Dating with Children

First-Date Fashion for Women
By Emily Yuen

You’ve got one hour until you’re due at the local coffeehouse for cappuccino and scintillating conversation (you hope!)—and you’re staring blankly into your closet wondering what to wear. It’s the first time you’ll be coming face to face with the same man you’ve e-mailed with countless times, and perhaps shared a few phone conversations, and you want to command the same power in person as you did online.

Dress, of course, is an integral part of your presentation. It’s one part dressing for the occasion and another part preserving who you are at the core. On a first glance fashion tells your story—it holds clues to your personality, conveys how you’re feeling, and even how you want him to feel about you when he sees you.

When you’re staring down a questionable closet with no time to spare, the only thing on your mind is that you want to be at your best, both inside and out—but don’t sweat it!

Face your fashion fears and step out in style to your first date this season with these Spring-into- Summer fashion basics that will first amplify your own style and then teach you a few new tricks to take your right now to wow. With these recipes of basic tips, simple pairings, and a bit of accessorizing, you will feel confident in your ability to cook up a delicious outfit for any occasion.

The Cinderella (Formal)
A dinner for two and a table reserved for 8 p.m. On the menu: yellow tail and tuna tartare, smoked duck confit and seared foie gras. On you: a strapless embroidered number, with threading of metallic silver throughout, an empire waist, and pleated bubble skirt.

When romance calls, your outfit must speak to the moment. How do you achieve a look that’s “happily ever after”? By accessorizing a classic wardrobe favorite: the black dress.

Go Classic:
A black cocktail dress should be a staple item in your closet. A classic cut can be your go-to piece for years. One dress can be “worn” in so many ways, projecting a different attitude each time by simply changing your hair, shoes, jewelry, or handbag. Just think of the black dress as your groundwork. Make it your own with the items you choose to accessorize with.

Add a cropped jacket to change the tone—jacket on can be shy and mysterious and jacket off can be revealing and sensual. If you’d prefer pants, try a pair of black satiny trousers paired with a Victorian-styled ruffled blouse.

Quick Tip:
In addition to adding a layer of depth to your outfit, a coverup can also act as a shield against a cool summer night or an over-air-conditioned restaurant.

Jazz Up:

Colored pashmina
Patent leather clutch
A neckline of costume pearls
Metallic wide headband
Jeweled high-heels
Ballet flats (Trend alert: Try gold or silver, glittered or patent leather)
Go Trendy:
Blue is the new black. Hues of rich navy, like a sailor blue, are the power shades of late. Take it to the next level and try something decorated with rosettes, gold or silver trim, lace or embroidery.

Where this works:

Romantic dinner
Theater

The Manhattan (City/Urban Chic)

Don’t have the time to make a pit stop at home after work? No problem! This city girl dresses for work and play—mixing and matching convertible pieces for a high-powered day and high-powered night. Here are a few small changes that can transform your executive 9-to-6 wear into that magical date at 8.

Go Classic:
The key to winning this look is to accessorize and layer. Each piece accommodates the other in creating the perfect packaged deal.

The concept is clean and tailored—layer a white tie blazer over a camisole and match with a pair of trousers or a pencil skirt.

The blazer is universally functional in that it works to complement any outfit—it’s corporate enough for the workday and sassy enough for a rendezvous in town.

Instead of a camisole, try a fitted button-down with puffed sleeves or a patterned silk blouse with a delicate tie-neck.

Count on the pair of pants or the skirt that flatters your body type the best. It’s more important to fit your body than it is to fit the trend. Knowing your best features are accentuated can make you feel both confident and attractive.

Quick Tip:
Go bolder on the shoes when trying to spice up a conservative outfit. Experiment with red or a zebra print.

Jazz Up:

Wide belts cinched at the waist
Large leather carry-alls
Tortoise shell sunglasses
Peep-toe flats in patent leather or animal print
Double-strapped Mary Jane pumps
Earth inspired jewelry—wooden bangles, turquoise necklaces
Oversized cocktail rings
Go Trendy:
Celebrate spring with a cap-sleeved wrap dress of brightly colored flowers against a white sheath. Go daring with your color choice. This season’s most popular shades are cobalt blue and bright yellow.

Or try an ankle pant with a bubble tank. Throw on a linen cropped blazer for the workday.

Where This Works:

Happy hour
Casual dinner
Casual party
A night out in town

The Betty (Casual)

Want a look that’s laid-back but still playfully romantic and feminine? Casual is comfortable but being comfortable doesn’t mean you have to compromise style. Here’s how to get a look that’s casual, easy-going and breezy.

Go Classic:
To embody this look, choose light fabrics such as linen and cotton jersey. Combine a patterned full skirt with solid colored tee or sleeveless top. Another option is to slip on a pair of cuffed shorts or capris. Pair with a knit tunic and belt, if desired.

Quick Tip:
When putting together separates, if wearing a patterned bottom, balance with a plain top or vice-versa. Two loud pieces will make for a screaming outfit.

Jazz Up:

Ankle-tie wedge espadrilles
Embellished flat-thong sandals
Head scarf
Straw totes
Ballet flats
Chunky plastic beaded necklaces and bracelets
Go Trendy:
Try a linen shirt dress with a tie waist in a neutral color such as brown, black or white. Quick Tip: Dress up with a patterned headscarf and embellished sandals.

Experiment with floaty jersey dresses in trendy cuts (Trend alert: Some of the “now” styles are baby doll, bubble, and trapeze). Though, a classic halter or sleeveless scoop neck works just as well.

Where This Works:

Museum
Walk in the park
Coffee

The Good Sport (Athletic)

There’s something for every occasion—you have the casual day outfit, the night outfit, and even the in-between outfit, but how about the play outfit? That something you can run in and “cheer for your favorite team” in—the one you can jump through hoops in and look fabulous doing it.

Go Classic:
Start with pieces that are fluid and easy to move in. If you plan to be outdoors all day, choose breathable materials like cottons and linens.

Quick Tip: When dressing for an active afternoon, go for easy-to-wash pieces so you can play as hard as you want without the worry that you’ll ruin your clothes.

It’s as easy as pairing a basic tank or tee with blue jeans. In this case and in most cases, your opportunity to dress up your outfit lies in how you accessorize.

If your date involves sand and water, experiment with fun geometric patterns and floral arrangements when choosing beachwear. Wrap a patterned sarong around your legs or slip on a light linen kaftan tunic as your cover up.

Jazz Up:

Assorted bangles
Hoop earrings
Brightly colored sarongs
Clear vinyl beach bag
Colored flip-flops
Straw beach hat
Go Trendy:
Combine a flowy apron tank with khaki capris or do the reverse and play up the capris with plaid or stripes while keeping the top basic. Take your capris one step further and try a cargo style for a sportier look.

If at a sporting event, don’t forget to pull out the team paraphernalia. It’s easy to layer your favorite player’s jersey over a coordinating basic and jeans!

Where this works:

Sporting event
Hiking
Beach