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What to wear for a first date at a cat cafe

Tanya

Veteran

So, I haven't been on a date in quite a while (consequence of my very complicated life/health circumstances in the past couple of years), so long that I have mostly forgotten how to dress for one. I have recently met the gentlemen in question at a local dance social and we are going out on the first date this weekend. He gets lots of brownie points for suggesting local cat cafe, as I adore cats but can't own any at the moment to to a bunch of complicated circumstances. We may or may not grab dinner afterwards. I don't really have any expectations other than to have lots of fun petting all the kitties, especially since I suspect that he is 30 at most, while I will be turning 39 in couple of months. While I am not complaining about looking younger, one of the unfortunate side effects is getting asked out by men who are quite a bit younger.
So normally on an early date I like to look like I put some effort but not too much. I stay away from anything too noticeable and go for conventional flattering outfits - defined waist, top in one of my best colors, nothing JFE/leg shortening. And comfy shoes in case there is lots of walking. If we were going out for dinner, I would have worn my new JCrew blue wrap dress. However, a visit to cat cafe includes lots of sitting on the floor with the adorable fur babies, so skirts/dresses are out of the question. White skinnies may get dirty on the floor, and black would be like magnet for all the cat hair. So I am bit perplexed here. It is going to be a warm, but not hot day. My brain is kind of suck trying to figure out what shape tops are waist defining yet modern looking, and nothing comes to my mind other than more tailored peplums. Thoughts and ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Dressing

33 replies

Latest reply was from

Linda

I don't have any bright ideas about what to wear, but that's an awesome first date!

Greyscale

Veteran

What a fun challenge!

I would wear slim-boyfriend jeans if you own any, for the best floor-sitting, cat-petting results. And cool shoes to kick it up a notch (bf jeans are so much better with nice shoes in my opinion). The top is a challenge - I think I've seen you in wrap tops. Do you have anything along those lines that would work? A poplin shirting wrap top maybe? I like the peplum idea too, if it would work with the jeans.

Have a great time! I still haven't made it to a cat cafe.

And here's hoping he's in your target age range and you're in his!

elpgal

Veteran

How exciting! Since you say it's warm, I'd venture with a longer skirt, alluring top and flat shoes - much more amenable for demure squatting than pants. Have fun!

Linda

It's me again! I agree that BF jeans would work. I looked at your posts and the Old Navy ones that you have would look great! Add some nice shoes, as Greyscale suggests, a pretty top and you'll be good to go!!! Pet an orange tabby for me!!!

Peri

Veteran

Wow, I saw something about this on a TV show, but I thought they made it up. There really are cat cafes?!

viva

Veteran

I immediately thought of the cat cafe that Shoshanna worked at in Tokyo on Girls. It seemed like such a specific, bizarre Japanese thing.

Where is this place, Tanya? This may be the most fabulous first date I have ever heard of. And how on earth did he think of taking you there? It seems so perfect for you.

columbine(erin)

Veteran

What a sweet idea for a first date. Seems like your favorites jeans would be a good idea. How about a woven top. Wedges instead of heels.

Tanya

Veteran

He he, you are all too funny! Cat cafes do exist, and they did start in Japan, but now there are couple across the US. Ours in DC (Georgetown area) has recently celebrated it's first birthday. Here are the links to the website of the cafe, as well as to their recent birthday party:
http://crumbsandwhiskers.com/
http://crumbsandwhiskers.com/b.....-in-review
As for him knowing to take me there, we spent a whole afternoon chatting over Facebook about typical things one does in the beginning - favorite hobbies, things to do etc. so pets came up and it turned out we both really like cats. Then he asked if I had been to Crumbs & Whiskers / was interested in going there again and so it happened.

Linda, I will make sure I give all the orange tabbies plenty of lvoe. I find them such friendly kitties.

Thank you for all the input about the dressing, Linda, Greyscale, Columbine and Elpgal.

Elpgal, there will be actually sitting on the floor, not just squatting, and I am not sure how gracefully I can do that in a skirt, even a long one, so I would rather not worry about it and stick to pants.
I am not sure about BF jeans either- I do have a pair but they are 100% cotton and thus would not be most comfortable for all the sitting, plus I would like something a bit more form fitting. But their first cousin, relaxed skinnies with some stretch might work well.

I do like the idea of wrap tops, and I have quite a few of those, so that is certainly a possibility.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

So much fun!! I love this for a first date; he definitely gets points for that.

I would go with the relaxed skinnies. And a kitty themed top or accessory.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Jeans that are in the light blue range would be good for cat petting. Sleeveless white (or other your-color) wrap front blouse or peplum. Big earrings to attract kitties with. Shoes with a bit of heel to acknowledge it's a date. Have fun with the younger man.

I told my kidlet she'd better step up her getting-into-Georgetown game, so that she can go to the cat cafe (such a thing would be right up her alley.)

Tanya

Veteran

Hmm, Suz, I have been thinking about one of my kitty tops,but am not certain if that would be fun or too cutesy. Plus all of them are blousy. The best candidate would be this one, still pretty baggy, but with a slit at the mid-back.
My iPhone cover does have a pretty large kitty on it

Thank you for the wishes, I am sure it will be fun. Even if the date itself does not go so great, I will have plenty of kitties around to make up for it.

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Tanya

Veteran

UmmLila, those are all great suggestions, thank you! I will probably end up with something along those lines, minus the large earrings, as my ears are not pierced.
I am wishing you little one good luck with Georgetown! If she ends up coming I would be more than happy to show her around the city, though she may not want to hang out with someone my age

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

How exciting! (There are cat cafes in Seattle too - ADORABLE). I want to hear ALL about the date, Tanya.

