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How do fashion editors get dressed on a first date? You’d be surprised to hear that it’s not some conceptual street style look, and it’s definitely not anything ultrarevealing. At the Vogue.com office, we all agree that first-date dressing should be as basic as basic gets—as in “jeans and tee” simplicity.
So why is this bare-bones ensemble such a hit for us? “I think that the whole outfit says ‘I don’t try too hard’ and that’s why it works,” says Vogue.com Market Editor Chelsea Zalopany. “The laid-back look appeals to men because you don’t look high-maintenance, which can be off-putting for guys.”
And it’s true: Why would you want someone to notice your clothes before they notice you? Aside from keeping things low-key, Zalopany also insists that being comfortable is essential. “Initially, I asked myself, ‘What can you wear that you feel most comfortable in?’ For me, I like a men’s T-shirt or an oversize V-neck tee,” says Zalopany. “But I don’t like to look too casual-Friday-I-don’t-care. You can be ultrafeminine and sexy with heels and a pair of jeans, that way you hint at your curves without laying it all on the table.”
The stealth allure to this look is in the white tee–and–black lace bra combo. “Anytime I’ve worn it, it’s never failed,” jokes Zalopany. “I had my best friend wear it when she started dating. On their second date, her now-boyfriend said that it had been driving him nuts that he could see the lace of the bra through her tee.”
Zalopany’s last piece of advice? “Get your nails buffed but not manicured, and definitely not painted red.”
That’s not to say that you should stow away your best Commes des Garçons runway looks forever. But easing someone into all the quirks of your personal style needn’t be a rushed job. “There’s no need to hit him over the head with a Barneys shopping bag on the first date,” says Zalopany. “You can save the fashion bells, whistles, frills, and flounce for later—once he’s moved in.”
Rag
Bone Jean Jackson tee, $80
lagarconne.com
Proenza Schouler skinny jeans, $275
lagarconne.com
Saint Laurent Jane 105 ankle-cuff patent-leather and suede sandal, $895
ysl.com
Inez and Vinoodh 18 karat gold and sterling silber interlinked rings, $580
net-a-porter.com
Nars Nude Beige Pure Matte Lipstick, $26
sephora.com
Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-Con No.3 Plush Shadow, $42
sephora.com
La Perla Maharani lace balconette bra, $269
matchesfashion.com