WHAT TO WEAR ON A ZOOM FIRST DATE
BY LAURA ANTONIA JORDAN
It’s a question of personal taste whether you consider taking off your knickers at the end of a night the sign of a good date or not. What we can all agree is definitely not indicative of a great date is having to limp to the loos to peel off your too-tight control pants in the middle of it, as I once had to. Needless to say, it didn’t work out.
That was just one of my many first date fashion faux pas. I’ve worn shoes too high to walk in and tops too low to move in. I’ve gone tonally haywire: a not-at-all-casual dress for casual drinks, track pants and Birkenstocks for dinner at The Wolseley. The least successful looks have been those that kowtowed to what I thought my date might want: sexy virginal milkmaid! Sexy career woman! Sexy artiste! You get the picture…
First dates are loaded with potential fashion pitfalls, and the new video dating landscape is intimidating and liberating. Intimidating because, what is the etiquette now? Liberating because you are freed from the dress codes and the heels.
But what should you wear? Keeping a little mystery is never a bad idea. I am a fan of an oversized men’s shirt, perhaps unbuttoned one button lower than you would for work. It’s classic but relaxed; sexy but not try-hard. However, although none of us wants to look like we’ve made too much effort, there is something joyful about making a bit of one – dressing up feels good now more than ever. On a practical note: stronger colours look good on camera, tidy up, and get that lighting right.
You’ll also have to master the art of no-make-up Zoom make-up – which, of course, means lots of make-up. Fill those brows in, put on mascara, hell, try contouring (test drive on a call with a friend first – Pennywise goes on Love Island is not what you’re going for). Wear lipstick as you don’t have to worry about snogging it off.
For the record, one of my best IRL first dates involved a walk and a look that took no planning: black Lululemon pants, white tee, anorak and trainers. Why did it work? Well, slightly-sheer T-shirt aside (OK, maybe there was a little planning), I’d say it’s because I felt like myself. If, for you right now, that means taking that Zoom call in pyjamas and bed hair, then go for it.
And, of course, if they like you like that – they’re a keeper.