How to dress for a first date

First dates are the first impression that could turn into a joke. You do not want to be the guy that turned up with his black trousers caught up in white socks, or the comedy tie, you will turn into a joke between her and her giggling friends.

In today's society although it is deemed attractive for men to go for the sexy rough around the edges look, this is not acceptable on a first date. Perhaps if this date was taking place in the rock 'n' roll decades, this image would be irresistible to your punkette, however thankfully, the days of safety pins have died. In response to this we have been left with the metrosexual and o how women love the new well-groomed man of the noughties.

For guys and girls it is the same rule. Dress to show your best feature. Not the rude ones mind.

Though there are some simple rules that apply to this:

• No festive season shirts, socks or ties
• Do not wear something you are not comfortable in
• Everything must be clean
• Never wear something that an ex brought for you if that fact may slip out on the date
• Do not wear a baseball cap as this will lead to obstruction issues if a first kiss is attempted

Once these rules have been applied to your wardrobe, examine what you have left. Nothing holey, mouldy or ripped can be worn either but surely you didn't need to be told that!?
Do not try and be someone else, if your personality does not match your beg, borrowed and stolen clothes she will notice something isn't quite right, its like a monk dressing as Peter Stringfellow.

If you like your arms wear a t-shirt that shows them or a fitted jumper, depending on the season. Do not wear your favourite skin tight t-shirt in sub zero temperatures simply so you can flex your muscles. If you feel slightly less on the toned side still wear something fitted, over sized with only exaggerate your shape. If you do feel like this, stick to darker colours, the Crew Neck t-shirts from Burton are the perfect option for you.
Try to avoid wearing a grey t-shirt or any colour that runs the risk of showing sweat patches. No one finds this attractive.

Dress for the occasion and the season. If you are going to a nice restaurant wear a shirt and either jeans or trousers. You will both feel embarrassed if you wore your team's football shirt. Although it may be a big part of your life that you want to share, over a candle lit dinner is not the time. You could team a smart t-shirt like the Soul Cal Basic Crew Neck T-shirt, £5.99 from Republic with a jacket like the BDG Pinpoint Oxford Blazer, £65 from Urban Outfitters. Do not wear a mis-matching suit casual suit jacket and smart trousers.

If you are going somewhere less formal a smart, simple t-shirt will work fine with jeans and a belt. Do not wear muddy trainers, try a smarter pair like the Transit Lace Up Casual Shoe, £18 from Barratt Shoes that comes in both black or white. If that is not to your style an equally suitable alternative are the Casual Moccasin Single Lace shoe, £75 from Ted Baker.
It is best to play it safe at first, still be yourself but be clean, smart and not too OTT. Remember, you want her to remember you, not your outfit.