Ladies Guide on What to Wear for Dates

So you are meeting Mr. Wonderful for your first date and you have no clue what to wear. If your date did not prep you as to the type of restaurant you are going to, do not be bashful by sending him an email or SMS (text) and asking which type of restaurant you guys are going to. If he says “sushi”, you will know to do something casual yet hip, if he says a restaurant rated as one of the top 10 in San Francisco, well, you will need to primp a bit more and dress up more than my description below. A fancy spot would call for a flirty dress, heels, pashmina and nice evening bag.

For a casual yet hip San Francisco kind of date, go for the basic date standard of jeans. I am not a jeans kind of girl but seems most girls are jeans girls and often you cannot go wrong wearing these classic demin pants. For a causal look for ladies ages anywhere from 20-40, I would go buy a great pair of slimming jeans. Brands like ‘Rock and Republic’ seem to be the latest craze and have various styles to luckily, work with various body shapes. Phew!! Check out their URL: http://www.rockandrepublic.com I typically like ‘boot cut’ over a tapered leg or skinny jean as I think it is more flattering on the body. Even for the thinnest “Kate Moss” types, the skinny jean ain’t so cute, plus I think they are slightly out of fashion now.  Grab a darker demin color, as this color works better for evening and you can dress it up nicely (versus a faded light demin). I also think grey/black demin can be a very good staple for fall.

Now that you have a pair of flattering dark demin jeans and you are comfortable, pair the jean with a pointy closed toe stiletto heel. The point will only elongate and what woman doesn’t want to be long and lean? There is a fabulous little boutique on San Francisco’s Union Street for the most original, one-of-a kind shoes called “Shaw Shoes.” http://www.shawshoes.net/ They are expensive but worth the beauty and craftsmanship. Additionally, the patent leather shoe is back in full force. I was just in New York this past Labor Day weekend and places like Bergdorf Goodman and Saks 5^th Avenue had dozens of darling patent heels in all colors- I bought black and was tempted to buy blue as well. Charles David has cute patent pumps for around $240.00. Check these ones I bought at Bergdorf: http://couture.zappos.com/n/p/dp/28679433/c/89.html

What to wear on top? I love the idea of a cute slinky satin top with a punch of color like orange, purple (the color this Fall) or green. Brands like Elie Tahari or BCBG have fun, relatively inexpensive tops that work great with sexy jeans. http://www.bcbg.com/home/index.jsp If you’re in San Francisco, you must have your “topper”, which is your jacket (ideally a little below your knees). A topper is usually a lighter weight jacket that basically “tops” your outfit off and it perfect to take off when you arrive inside your destination restaurant. Be bold and don’t be afraid to do something fun- like a leopard print, or classic Burberry print. If you don’t want a pattern, go for a basic neutral and very safe beige color topper. I love toppers with a cinch belt, as they accentuate the feminine waistline.

Accessorize your little number with fun jewelry and a darling clutch (purse). If your shoes have a splash of gold in them, go to Banana Republic and purchase some of their inexpensive gold bangles and gold chain necklace. Again, don’t be afraid to layer different gold necklaces. Go for a long one and a shorter one and have them fall into your cleavage when wearing them, versus on the very outside of your outfit. Think sexy and sultry here…. Brands like Michael Kors, Tory Burch, or Kate Spade have very fun clutches for your most memorable date out.

Here is a link to a cute purse of this season from Michael Kors  : http://www.michaelkors.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod1700002&parentId=cat402&masterId=cat134&cmCat=cat000000cat101cat134cat402&index=0&tid=P9

Inside your little fab clutch, throw in the essentials (remember you really only need a few things in your purse for your dinner date.) Throw in your credit card, drivers license, altoids, lip balm, lip gloss, small mirror, $40.00 cash, mobile, sample of perfume and keys to your apartment…girl, you are all set.  Here is a link to the yummiest of all lip glosses to make those lips irresistible to any guy. http://www.lancome-usa.com/makeup/gloss/juicy-tubes-jelly.htm

Pre date, soak in the bathtub and get your skin all nice and soft with some bubbles and scrub exfoliant. If you find yourself a little nervous pre-date, sip half of a glass of wine. Don’t do red as it will stain your teeth. Put some Crest Whitestrips on your teeth, floss, and brush your tongue. I know this is detailed but I hear comments from clients saying “he had bad breath” or “her teeth were stained.” Out of bath, rub some nice body oil on your arms and legs like Neutrogena. Take the time to dry your hair and maybe put some velcro curls in it for some volume. Don’t forget to use some light hairspray such as Bumble & Bumble’s.

Keep your make-up to a minimum for your date. Before any make-up goes on, use a light moisturizer such as the brand Kiehl’s “Ultra facial moisturizer spf 15.”  http://www.kiehls.com Once soaked in, use a nice mineral based power for your foundation and a little concealer underneath your eyes. Bare Escentuals makes a fantastic formula for mineral based foundation. Personally, I used to use a liquid foundation but am now hooked and a true believer in this light approach to foundation. http://www.bareescentuals.com/

Go for a little dab of shadow, stoke of blush around the apple of your cheek, lip pencil, lip gloss, and mascara. Don’t forget to curl your lashes pre-mascara. Curling is one of the best things I have ever discovered in my daily beauty routine. If you are clueless about make-up, don’t fret girl, head to Sephora.  http://www.sephora.com/  Sephora for those who have not stepped foot in this make-up empire should be one of the Wonders of the World.  There are countless experts dressed in black who can assist you in any manner with buying make-up and will even do complimentary make-overs for you. Don’t forget to ask for your Sephora beauty card when purchasing your products. This free card will redeem you free goodies the more you purchase.

Now that you look and feel great, here are some items to avoid wearing on dates. Sneakers and flip flops (too casual), too much perfume, too much make-up, anything too revealing, and all black clothing (wear something brighter and cheerful).

Next week I will report of What to Wear For Men When Dating.

Till then, happy dating and go, get your flirt on!!