Someone you just met might have made up their mind about you before you even uttered a word. Your appearance can convey much about your self-esteem, confidence, beliefs, etc., and your sense of style plays a significant role.
A 2022 study cited by Newsweek revealed that people were 1.5-2.5 times more likely to date and develop romantic feelings for those who were popular at speed dating. Compatibility and popularity were equally strong predictors of romantic pursuit. Beyond the first impression, if someone recognizes that others find you attractive, they are more likely to be attracted to you.
So, what role does your fashion sense have in forming first impressions?
Nonconforming is attractive
In 2024, some people will readily admit they can form first impressions based on what someone wears. However, some believe that people who don’t follow the trends are self-made. A study published in the International Journal of Innovative Research and Advanced Studies found that people who wore “nonconforming” clothes appeared more competent.
Nonconforming clothes can give the impression of higher status. The study’s authors determined that we see such people as having the independence needed to deviate from the norm and pursue their inclinations.
The fashion victim
Wearing fashionable clothes that don’t look good on you makes a poor first impression. One respondent in the above-mentioned study expressed disdain for people who “follow fashion blindly.” You must consider your unique body shape, skin tone, hair color, etc., rather than just wearing a trendy cut or color. If you choose trendy clothes, hoping they will make a guy want you, he could pick up on that, and it might have the opposite effect.
Fashion is transient
Fashion is fleeting and dynamic. Some people say they don’t pay attention to what someone is wearing because it doesn’t have a significant effect on how they perceive the person. To them, it doesn’t matter whether a potential partner has been reading up on the latest fashion trends because it won’t determine the course of their interactions.
FAQ
Should I buy a new outfit for the first date?
There’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re going to burst in a tight pair of new jeans or tugging at your skirt throughout a first date. You want to come off as relaxed and laid-back. Consider wearing something that you’ve already worn. If you must buy something new, do a test run. Wearing something comfortable will help you give your date more attention.
Then what should I wear?
The impact of confidence cannot be overstated, so consider if you have any clothes that make you feel like a million bucks. There is a connection between confidence and dating app use if the results of a recent survey in France are any indicator. French people who were or had been active on dating apps were asked about their levels of self-confidence in May 2021. Single people who were active on dating apps reported a level of 53%, the lowest level of self-confidence, compared to 67% for people who had used apps in the past but weren’t using them anymore and 66% for those who had never used them.
Confidence is important no matter how you meet. Maybe you have a pair of pants you always get compliments on or a green top that perfectly matches your eyes. Looking attractive is more about how you wear something, not what it is.
What is a big no-no?
Trying to be something you’re not. If you’re a jeans and T-shirt girl, don’t try to pull stilettos off on your first date. It’s not the time to completely alter your style or appearance because you could come off as fake. Stick to what you like and know you look good in so you exude confidence.
