What to wear on a first date

From app dates to blind dates, Internet dates to set-ups with friends of friends, you could say dating and I are fairly well acquainted.

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Though now in a new relationship with a man I met IRL (weird I know), over the past few years my friends and I have increasingly come to rely on modern means (Raya, Tinder, Bumble, Guardian Soulmates, you name it) as a way of meeting people.

Whilst all this has opened us up to an endless supply of potential suitors, I found how I dressed for a first date took on a particular importance, mildly tinged with anxiety. He's seen your pics (which I'll wager are the best ones taken of you in the past errrrm five years), and read your profile which lets face it, means nothing unless you've caught his eye. So how do you live up to your online image and then some?

During an early foray into Internet dating I was very much of the mindset that if Bob, Tim/Jim really liked me, he'd like me no matter what I wore. So I'd head out feeling like I looked quite cool in my usual classic, androgynous get-up. But whilst I felt like 'me' I didn't feel sexy or desirable. And so began a journey of discovery and and here's what I learnt:

My legs are ok, so I'll often wear a mini skirt with a jumper or loose tee and low heels. If you're reading this thinking you don't like anything about your body, this summer's off the shoulder trend is perfect for you. Who has bad shoulders? There's no harm in showing a bit of skin just not too much.

I discovered that a stripy top teamed with a pair of flattering Levi's and a low, comfortable heel was the perfect date outfit. I felt fashionable but was unlikely to intimidate non-fashion savvy boys.

I once made the mistake of going on a first date (walk in the park) with an outdoorsy type. Not wanting to intimidate him with my fashion credentials, I opted for a puffer jacket and trainers. He arrived looking tres chic in a shirt and a pea-coat. I felt underdressed and under-confident. #firstdatefail.

This is not the time to road-test those great new heels, go braless when you usually like full support or wear a body-con dress if you prefer looser shapes. Uncomfortable you could well equal a dud date.

And by that I mean the best version of yourself. I once let some of the girls at the office dress me for a date (fishnets and heels). I felt ridiculous and proceeded to drink far too much to over-compensate. It didn't work out…

See my 10 favourite first date pieces below: