AARP Hearing Center
Entering the dating pool after the midcentury mark can be daunting. Whether you are divorced, have never been married or are widowed, it’s a fine line between wanting companionship and intimacy — and putting yourself out there. Best to test the waters a bit before making a big splash.
I’m married, but I have plenty of friends trying to navigate this course. Whether you visit online dating sites, are being set up on blind dates by well-meaning friends or you were lucky enough to meet someone interesting on your own, a first date can raise the question of what to wear. Your clothing choices can telegraph a lot about who you are and your confidence. Obviously, where you are meeting and what you are doing are factors too.
If you are meeting for a coffee and want to keep it casual:
Neutral colors, relaxed shapes and inviting textures (cashmere, suede, denim) give off an easygoing vibe. Pair a sweater like the Gap 24/7 Split-Hem Cable-Knit Sweater ($63, gap.com) with some casual jeans like Levi’s 501 Original Fit Women’s Jeans in Erin Can’t Wait Medium Wash ($76, levi.com/US/en_US/) and boots like Cologne Arlo 2 Dark Sand Suede Boot ($45, clarks.com) and then top with a cozy jacket like the Quebec Sherpa in Antique White ($98, marinelayer.com). Potential add-ons: A leather shoulder bag or cashmere scarf.
If you are meeting for dinner and want to look elegant:
Assuming that you will be going to a proper restaurant, you can’t go wrong with a little black dress like the Travelers Classic Dress in Black ($99, chicos.com) and pointy-toed, low-heeled pumps like Sam Edelman Women’s Vienna Mid-Heel Pumps in Black ($140, macys.com). A tailored coat in classic camel like the Tailored Wool Coat in Medium Brown ($120, shop.mango.com) and a gold chain-link bracelet like the Panacea Link Stretch Bracelet ($30, nordstrom.com) convey that all-elusive air of quiet luxury. Potential add-ons: Small drop or stud earrings, or a leopard-print scarf.
If you are meeting to play pickleball and want to seem energetic and fun:
A vividly patterned polo like the Lilly Pulitzer UPF 50+ Luxletic Frida Polo in Deeper Coconut Ride With Me ($128, lillypulitzer.com) with built-in SPF and a flirty but not-too-short tennis skort like the Athleta Ace Tennis Skort 15.5” in Bright White ($69, athleta.gap.com) will get the ball bouncing. A supportive, chic athletic shoe like the NikeCourt Air Zoom Vapor Pro 2 in White/Lime ($130, nike.com) and a cute, monogrammed pickleball bag in complementary colors like the Embroidered Pickle Ball Bag Canvas With Monogram in Navy with Lime Stitching ($69, pitchastitch.com) definitely hit the mark. Potential add-ons: Cool shades and a baseball cap or visor.
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