What to wear on a first date (advice for a curvy girl)

A first date can be a daunting experience, for both men and women. Picking the right outfit is that crucial first step needed to set it to run smoothly.

Everyone struggles with what to wear for their first date, and curvy girls want to look glamorous and confident, enhancing the best parts of their figures (and hiding the worst!).

Not only do you have to worry about choosing clothes that compliment your assets, and that preferably take attention away from your negative parts, but you’ve also got to dress with the location of your date in mind. A lovely, chest-enhancing, waist-slimming dress is all good and well, but if your first date is something eccentric like horse-riding or paint-balling, it’s not going to stand you in good stead.

The one thing that you don’t really see with advice pieces like this, is clothing suggestions for a wide variety of locations. This piece, therefore, is hopefully going to give you a few pointers on what to wear, depending on where your first date is.

For a dinner date:

For a dinner date that’s at a formal/city restaurant, it’s better to look smart and glamorous than too dressed down. Go for a defined look in a dress with sharp edges and a small waist. If the dress is short, wear black opaque tights – this will not only formalise the length of the dress, but also minimise your thighs. Be creative with colour – and bold jewelery will go nicely. As you may head off to a bar or club after, make sure you choose some killer heels too. New Look (site: newlook.co.uk) have some really glamorous pairs that are also available in wide fit.

For a dinner date that’s more local, a tunic style dress is more appropriate. This can be worn with leggings as well as tights, so you have the option of dressing the look down slightly if you wish. The nipped in waist still accentuates your features though, and the gathered material around the shoulders minimises large busts and large shoulders. The decoration on the belt draws your eye, narrowing your silhouette.

A long black cardigan would complete the look for autumn, and when it gets colder, this can be worn under a black mac to make sure the look stays smart. This dress can be found at New Look and is available in up to a size 18.

For a lunch date:

Although you want to still look smart, a lunch date needs to be considered entirely differently wardrobe-wise than your average dinner date. Dress with evening wear and you’ll look out of place, which will do nothing for your confidence and make you feel uncomfortable.

Florals go well for events during the day, and ensure that you look pretty and feminine. When choosing what florals to pick however, make sure that you only choose one item with print, the rest of your outfit should remain plain, so as not to look fussy and over-the-top.

Do go for tops and dresses that have a few colours, too many (especially clashing) will be an eyesore.

Something like this tunic from Dorothy Perkins (site: dorothyperkins.co.uk) is great as it can be worn with trousers or leggings depending on what you feel comfortable with. Most clothes from Dorothy Perkins go up to a size 22.

For an outing/picnic:

If you’re first date is going to be doing something outside, either a Red Letter Day experience or a picnic in the park, you want to be prepared so that you’re comfortable. Here is where pretty knits will come in handy. Boyfriend cardigans are ideal to shove in your handbag and wear over your outfit when it starts getting chilly – the date doesn’t have to end when it gets dark!

A piece of advice for dates outdoors – do not wear dresses – as you have no idea where you’ll be sitting, how long for, or what you’ll be doing. Instead, adopt a more comfy approach, with jeans or trousers and pretty, flirty empire line tops (which are perfect for hiding big hips and stomachs).

Cashmere jumpers have a lovely feel and will a great alternative if you don’t like cardigans. Tesco do some great cashmere products, that come with a small price tag too, so they are well within anyone’s price range.

You want to dress in order to be completely mobile – so no stilettos or uncomfortable shoes! Substitute heels for pretty pumps, which will work well with your casual outfit.

Layering will be you’re best friend, especially when it’s turning into evening, so make sure you have cardigans, knits and a scarf on standby.

These three locations cover your basic first date places, and the clothes can be adapted depending specifically on where you actually do go. Remember though, he will probably be just as nervous as you – so make sure you dress to impress and ooze confidence without being overpowering.

It would be great to hear from any readers that have been on first dates, what they’ve worn and where they went. Feel free to share your experiences in the comments section.