How to look your best before a date

When it comes to first dates, appearance matters. The way you dress and present yourself to your date will speak volumes about your character, whether the conversation is flowing freely or not. This is equally true for both men and women, and the first impressions your date gleans from your appearance may make the difference between a second date and an "I'll call you some time," brush-off.



The Basics



When you meet someone for the first time you no doubt pay close attention to his or her appearance, whether consciously or sub-consciously. This includes things like clothing, hairstyle and odour, and in the absence of much other information about the person sitting across from us, these little clues are what we go on to assess their suitability as a potential partner. Needless to say, whilst you sit there quietly judging this perfect or not so perfect stranger, your date is doing the same.



So what can you do to ensure that your appearance makes a favourable first impression on your date?



Tips for men



• Clothes- The most important thing when it comes to first date clothing is to wear something you feel comfortable in. True, some women may be wowed by a flashy suit, but it's not quite as appealing when the guy wearing it is fidgeting uncomfortably throughout dinner. Smart casual is usually a safe bet, but make sure that what you're wearing is appropriate for the date venue- no jeans in fancy restaurants and no Armani in the local multiplex. Obviously stains of any kind or wrinkled clothing will instantly go against you.



• Tidy hair- Showing up for your date with clean well kept hair is not only an indicator of the pride you take in your appearance, but it's also a sign of how much effort you have gone to in preparing for your date. It is also considered as a good way for your date to judge how much effort you will put into pleasing them in any future relationship. This applies to facial hair, eyebrow, nose and ear hair as much as it does the hair on top of your head. Get trimming, or if you're worried about excessive facial hair in the wrong places, consider talking to a skincare expert about laser hair removal.



• Aftershave and cologne- Regardless of what scent you choose to wear for your date, one universal rule applies- don't overdo it. Women like a man who smells good, but not so much that it overpowers the taste of their meal.



Tips for women



• Make-up- Less is more. Most men like a woman who looks good with make-up on, but they also want to know that when the make-up comes off what's underneath is just as appealing. Wearing too much make-up also runs the risk of ruining the skin underneath and may indicate to your date that you're a little lax in your skincare routine!



• Skin- Having a good skincare regime is important in maintaining skin that is soft to the touch and pleasant on the eye. As well as having a good diet and avoiding excessive amounts of time in direct sunlight, using anti-ageing creams, anti-wrinkle lotions and moisturisers can do wonders for your skin. If you suffer from any skin conditions visit your local GP to see if he can prescribe anything or offer advice.



• Hair- If you're going to get a haircut specifically for your date, go for a style you feel comfortable with, rather than one from a magazine that you think men will like. The most important thing is to feel that you can be yourself around your date, and this may be hard if you're wearing Victoria Beckham's hair. If you suffer at all from facial hair, consider trying laser hair removal treatments. Moustaches seldom look sexy on men, and even worse on women!



• Clothes- Once again, wear clothes that you feel comfortable wearing, both physically and emotionally. Most men enjoy the sight of a woman wearing a killer dress, but it is also the confidence with which she carries herself that can make all the difference. If you're happy wearing something low-cut, then be bold and go for it. If you'd feel more comfortable in something a little more conservative then wear that instead.



• Shoes- This last tip may fall on deaf ears, but men don't care that much about shoes and would prefer you to be comfortable in a pair of sensible yet attractive shoes rather than in constant pain caused by ‘killer heels'. Try to find a balance between aesthetic beauty and practicality.