It’s Date Night

OUTFIT IDEAS FOR YOUR DATING EXTRAVAGANZAS Written by Jane Houseal Graphic by Emma Gray, Arts Curator

Whether you’re going out with your significant other or a new fling, dates are the perfect opportunity to dress up and style your wardrobe in a new and flirty way. After what might have been the worst year for meeting new people, the prospect of going out on dates is more exciting than ever. Take inspiration from your plans and incorporate them into your outfit for the perfect date look.

Picnic in the Park

If you and your partner plan on sharing a charcuterie board or taking a scenic stroll, these outfits are for you. Picnic dates immediately spark cottagecore visions of puff sleeves, milkmaid tops, florals and gingham. If you lean toward feminine styles, try pairing a floral midi skirt or dress with a crochet cardigan. Accessorize with cowgirl boots, romantic dangle earrings and oversized barrettes. If you want something more casual, throw your favorite overalls over a dainty bralette. With colorful sneakers and a bandanna or bucket hat, you’ll look put together and perfect for the park. Lingerie: For a romantic, outdoor date, a lightweight lace bralette and matching pair of underwear are the way to go. Dainty lace keeps it flirty, but opting for a bralette allows you to side with comfort.

Dates for adventure-seeking couples — whether it be going to a roller rink, an arcade or some other lively festival — require playful yet functional outfits. Take the retro route with a colorful, abstract printed knit (bell or balloon sleeves are a plus!), a comfy pair of flare jeans and wooden clogs. Not only is the outfit photo-worthy and fun, but it is easy to last all night in. Another option is to take inspiration from Y2K trends and create the perfect flirty look with a printed mesh top and a low-rise denim mini skirt.

Lingerie: For these types of dates, comfort is key, so a stretchy cotton bralette and underwear set is cute and practical. Brands such as Calvin Klein and Parade offer a variety of cozy sets.

Night Out

These outfits are fit for any occasion when you want to feel sophisticated and glamorous. To create a classic look that impresses without fail, couple a mini slip dress with strappy heels. Accessorize with pearls, stacks of antique rings, long earrings and a beaded evening bag to elevate the ensemble. If you feel like dressing ultracool and a bit trendy, put together a monochrome outfit with leather pants and a matching bustier top. If you want to make the look more modest, you can throw on a matching leather blazer or swap the bustier for a structured crop top. Couple either look with a bold lip and confidence to blow your date away. Lingerie: A sexy lace balconette bra and a flattering pair of matching underwear make for a hot date night!

Dating Yourself

A self date can be anything you want it to be; treat yourself to your favorite coffee shop and a good book, wander around an art museum or take yourself out to dinner. Whatever adventure you choose, you deserve it. It does not matter what you wear, as long as you are dressing for yourself! For a simple self date, pair your favorite jeans with a lacy tank and linen button-up. Add sunglasses, coordinated jewelry and white sneakers for a laid-back yet elegant look. If you want to mix it up, try a silky, patterned button-up instead. When you’re on your own, try exploring your personal style and experimenting with unique pieces. Pair vintage bloomers with your favorite graphic tee and platform tennis shoes for a comfortable yet fashion-forward outfit. Lingerie: For the perfect ethereal look that makes you feel like you’re wearing pajamas, try a vintage-inspired pointillé lingerie set. If you’re looking to splurge and treat yourself to a set, check out the brand Pretties. You can also hunt for a vintage set on eBay.

Beach Babe

Going swimming does not mean sacrificing your style. Here are two ways to turn your swimsuit into a fashionable outfit for a beach date, boat trip or even just a pool day. For the perfect vacation outfit, pair granny square crochet pants or shorts over your favorite solid colored triangle bikini. Add a classic sun hat, retro sunglasses and a canvas tote to complete the outfit. If you want something a bit more whimsical, add a matching sarong to any bathing suit for an easy, trendy look. Throw on a matching headscarf and statement earrings to change it from a coverup to an outfit. If you want to go somewhere after, just grab a cropped tank, and you’re ready to go!

Friend Date

A special outing with your close friends or a girls’ night out is a great opportunity to do something exciting with your clothes and step out of your comfort zone. One fun option is to make dressing up a part of the date. Have each of your friends put together different colored monochrome looks. The matching outfits make for the perfect photo. You could also challenge your friends to style something they rarely wear when you go out together; you can help each other style your closets in new ways and give each other the confidence to wear new pieces! If you need an idea for a simple friend date, elevate your basic tee shirt and jeans by choosing a pair of printed denim and mixing it with a printed top. To make the mixed prints work, choose pieces in a similar color family, but with different sized prints. Lingerie: When you’re with your friends, it’s easier to feel confident. Wear whatever makes you feel like you, whether that’s no bra, your favorite t-shirt bra or a sexy set. ■