Fashion: What to wear on a first date

Happy Birthday to me!

Yes, it's my 22nd birthday today and while I'm off for a bit of pampering and some much needed catch-ups with friends, I've left you in the capable hands of Liberty-Howard from Matches. Valentine's Day has just been, leaving love lingering in the air and, with spring-time sunshine just about making its way through the clouds, she's put together the perfect what-to-wear guide for a first date. However if, like me, you're going it alone right now, then Liberty's selections also make perfect outfit updates for spring! Enjoy!

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If you’ve got a hot date coming up, knowing what to wear so you’re dressed to impress can be a nightmare, and it’s easy to find yourself desperately rummaging through your wardrobe or scouring the shop on the big day, hoping you’ll suddenly spot the perfect outfit in order to make a great impression. Luckily, we’ve come up with a few outfit ideas to help you prepare for the occasion – wherever you’re being whisked off to.

Nothing says “romance” like a red dress. We love this silk-chiffon Grecian dress by Sophie Theallet, because it’s simultaneously sexy and sophisticated. Wear with art-deco inspired heels and a colour-clashing clutch bag and you’ll cut a romantic figure.

If your date is taking you to a gig, you can afford to be more casual. Comfort is key, but you don’t have to sacrifice style; team black skinny jeans with an animal print top like this one by Alexander McQueen, and add stylish, flat ankle boots and a leather jacket. Finish the look with some cool jewellery and a back that provides a pop of colour, and you’ll be ready to dance the night away.

Embrace the neon-brights trend with this pink and beige silk-chiffon washed dress by Diane von Furstenberg. Wear it over leggings, and add gold jewellery and neutral shoes and bag for an enviable on-trend outfit that strikes the balance between casual and dressy; perfect for a cinema date.

If you’re picnicking, you’ll look the picture of contemporary elegance in this multi-coloured butterfly-print cotton dress by Dolce & Gabbana. Wear with functional but stylish flats, and add a bright cashmere cardigan and tights to ensure you keep warm in the great outdoors! Add a straw tote-bag to keep all your goodies in and enjoy dining al-fresco.

All items available at Matches.

What would you wear on a first date? I'd love to know! 

The Guest Post: Wednesday Wishes 27

This week I'm going back up North to visit my much missed friends in Manchester and Sheffield. While I'm away, I thought I'd leave you in the capable hands of Style-Passport's Liberty-Belle, who's taken over the reigns of Wednesday Wishes for this week. If you haven't taken a look at Style-Passport before then now's the time. With clothes categorised by the holiday destination you might be about to embark on, be it festival or city break, you can find all the sartorial solutions to your wardrobe woes right there. 

Hope you guys enjoy the post and are having a lovely week! 

1 – Lace seems to be everywhere at the moment, and while I like the look of black and coloured lace, I think this white Joie top is a slightly fresher take on the trend, and manages to look girly without feeling too bridal. I love the ¾ length sleeves and slightly cropped shape. 

2 – I’ve been after a pair of red jeans for a while now, and this pair from Current Elliot are the perfect shade and style for me. I think they’d look great dressed up with the lace top above or just worn with a t-shirt for more of a casual look.

3 – My wardrobe might be full of little black dresses already, but there’s always room for one more, especially when it’s as gorgeous as this one from Halston Heritage. I’m really into the cut-out detailing that’s all over the high street at the moment, but sadly don’t quite have the figure to pull it off! The subtle mesh cut-out on this dress looks like it would work on me though, and it’s a flattering shape and style.

4 – I love bright colours and plastic jewellery, as my Tatty Devine collection will attest, and I think I probably always have leopard print on me somewhere, so this Sonia by Sonia Rykiel cuff is pretty much my perfect accessory! I think coral is an incredibly flattering colour on all skin tones, too, although it looks best with a tan (which sadly is not something I ever have!). 

5 – This Anya Hindmarch clutch bag is perfect for adding a touch of glamour to any outfit. I love the way the silver clasp contrasts with the bronze sparkle, and it looks to be roomy enough to fit the everyday essentials, so I definitely wouldn’t be confining it to evening –use only.

6 - Sadly I’m not going on holiday this summer, but if I was I’d definitely be lusting after this amazing Pistol Panties bikini. The little hearts on it are so cute, as is the contrasting colour scheme. The metallic heart cut-outs are a nice touch, too – although they might make for some dodgy tan-lines after a while!

Liberty-Belle at Style Passport :)