What Does a First Date Outfit Look Like in 2025?

At the beginning of summer, I found myself going on such a spontaneous first date that I did not have time to go home and change beforehand. (Ah, the joy of modern dating apps.) For many, this could have been a sartorial nightmare, given you’re supposed to look your very best on a first date. Yet, it did not faze me much: I hardly ever put much effort into a first date outfit. Hear me out.

First dates are a time to get to know someone—and to see if they truly like you for you. I have always found that wearing an extremely-curated or picture-perfect outfit is misleading and unnecessary. I much prefer to wear a simple (even basic!) ensemble, so that my prospective match can focus on my shining personality and sparkly eyes instead. As someone who loves fashion, I surprisingly do not wish to look like a street style star: I just want to look like myself.

Still, when I crowdsourced some opinions on the matter, my friends were horrified at the approach. “Dude, are you like rolling up in pajamas,” quipped one friend, aghast at my lack of effort. “You do you, but I always try to at least look hot,” said another. All these opinions got me thinking: What is the perfect first date outfit in 2025?

This is how Hailey Bieber does date night.

Photo: Getty Images

To me, the concept of an ideal first date outfit has changed. If this were a ’90s rom-com, women would be expected to wear staggering stilettos and flirty little dresses. But these days, fashion has shifted and evolved, and jeans and a tee can look just as refined as a full-on cocktail gown. There is also something about pandering to the male gaze that feels, well, outdated. Intrigued, I asked around the Vogue offices to see what exactly the fashion-inclined are wearing.

Below, read on as seven Vogue editors weigh in with their freshest first date outfit ideas—from jeans, to sexy lace camisoles.

Florence O’Connor, associate content manager

The key to not getting burnt out while dating is having an outfit formula that is equal parts comfortable and hot! On my first date with my now boyfriend, I wore my go-to date outfit: a silk skirt, a T-shirt or tank top, and a cute jacket thrown over my shoulders. I always felt very like myself in this outfit. Although I probably wouldn t wear the exact same pieces I wore three years ago, I would still pick out a silk skirt, white tank top, and a jacket or sweater over my shoulders to wear on a first date today.

Kylee McGuigan, associate production manager

When I went on my first date with my boyfriend, I showed up in double denim: a short sleeve denim top paired with ’70s flare high rise jeans. I tried to make it a bit more chic with some chunky earrings and necklaces, along with a heeled boot, so it didn’t look like I got dressed in the dark (though I am an advocate for double denim no matter what). It was a particularly cold and rainy day at the end of May, so I had cycled through a few outfit options with my roommate the morning of—I didn’t want to be too hot or too cold, as I’d be coming from work. I felt like this outfit was the most “me” at the time, and considering I already knew him (and it was technically our second first date), I didn’t feel like I had to overdo it.

Elise Taylor, senior lifestyle writer

For summer dates, I always go in with a minidress. . . although shift rather than skin-tight, if that makes sense. Not to get weird, but I feel like you need to show off some skin—but not too much? You’ve gotta leave something to the imagination.

This is how Rihanna does date night.

Photo: Getty Images

Kiana Murden, senior beauty shopping writer

My first date philosophy is looking fun, flirty, and just a little sexy. I dress pretty intuitively in general, so I don t have a uniform per se. Instead, I like seeing where my head s at a few hours before—I m known to steal something from a friend in a panic. I ll probably do a skirt of some sort, and a top that shows off the décolletage—something off the shoulder or strapless never did me wrong! Whatever I decide to wear, my signature is an alluring scent, radiant body oil, and brown lip liner.

Irene Kim, Vogue Runway production editorial associate

I have a beautiful vintage Dolce Gabbana lace trimmed camisole in a baby pink colorway that I scored from former Vogue editor Anny Choi (who has the best closet), which I pair with a pair of regular jeans and kitten heels. It gives sexy with an "I m not trying too hard!" attitude, which I think is the best for a first date.

Christian Allaire, senior fashion style writer

I tend to pull back on a first date—meaning, try less with my fashion than I usually do. If someone is going to like me and truly click with me, they should not even really notice my outfit at all. Still, I usually enjoy going for a classic black dress pant and simple shirt—like a white tee and gold necklaces, or a solid camp-collared button-up. Less is more.

Emma Specter, culture writer

Hear me out: tube top. I am a giant fan of tube tops in general (I just bought a vintage 90s one at the Bearded Beagle in Highland Park, and spent more than its total cost to have its weird retro shelf-bra removed at the tailor), but I think rocking up to a first date in one—maybe paired with tailored pants if you re trying to send the message that you are, indeed, an adult—shows that you re hot and fun and don t take yourself too seriously. What more could anyone want? If you need a specific tube top recommendation, particularly in plus sizes, I like Feeling Space; Ref also does a good classic one.