So you’ve agreed to a date that your friends set you up with. It’s an hour before you’re due to your date, and you’re still tearing through your closet. You want a casual date-night outfit (one that suggests you weren’t sweating the get-together at all), but you want this no-big-deal ensemble to impress (effortlessly, of course). We get it. When you’re getting ready for a meet-up, whether it be with a long-term flame or with someone new, the goal is to get the biggest wow factor with the least effort.
Here are seven dresses you can wear for your date –
1. Black Dress + Oversize Denim Jacket + Black Boots
Black dress, denim jacket and black boots
For a downtown-cool ensemble, try throwing an oversize denim jacket over a black dress. Add ankle boots to keep things super casual (or swap in heels if you want to add a bit more polish).
2. Denim Skirt + Blazer + Kitten Heels
Denim shirt, blazer and kitten heels
For a day-to-date look that feels polished and cool at the same time, try dressing up a T-shirt and denim skirt with a checked blazer and a pair of low heels.
3. Cropped Top + Track Pants + Sandals
Crop top, track pants and sandals
Track pants are decidedly relaxed, but styled with a crop top and heeled sandals, they feel just cool enough.
4. Miniskirt + Sweatshirt
Mini skirt and sweatshirt
A sweatshirt tends to be our go-to top when we’re at home lounging, but contrast it with a sophisticated miniskirt for an outfit that hits the perfect balance and is easy to throw together too.
5. Leather Jacket + Pinstripe Pants + White Boots
Leather Jacket, Pinstripe Pants and White Boots
A leather jacket is the perfect piece to instantly take an office outfit and make it nighttime-appropriate.
6. Boyfriend Jeans + Heels
Boyfriend jeans and heels
High heels may not immediately come to mind when you’re putting together a casual outfit. But if your date-night wardrobe always includes a little extra height, try pairing them with a relaxed pair of boyfriend jeans. The heels will feel instantly cooler when contrasted with something a little low-key.
7. Silk Top + Fitted Jeans
Slik top and fitted jeans
For that night when you’re ready to whip out a statement top, leave the miniskirt and heels at home. Instead, style the top with lighter-wash jeans and a pair of stylish loafers. The finished look is a small step above casual but makes for a perfect first-date outfit.
You want to be comfortable, but also a little bit adorable. Get the basics right. Pick out the best fitting clothes you have, not the loudest. Match your belt with your shoes. Grab a jacket with internal pockets so that your jeans aren’t bulging at the sides. All you have to do now is not spill the drinks.