What to Wear on a Date in Seattle - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

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What to Wear on a Date in Seattle

Amy

(website)

Veteran

It's been nearly 20 years since I last dated and so I'm out of touch with what to wear when going out. I always assumed you dressed up when you were going to meet someone new, but Anna (rightly) pointed out that the outfit I wore yesterday was too dressy for Seattle. My date showed up in jeans and a t-shirt...to a nice restaurant. Looking around the restaurant, his attire was more the rule than the exception. Can any of you share pictures/pins of casual date night outfits? Most of my searches are turning up very slinky and/or exposed outfits that would suit a 20 year old and not someone in her mid 40's. I don't feel all that good in most of my jeans outfits, mainly because I feel too sloppy.

Thanks for any help you can give!

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Dressing

25 replies

Latest reply was from chewyspaghetti

crazyone

Veteran

I am naturally a dressy person, so I purposely underdress a bit for first dates--it can feel really odd to be wearing a nice dress and jewelry when the guy across from you is just wearing a t-shirt and jeans. Stick to figure flattering tops and whatever cut of jeans or dark pants floats your boat. The dresses can come out to play on later dates (with the same person) after you've established your personalities a bit.

Keix

Veteran

I'm in ultra-casual Silicon Valley and I agree with crazyone--go for a dark jeans and nice top look. Or you can wear a casual dress (I suspect in Seattle you would fit in with a dress from Athleta, for instance) if that makes you feel more comfortable. One rule to consider is that if you feel like the dress needs dressy shoes (heels, polished pointy-toe flats), then choose a more casual dress. You can then wear the casual dress with heels, but it helps avoid the feeling-overdressed syndrome.

Suzanne (ambergreen)

Veteran

Hmm...if you don't mind taking thoughts from married folk (but in the Portland, OR milieu so even a bit more casual environment than Seattle), I might suggest a favorite pair of jeans, a blouse you love (maybe a simple one in satin?), statement earrings, and block-heel sandals.

Examples added...it actually wasn't that easy to find something that gave the vibe I was thinking of. So much is, yes, either quite hoochie or even more casual. #1 is probably the closest (though the heels are too high IMO).

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Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I don't know, but I'll play along and pick an outfit. Here's one I like, but I might substitute my black skinny frayed-hem ankle jeans for the skirt. And maybe go with less arty footwear, something with a heel.

Generally I think I would stick to what crazyone suggests. I would pick a top that makes me feel pretty (as this olive voile one does), and/or one that really brings out the color of my eyes and makes them dazzle. Then some nice, dark-wash jeans or a casual skirt.

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by Firecracker (Sharan)

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Amy

(website)

Veteran

Thank you so much! This is very helpful. Now I need to go jeans shopping

MsGreer

I agree with crazyone. Hold off on showing to much skin and make him earn it..lol You have plenty of time to dress up and dress for the occasion.
I love your outfit in the pic, really pretty!!!
Have a wonderful time on your date...how exciting!!

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I say well-fitting jeans, a bit of a heel and a drapy but not tight blouse that shows either some arm or décolleté, whichever is your better point. If it's a blind date, wear a jacket over so you can decide if you want to take it off. (Oh yeah, have never been to Seattle so can't speak for the cultural issues.)

DonnaF

Veteran

You don't feel comfy in YOUR jeans or jeans in general? If it is jeans in general, what about a denim skirt or ponte pants? I somehow can't picture you in a denim or chambray dress. . . .

shannon

I can't speak to the norms in Seattle but I was single in my 40's (not too long ago) here in flyover country. I'd say that dark jeans are a good option with a cute shoe. Also, be sure to consider the venue and make sure you're comfortable. On my first date with my now BF, I wore a print pencil skirt with a white sweater because the skirt was flattering and a cute print. He still remembers the skirt and comments on it whenever I wear it.

JAileen

Veteran

We just got to Seattle this afternoon!!! Anyway, we walked around a lot and ate down on the water, outside. I wore jeans, Cons, nice sweatshirt, and took a windbreaker. (I thought it was going to be colder than it was.) My husband was dressed similarly. I saw people dressed up and down. I saw women in dresses and heels, and women in jeans.

