What to Wear on Your First Date
By Neana Pearson
You are ready to take the plunge, you have been talking to a special guy or gal on line for several months, and you have even talked on the phone. The sound of their voice gave you chills, and then made you feel warm all over. You think that this might be the one, so when they invited you to come to their country to meet them; you instantly accepted. You have always wanted to travel to their country, in fact you’re fascinate with their country, that’s why you started talking to them in the first place; well that, their photo, and their profile. Now, you are in a quandary, this is important, if you dont make a great first impression you could blow the relationship of a lifetime. The question is what do you wear when you are meeting someone for the first time, internationally?
The Answer: When it comes to making a good first impression, it is all about using Sense, Sense, and more Sense.
1. THE SENSE OF SPEECH
If you have been talking to this person for a while, you should feel fairly comfortable communicating. Don’t be embarrassed to ask what type of clothes you should bring, to wear on your trip. Keep in mind that some people are not that aware when it comes to what other people should wear. Men especially, often have difficulty with advice for women when it comes to apparel. This is where you, the traveler, must take responsibility, and find the answers yourself, through research. Use your common sense and research, research, and research!
I would strongly recommend that you start by checking the extended weather forecast for your travel destination at www.worldweather.org or by checking one of the other weather links that I have included at the bottom of this article. Another suggestion would be to check to see if the country has a travel website, most of them do. These sites are often sponsored by either travel agencies or the countries government. Next you need to do some more research; research the climate, geography, culture, important holidays and traditions of the region that you are traveling to. You might want to visit www.traveladvice.net . You might also consider purchasing a Frommers Travel Guide or visit www.frommers.com to help you with wardrobe ideas and necessities for that first meeting. It is always a smart idea before you travel, for your international meeting, to check the CIA World Fact book at www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook - this sight is a plethora of information for any international traveler in regards to climate and geography. Lastly, before you head off to your international first meeting visit www.state.gov/travel to check for any pertinent travel advisories.
If your date is traveling to meet you, it would not only be appropriate, but wise to show him, or her how very kind you are, by fore mentioning all itineraries of the stay; including all venues, large or small, and by mentioning any potential faux-pas that might be avoided. For example; you are taking your new friend to a family dinner, during one night of their visit, and you know that your ninety-year-old grandmother will go into cardiac arrest if your date arrives in a low-cut jean that exposes her lower abdomen, her black studded navel ring and her spider tattoo, it might be wise to advise your international friend that a simple dress would be more appropriate. Actually, if my date was ever inclined to show up at my family’s house like that, I think I might have to reconsider, but – your grandma may have her own tattoo, and in that case the jeans are just fine.
Okay, now you have a pretty good idea of what the extended weather forecast is. You have done your homework well; you are familiar with some of the cultural traditions, and most of the holidays that are going to occur during the course of you visit. Your international Internet pal has given you a fairly good idea of the social calendar, and any road trips that might occur, the next question is, what do you wear for that first meeting?
Once again I must say that it is basically common sense, or should I say the common senses; pay attention to your date’s five natural senses when dressing for a first meeting.
2. THE SENSE OF SIGHT
Utilizing sight to make that all important first impression
The first and most important thing that your date should see on you is a beautiful smile. People love to be around, happy, content people. White, clean teeth are very important to presenting a good first impression. If you are a smoker, or heavy coffee drinker with stained teeth, consider whitening them. There are products on the market that can be found on the Internet that are not that expensive, and that work very well.
The second thing that you want him to notice on you is appropriate, yet attractive, even alluring apparel.
Begin this effect by wearing something that accentuates your skin coloring. Did you say that you’re pale, that you have no color? Well, prior to your date, invest in a tanning session, or if you are melanoma conscious then invest in a spray-on tan. A spray-on tan should last as long as a normal tan and will most likely last the entire stay of your visit. Most tanning salons offer spray-on tans now, if there are no tanning salons in your vicinity there are many fine spray-on tanning products on the market that can be purchased on line.
Wear a color that accentuates your eyes, because if all goes well she/he should be staring deeply in them for most of the time that you share together. For water color eyes, blue, green, gray and some hazel eyes, wear maroons, burgundy’s, purples, deep greens, blues, or teals. For brown, amber, and some hazel eyes wear yellows, gold’s, browns, oranges, reds and Navy’s.
Avoid wearing the color black (near your face) all together – black tends to wash people out, black is not always slimming, and black shows every piece of lint, human hair, pet hair, or dandruff, etc.
Wear something that fits, correctly; not to loose, nor to tight. Most importantly you must be comfortable; if your clothing does not fit well you won’t feel comfortable, if you do not feel comfortable you may be prone to fidget. Fidgeting will come across as a bad case of nerves, which may make your date feel apprehensive. Nervousness can be contagious. If you feel comfortable you will feel confident, and at ease, therefore putting your date at ease. You want to be thinking about him/her not wondering about how you look.
No rips, tears, holes, fades, stains, or unraveled edges permitted at all. If your outfit is not new, which would be an ideal option, make sure you check all of the seams for tears, also check all zippers to see if they are going to function well; there is nothing more embarrassing then having your zipper break when you are out to impress someone. You will also want to make sure that there are no weird places of material gathering, bunching or puckering. Make sure that material is not stretched too tight, or that buttons are not pulled too tight, leaving embarrassing gaps in your clothing.
Make sure that all buttons are secure on your clothing, and if there is any elastic, anywhere in your clothing, be sure that it is elastically sound. We have all heard of tales of elastic breaking, well that actually did happen to my grandmother. When she was a young woman, while shopping in a major department store, the elastic broke in her under panties, and well, she did the only thing that she could under the circumstances; she stepped out of them and kept going. HOW EMBARRASING! We don’t want that on a first time meeting, your date might get the wrong impression.