I vote easy fitted and straight cropped jeans, roomy top that's semi tucked and alluring. Topper for a/c - just in case. Fashionable flat shoes. Casual bag. Natural make-up.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Chiming in to say that you might want to consider the hair-attracting properties of whatever you decide to wear. I'm guessing the cats will be all different colors, so best to pick something that the hair won't want to stick to. Also, a print might be more forgiving than a solid.

Zibbets

Veteran

What a cool, weird, fun first date. I think UmmLila is on the right track with jeans. I would save anything you will cry over losing if it gets snagged or sliced by kitten claws for date #2.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I like the suggestions for a relaxed fit Jean. And what about flares Tanya? You could wear them with a more fitted or shorter top and go for a feminine vibe. Do you have time to take any pics of the candidates so we can give you some input? Sounds like such a fun first date. I hope it goes well.

JAileen

Veteran

What an interesting choice for a first date. I like what Angie said - something alluring. If you have cat clothing, now is the time to wear it! I hope you have fun.

Anonymous

Oh we're the same age almost!
I would totally date a 30 year old in half-a-second flat!

Anyway, I like skinny ankle pants, lace up flats and a slouchy top.

Have fun!

Runcarla

Veteran

LOL! DS#1, who moved to the Big City 6 months ago has a cat cafe just a couple of doors down from his walk-up! What a cool date idea.

Jeans or chino's in a light wash or pale colour since the fabric sheds fur a little better, and any stray hairs won't show as much. No synthetics since they are magnets for fur. A cotton or linen top, but you might like to try one that is taylored to fit your form, or knot a button down at the waist with a few buttons open to make a 'V' to reveal a flash of delcotage (but a neckerchief as a nod to trendiness and discretion.). A jean jacket in case the place has A/C or the evening turns cool.

Your palette of late has been decidedly feminine, so no worries there, Tanya. Probably comfortable flats, but if the dude is tall, do some heels, but kick them off at the cafe. Put them on again for coffee or wine after - if all goes well. Simple or practical as any outfit is, sexy shoes can make all the difference.

But most of all, have fun. This sounds like a great date scenario.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I think any kind of fitted top will work. I would like to emphasize this again... a fitted top please! A knit top would be ultra comfortable, one that is long enough because you want to show you lovely shape but not everything! Sounds like you are all sorted with the bottoms (slouchy skinnies or straights with some stretch).

I loved the pictures from the cat cafe's first year. Of course, as someone in food service, I wondered how they got a permit to open. The health department is so picky. How did they get around the animal hair and cross contamination issue? It sounds like only pre-packaged food / the macaroons, will work for that reason. Maybe they prepare the drinks in an area strictly off-limits to the felines.

Tanya

Veteran

Thank you so much for all the suggestions Angie, Jenn, Zibbets, Brooklyn, JAileen, Smittie, Runcarla and Denise. They have all helped a lot. I will post a couple of possibilities with photos on Thursday/Friday evening.

Angie, you will hear everything about the date later, I promise

Runcarla, hope your DS#1 is enjoying his cat cafe.

Denise, yes, they did have lots of trouble with the health department getting the permit. I believe that in the end what happened was that the food area is completely separated from the cat area, but once you get your drinks/snacks, you can bring them with you to the cat area if you want.

deb

Veteran

Cat Café?? I have never heard of a cat café, how cool. All I can add is, have fun!

Cassie Lyons

I also vote for the fitted print shirt, relaxed skinnies, and wedges!

Sal

Veteran

No advice on what to wear but hope you have a lot of fun.

And I have never heard of a cat cafe

Anonymous

I like Angie's suggestions - and think about it this way too : he's just thrilled that you said yes . He's seen you before and knows what you look like . Guys don't analyze and judge us on whether we are wearing a waist defining top or not . You have a gorgeous super slim figure - wear something totally easy and unfussy . It's also been my experience that men see us for who we are , not what we wear ....

That said , what a super fun place to go to on a first date ! We are getting one here soon too and I can't wait ! Let your personality shine and have fun

SandyG

Veteran

Tanya, my Lucy Get Going urban gear yet fashionable crop pant would be perfect for your date -- and definitely wear a pretty top for dinner plans!! I would carry a small pet hair collector brush in my handbag to whisk off the kitty fur before dinner or drinks (I love animals but truly hate pet hair clinging to me).

rachylou

Veteran

What! I swear I was gonna say exactly what Angie said...so what Angie said!

That's really the best idea for a first date I've heard in a long time.

Also, this is gonna be so annoying-
But no way you're 39! Lol. I know this is annoying because I get that too... And no, I'm not the intern!!!

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Blue jeans that fit well...whatever is your favorite. A sexy/pretty top. Show off your waist because when else will you play up your gorgeous hourglass figure if not on a first date!!

You wore a pretty faux wrap top a few weeks back....I liked that. Will go well with cropped jeans. And silver sandals. You have really great bags so pick any!

Hang on....i'll find a picture

ETA: Keep a lint roller in your bag. That's all. If you do proceed to dinner from there - you'll be ready in a jiffy.

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Style Fan

Veteran

What a fun place for a first date. There are some dog cafes in Montreal. We love them. The dogs wander around and we have our coffee. There is food too.
You have such a great wardrobe. I would suggest a more fitted top. But not too fitted. And of course not white jeans. (because you will be on the floor)

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