BENGALURU: Say it out loud or not, dressing for a date is something both men and women fuss about. We’re always wondering what to wear. It’s not uncommon to spend most of your time rummaging through your wardrobe in the hope that you will make a good impression, no matter where you’re going.
And, if the outing in question is a date, you’re going to be even more worried! Several people came to us with one constant issue – what do I wear?
Does meeting the family call for completely conservative dressing, could you wear something super casual if it was a coffee date? We asked a few people what they would do, just so you can get some real-world tips!
The coffee date
Casual is the way to go when you’re going to meet someone at a coffee shop like Starbucks. Ashish Mehta seconds this, telling us, “A nice watch and a decent pair of shoes rounds off your look perfectly, keeping it understated, but still presentable.”
Tanya Jani, from Mumbai, adds that a lot depends on what type of coffee shop you’re going to. She tells us, “For example, if I was going to a cafe like Starbucks, I would put on a pair of jeans and a nice t-shirt. However, if I’m going to a high-end place such as Taj Lands End, I’d definitely pick a much nicer, more formal dress.”
A dinner date
A dinner date could even be a signal that you are seriously considering beginning a relationship with your date – if you have not already. Rahul Bhatija from Delhi believes, “When you want someone to get to know you, remember that it is all about who you are on the inside rather than about your outfit.
So, instead of trying to impress with my look, I would keep it minimalistic and subtle; something that makes me look presentable and comfortable.” Sanya Makhija would avoid wearing anything too flashy, with extremely bold colours.
She explains why, telling us, “A fancy dinner is sort of the same as an upscale event. I prefer to keep things simple and would pick a little black dress with a little makeup.”
Meeting the parents
Ah, the one situation where you’re going to be a bundle of nerves no matter how confident you are about your dressing sense.
The mistake you could end up making here, Tanya tells us, is picking something that you think will please your partner’s family, but you may not really be comfortable in. She adds, “Your discomfort will be evident.
I would rather pick a western outfit that I am comfortable in than a traditional one that doesn’t make me feel like myself. Of course, I’d make sure that it is a little conservative.”
Essentially, she explains, it is not about Indian wear vs. Western outfits, it is about what makes you look smart, responsible and respectful. Ashish agrees, telling us, “I’ve never been in this situation, but if I was, I’d pick smart casuals. A pair of jeans or trousers along with a button-down shirt and leather shoes is, I think, the perfect outfit for when you’re meeting your partner’s parents.”
The most important thing to remember though is that all four people we spoke to emphasised the importance of wearing something that you are comfortable in. For example, Sanya tells us that if she was planning an outdoorsy activity with her date, such as a walk in the park or rock climbing, she’d pick convenience over looks, with sports shoes and track pants. Ashish signs off perfectly, telling us, “Being comfortable in your skin is crucial, but it never hurts to look attractive!”
(The author is the founder and COO of www.floh.in. It is a network that connects singles in real life.)