You’ve finally landed a first date - with someone you know, a colleague, or a match from online? Here’s the thing: what you wear really does matter when it comes to winning a woman over. Dressing to impress works. Since you only get one chance to make a good first impression, don’t neglect your appearance. But panic stations - you’re short on inspiration and unsure what to wear. LE CHEMISEUR® is here with its styling recommendations to help you charm, please and dress for a first date with confidence, and boost your chances of success. For the rest, let your natural charm do the work.

Dressing for a first date: the rules to follow

The best advice LE CHEMISEUR® can give you is to stay yourself - trust us, that’s what suits you best. For a first date, it matters to feel at ease and confident in your own skin. Clothes don’t make the man, but they’re the first thing you show of yourself - so it’s your chance to say a little more about who you are.

Well chosen, your clothes will play to your strengths and let you look relaxed. A safe bet? A casual-chic look, comfortable but never sloppy. For more tips on dressing to impress, see our article casual-chic style: how to dress. Don’t be too adventurous with your style, and choose the right size - neither too big nor too tight. There’s nothing like a well-cut made-to-measure shirt to help you feel good. Looking sharp is essential; that said, don’t overdo the sophistication, or you’ll come across as a man who spends an age getting ready.

Care means a well-ironed shirt. Be uncompromising on the quality of the press and secure an impeccable look thanks to our easy-iron shirts. An evening without a single crease. Choose your accessories carefully - it’s these small details that say the most about your taste and will make you impress or charm. Go for a handsome watch, discreet bracelets, a fine patinated belt or a micro-print scarf. As with accessories, make an effort on the quality and style of your shoes, too - women generally pay them particular attention.

Dressing for a first date: what to avoid

Some pieces and colours are clearly best avoided for a first date. Black isn’t the ideal shade, and a short-sleeve shirt or shorts are really not advised. Favour sober colours and pairings instead.

Unless your date is scheduled right after work and you’re the type to work in a suit, avoid turning up to a first date dressed that way. In the same vein, ties and bow ties are best banished - they come across as too formal.

Above all, watch out for the less glamorous details, sweat marks in particular. This is where our water-repellent “Induo” shirts come to the rescue: they keep you dry and protect you even in the most extreme situations - wine, sauce or coffee stains.

Outfits for a first date

To find the perfect outfit, you can choose based on several factors: the plan, the location, or simply what you feel like. Naturally, you won’t wear the same thing for a summer bike ride as for an autumn dinner at a restaurant. Find all our mid-season tips: how to dress and the summer shirt: how to dress in summer to make an impression. LE CHEMISEUR® shares its style advice to help you pick the right outfit for the type of date.

A first date with someone you know

For this kind of date, there’s no need to overdo it. Go casual with a quality raw denim jean and a light shirt in a discreet colour. Opt for our light-blue poplin easy-iron shirt, paired with a navy blazer. Choose a relaxed, slightly deconstructed blazer to break the stiffness of a work jacket. Finish the look with a fine pair of polished brown shoes for extra elegance.

A first date from a dating app

There’s a good chance this date is built on a physical attraction based on a photo. The aim, then, is to show yourself off without laying it on too thick. Your date expects you to match the photos on your profile, so to avoid surprises, don’t change your style completely. Go for a look that’s both elegant and relaxed by slipping on our white oxford easy-iron shirt with a trench coat, a chino and brown shoes.

A first date with a colleague

This is a date with a woman you see every day, so take the chance to show her a different side if you usually work in a suit and tie. Set aside anything too dressy and go instead for more relaxed pieces. Slip on our chambray shirt or our denim-effect oxford shirt; pair it with a beige chino, a teddy jacket and a pair of white trainers.