home to over 145 brands including Karen Millen, Ted Baker, Hobbs and Reiss at up to 60 per cent less.