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12 Getting Ready Tips for Guys Going Out for a Date

You’re about to go out on a date. You’ve showered, shaved and picked the perfect outfit. But is that all you really need to do, to wow your date?

how to get dressed for a date

Men are inherently confident when it comes to asking women out. They know that the proposition is finally on the table, and the only thing left to do is to seal the deal. But how can you do that if you’re not prepared to impress her on your date?

Men will rarely ask advice about getting ready for a date. They quickly assume that a girl will immediately fall for them just because they look good, smell good and have a wallet with enough money to pay for dinner. That is why a man’s success rate when it comes to wooing a woman is not impressive at all when you look at the statistics. [Read: 9 reasons men get rejected by the women they want]

Why do men need to prepare for their date?

Men should look into making themselves more presentable when they are taking a woman out. They do not have to change the way they act or look altogether, but they do have to make an effort to look respectable.

Women go out of their way to look amazing when they go out with a guy. They fix their hair, wear pretty clothes and carry themselves accordingly. If a man fails to meet the standards that a woman has set for herself, there won’t be any point in investing more into the relationship, because she already made up her mind when she saw you wearing a t-shirt at a fancy restaurant. [Read: 14 charming ways to impress her on the first date]

What are your goals when taking a woman out?

A man’s goals will differ depending on their personality, but the point of taking a woman out is to set the stage for her to like you on a short term or long term basis. You want a woman to see the best side of you without having to lie.

The way you carry yourself is a truth in itself. If you aren’t confident enough, she’ll see you as weak. If you look unkempt, she will assume that you are slovenly. You can defend yourself by saying that you’re just keeping it real, but the truth is that you aren’t making an effort because you don’t believe that you can impress a girl anyway.

You don’t have to be rich or wear expensive clothes just to impress your date. All she wants from you is to make her feel special, and you can do that by presenting yourself properly. You do this by wearing the appropriate attire, making sure that you look and smell clean and also by being a gentleman.

Tips on how to prepare for your date

The basics of being presentable may be fine for your casual days. But when it comes to meeting a girl for a date, a little added effort is required.

#1 Do your research. If you’re going out with a stranger, make sure that their identity is legitimate. It’s easy to Google someone, especially if they are active social media users. If they don’t exist online, be wary of the person that you’re seeing. Still, try to have fun even if they’re a mystery.

#2 Choose an appropriate venue. Don’t bring a girl to a “guy place,” unless she’s the type who likes it. Do your research before getting a reservation. The success rate of your date lies on her comfort and enjoyment. Pick a place that both of you will like. [Read: 20 fun and unconventional date ideas]

#3 Don’t overdo the outfit. You know where you’re going on the date, so dress appropriately for it. If it’s a five-star restaurant, wear a dinner jacket. If it’s a movie, wear a clean shirt. If you’re going to a play, wear a collared shirt.

Make sure that you know the appropriate attire for every event and setting. Don’t wear loud colors if you’re not confident about your outfit. Don’t overthink it either. Wear what makes you comfortable.

#4 Clean yourself up. If you set the date, you should have prepared for the whole affair. Get off work early so you can go home and change. If you smell bad, shower – in the bathroom, not with your perfume. Brush your teeth and comb your hair. Make sure your face isn’t shiny. A woman won’t appreciate the glare from your face or hair on your first date.

#5 Clean your car. Your car is basically an extension of yourself. Make sure that it is as clean as you are or possibly more. A woman will be impressed at the way you take care of your vehicle. It gives her the impression that you’re the same way with yourself and with your home.

#6 Make sure that your gas tank is full. Nothing is more embarrassing than having your car die down in the middle of a date. It won’t impress your girl and will likely irritate her instead.

#7 Bring an extra shirt in your car. Don’t bother if you’re taking a cab. Most men prefer not to bring bags while on dates. Keeping a shirt in your car allows you to prepare for laundry emergencies like spills or excessive sweating from the nervousness.

#8 Make sure that your wallet is full. Prepare your budget for the date itself and add a little extra in case it gets extended. Take into consideration your maximum limit for the dinner bill, additional items like dessert and recreation, as well as backup funds for an emergency. Don’t use a credit card if you’re not sure if it’s paid yet. [Read: 12 tips to transform you from a nice guy to a real man]

#9 Be on time. Check for traffic an hour before your estimated time of arrival. If it looks like you won’t get there on time due to traffic, make sure that you leave early. Even if your date is late, wait at least an hour before giving up on her.

#10 Prepare for unexpected circumstances. Anything can happen before your date. If you get caught up in something, make sure that you have a plausible explanation. Ask for a rain check and respect your date’s decision if she declines.

#11 Check your breath. Before facing your date, make sure that your dry mouth hasn’t produced any noxious fumes. Keep a pack of mints in your pocket or drink some water before you talk to your date.

#12 Wipe your brow. If you ended up sweating a storm before you arrive at the venue, don’t barge in and drip all over the place. Bring a handkerchief so you can clean yourself up before you see your date.

Those are just the basic tips that you need to think about before going out on a date. It’s not very hard to make yourself as presentable as possible. It all depends on your willingness to make an effort for the woman that you like. And it’s not just about your appearance. You need to be at your best behavior as well.

The things you need to do while on the date are a different story. You can’t control what happens during the date, but you can control how you react to it. You’re on a date with a person you really like. You may end up acting goofy or nervous, but the reality is that all you want to do is make her like you back.

[Read: 13 rules of etiquette for the modern gentleman]

These tips can help you achieve that goal, but they won’t be enough. You need to be confident and relaxed. You need to have fun with your date and enjoy your night together. You’ve done your part in getting ready for the date. It’s time you made the most of it with the person you really like.

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Danielle Anne
Those who can’t do, teach. I can neither do nor teach as well as others, but I can try. Aside from being a writer, I am also a physical therapist. My dream is...
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