Dress to reflect who you really are, don’t go out and buy something just to impress someone else if it is not what you would not normally be comfortable wearing, or you never plan on wearing again. Keep it simple, if you overdress you can appear, pompous, presumptuous, or you may even come across as being easy. More then one attempt at coming across as sexy has crossed the line to looking sleazy. Remember K.I.S.S. – Keep It Simple – Sexy.
Wear something that is appropriate to your age. If you are forty, don’t borrow something to wear from your sixteen year-old. Do not wear funny printed Tee’s of any kind, even if you believe that your printed Tee makes a statement about your personality; let your simple, stylish clothing make a statement instead; let your cloths state that you have a good sense of style and great taste.
Try to wear something that is fairly wrinkle retardant.
We have gone from head to toe; now we must talk about your sense of style for footwear. When it comes to footwear, make sure that shoes are in good condition, polished, and simple; no holes, or broken straps, etc., use common sense. No thick cloggy heels, no army boots, simple black or brown shoes will suffice in most cases. Do not wear shoes to make yourself feel taller, in fact avoid heels all together; your date should already have a good idea of your height, if you were honest on your profile.
Comfortable is a key word for footwear, too. You can be comfortable, and stylish; it can be done. If you are traveling, good walking shoes are a must. Do not take new shoes that are not broken in, or you may develop blisters, and not be able to walk for the rest of your trip. Remember to be weather and geographically appropriate, you wouldn’t want to wear sandals to Russia in March.
3. SENSE OF SMELL
Good personal hygiene is a must. Use deodorant, toothpaste, and mouthwash, carry breath mints; use whatever it takes to have fresh breath.
Perfume/aftershave must be used sparingly, as not to overpower. Find a scent that is fresh, and clean smelling, not too spicy or heavy.
Do not consume alcohol before your first meeting, no matter how nervous you think you are; it is an absolute must that you do not drink. You do not want to give the wrong impression with alcohol on your breath, or worse make a fool of yourself.
4. SENSE OF TASTE
Be considerate on your first meeting, don’t eat onions, or garlicky food unless your date is going partake as well. Bad breath is offensive, you really do not want your date to taste what you had for dinner if you should happen to kiss goodnight.
5. SENSE OF HEARING
Your tone or speech volume is very important in making an impression for the first time. Keep your voice at a medium level, not to loud, and overbearing, not to soft as not to be heard, just moderate. Try not to screech, or sound harsh. If you are constant sniffling, or are prone to throat clearing due to annoying allergies, take non-drowsy allergy medicine.
Most importantly, do not use vulgar language, and do not yell and anyone, for any reason.
6. SENSE OF TOUCH/FEEL
One of the best pieces of advice I can give in this category is to wear something that feels nice to the touch, cashmere sweaters, satiny, or brushed silk blouses, or silk shirts. Anything that feels good on your skin will feel good to a person touching you.
Do not wear heavy hair spray, or sticky hair products. Get a good, low maintenance hair cut before you leave on your trip. Keep in mind that your hair may react differently to different climates, be sure to have moisturizers, and conditioners in you travel case. You will also need to research if the climate that you are traveling to dry or humid. Does humidity cause your hair to frizz; does a dry climate dry hair out? Discuss your travel plans with your hair dresser; they can best advise you on your hair care while abroad. Use hair products sparingly; keep in mind that people love to run their fingers through soft, silky clean hair.
Air traveling often times dries the skin; carry a small bottle of moisturizing lotion, and a small talcum powder with you for silky smooth skin; men need smooth feeling skin, too.
Do not wear too much make-up. Thick caked on makeup can make someone appear cheap and garish besides, you don’t want your date to slide off of your face if they go to kiss you. Badly applied makeup may make your date reluctant to touch you for fear of smearing something, or getting makeup on him or her. Moderately applied makeup will give your date more of a sense of the real you; after all, that is what they fell in love with on line, wasn’t it?
IN CONCLUSION:
If you are still unsure of what to wear consider wearing dark casual slacks with a wrinkle resistant silk, long sleeved shirt or blouse that can be layered with a Cashmere sweater, if traveling to a colder climate. A nice jacket can also be layered over your sweater, if necessary. Avoid prints, and stick with solid colors, deeper colors for the blouse/shirt, and softer colors for the sweater. Keep jewelry to a minimum, earrings, and a watch for women, a watch and a ring for men. Wear a low heeled pump, or flat shoe, possibly black, brown if slacks are brown. Use an oversized handbag, and carry makeup, or toiletries needed for freshening up on the plane, in the event of a long flight. If they are meeting you at the airport, moisturize your face, touch up your makeup, and run a comb through you low maintenance hair, sprits on cologne, and pop a breath mint, and then put on a great big smile.
Note: An oversize bag is also handy for carrying an extra pair of clothes in case of an emergency. *** Always carry a travel sewing kit with you where ever you go.
Now that you have considered the five basic senses the only thing left for you to do is use your sixth sense. You have been talking to this person for months, you should have a good sense of what they would find appropriate, or inappropriate. You should know their favorite colors, you should know if they are the outdoorsy, hiking type, or if they prefer the opera, so quit worrying; if you have the good sense that I think you do then you have picked someone with similar taste as you, and what you wear will be absolutely perfect!
International Weather Links:
www.intellicast.com/LocalWeather/World
www.weather.noaa.gov/international.html