In my neck of the woods, people wear jeans all the time. Even the wedding we went to last weekend, an aunt of the bride wore jeans.

Muffin

Veteran

I agree with the advice of jeans, cute shoes, pretty blouse. But if you are more dressy than so be it! I see so many women that have obviously put thought and time into their outfit/appearance with guys in hats, shorts, and t-shirts who look like they could have been cleaning the garage all day-- I want to tell these women to keep looking, this isn't the guy for you!

rachylou

Veteran

I think the new rule is jeans, flattering top, topper, shoes you can walk a fast mile in...jus' sayin'...

VioletMyra

When I need a clue (and believe me I need lots of them), I browse this blog: http://www.ladyofstyle.com/
Annette

is older than you and younger than me but her style has helped me out over the years.
HTH
Best wishes
Denise

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, ladies. This is helpful.

DonnaF, I feel fine in jeans, but unlike what I see on this forum, my jeans outfits are not stylish. When I wear jeans, *I* look like I should be cleaning the garage. I haven't put a lot of effort into developing a casual, yet fashionable wardrobe.

JAileen, yes, a lot of women wear dresses and heels here, but my guess is that would be down around the business core of town, right? I bet you looked great in your outfit.

shannon, that's sweet!

Muffin, restricting myself to guys who like to dress up would make it hard for me to date anyone in this town. It's a very casual place--and that's fine. I'm just trying to figure out how to fit in...it's like being in high school all over again

ecteacher0000 , thanks for that link!

AJ

Veteran

How about this one?

From here:
http://kimair.blogspot.com/201.....argos.html

Have fun with the accessories but keep the clothing dressy casual.

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Ledonna N.

Veteran

Congratulations on dating again. I think this is an interesting post I'll be following closely. I have not one clue.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Now this is fun! It is time for you to build a smart casual capsule!!

I'm not dating, but I live in an incredibly casual town (similar to Seattle or even more casual, because it's a smaller place). And I often have to give presentations or go to meet new people in clothes that have some type of "presence" yet are still casual enough.

My fallback ingredient is really denim. Denim on the bottom, OR denim on top.

So...jeans with a fun blouse/ jacket/ great shoes. White jeans are a bit dressier and very fresh.

#1 and #2 are the type of outfit I might wear (depending on temps).

#3 has the denim up top. The shell is sleeveless so when it's off the look is a bit more sexy. Skirt is bombshell but feels like PJs and not "precious" because it's a knit. Denim de-bombshells a bit.

#4 would also be a hot day option. No denim but a similar relaxed feel to it. I wore it for a lunchtime "date" with Mr. Suz yesterday.

Basically, wear clothes you feel really comfortable in that aren't too much, yet show you care.

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rachylou

Veteran

Lol, what we're saying, Amy, is jeans whether you like it or not I go for fake jeans...

Anonymous

I think if you don't feel your best in jeans, maybe a casual skirt or dress. And then dress it down with the shoes - i.e. Wedge vs. pump. Jean jacket vs. cardigan. BTW, you look very nice in the pic above.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

You know what else might work really well with the right companions? The new EF culottes that are on their way.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Nope, no culottes "too weird" for a lot of the guys here.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Oh. Well, that sucks.

Hmmm. Someone is going to have to educate the taste of Seattle men.

Traci

Veteran

I just wanted to throw out there how great I think you look in the OP. It's a shame that that's too much.

I think you'll look amazing in a pair of long, lean, dark jeans with cute shoes and top. Your legs go for miles and I bet you can find a great pair of legs to show them off.

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, everyone. Yeah, culottes would freak a lot of guys out here. I bought a pair of jeans and a blouse today. Cannot find the right shoes. I'll model some prototype date night outfits for you soon. Thank you SOOOO much for your help!

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Getting back into the dating world is tough...but it can be rewarding! Good luck!