Panicking About What to Wear? 24 First Date Night Outfits

Your First Date Night Outfit shouldn’t feel like a costume, but most advice treats it that way — a list of trendy pieces without asking where you’re going, how you’ll sit, or what the air feels like. The missing piece isn’t another outfit formula. It’s a decision system that accounts for the venue, your body’s comfort, and the silent signals your clothes send before you say a word. That gap is what this guide actually solves. No more guessing, no more last-minute swaps.

For context on looks that transition between settings, see date night outfit combinations by venue and dinner date outfit ideas for restaurant settings.

24 First Date Night Outfits That Feel Like the Real You

Outfit ideas are useless without context. These 24 looks are organized by the item that anchors them—jeans, mini skirts, sharp dresses, and statement pieces—so you can jump straight to what already lives in your closet. No costume vibes, no overthinking. Just real outfits that account for your venue, your comfort, and the silent signals you want to send.

Jeans, Only Better

Denim can feel too casual for a first date—until you pair it with the right top and shoes. These seven looks upgrade jeans into date territory without losing their ease.

Lace Cami Meets Flared Denim

A black lace-trim cami paired with light-wash flared jeans and black strappy heeled sandals. The top’s delicate trim adds a flirty touch, but the denim keeps the overall feel grounded. Flared jeans elongate the leg when you get the hem length right—the hem should just skim the floor when you’re wearing the heels you plan to walk in. Small hoop earrings and a thin bracelet finish the look without adding clutter. This outfit works for a low-key dinner or a drinks date where you want to feel polished but not overdone. It’s a reliable summer option that doesn’t shout “I tried too hard.” For more ideas like this, see date night outfit combos that prioritize ease.

The Minimalist Denim Duo

A black fitted long-sleeve top tucked into light blue high-waisted straight-leg jeans is as simple as it gets—and that’s the point. The top’s close fit balances the relaxed denim, creating a clean, intentional silhouette. A black quilted chain-strap bag pulls the look into date-night territory. Swap a slouchy tote for a structured mini bag to signal effort without adding volume. Small stud earrings and minimal jewelry keep the attention on the outfit’s sleek proportions. This is the kind of smart-casual pairing that works when you’re not sure how formal the venue is. It’s a quiet confidence move. For more on getting smart casual right, read smart casual for women guides that decode tricky dress codes.

The One-Shoulder Denim Edit

A black one-shoulder long-sleeve top brings an unexpected edge to high-waisted dark-wash wide-leg jeans. The asymmetry draws the eye up, while the wide-leg cut modernizes the proportions. A beige quilted mini bag adds a neutral counterpoint without competing. One-shoulder tops demand a strapless or adhesive bra—test it before date night to avoid mid-dinner adjustments. Black heels elongate the legs, and a simple gold watch keeps the look refined. This outfit thrives in creative spaces—a gallery opening, a wine bar with concrete floors, anywhere with an artsy crowd. It’s polished, but not precious. If you’re interested in more polished casual looks, check out going out outfits that strike a similar balance.

Burgundy and Blues

A burgundy sleeveless mock-neck top with light-wash flared jeans looks unexpectedly rich. The mock-neck keeps the top modest and polished; the fitted cut defines the waist without a belt. A small patterned handbag and gold bracelet add texture. The red open-toe heeled sandals pull out the warm undertones, but if your reds don’t share the same depth, choose a neutral shoe instead to avoid a tweed effect. Flared jeans need a heel to prevent dragging—a block heel or slim stiletto both work. This outfit straddles the line between romantic and modern, perfect for a restaurant where the lighting is dim and the wine list is serious. It’s a go-to when you want to feel dressed but not overly formal.

The Layered Neutrals Outfit

A tan oversized blouse layered over a white turtleneck and paired with light-wash wide-leg distressed jeans feels easily modern. The layered necklines create structure without stiffness. Brown platform loafers add height and a grounding weight, while a cream fuzzy shoulder bag softens the palette. When you go oversized on top, keep the bottom high-waisted and let the front tuck show the waistband—otherwise the proportions can swallow you. Brown sunglasses and a statement ring complete the look, making it daytime date material, especially for a walk through a farmers market or a casual cafe meet. This look leans into neutrals without falling into the all-neutral trap; the varied textures do the heavy lifting.

Satin Tie-Front and Jeans

A black satin tie-front blouse brings just enough lustre to a pair of light-wash straight-leg jeans. The tie detail draws the eye to the waist, creating a hourglass effect without a belt. A delicate necklace sits above the tie, and a black shoulder bag with gold chain strap adds polish. Satin highlights every ripple—wear a smooth, well-fitting bra and check the back seam before you leave. This outfit works for a lounge or restaurant date where the lights are low and the vibe is intimate. It’s a low-key glam formula that says you made an effort without screaming for attention. For more ideas on pulling together a dinner look, see dinner date outfit options that keep the focus on you, not the clothes.

The Cardigan-and-Jeans Equation

A heather-gray cardigan worn open over a white ribbed tank and tucked into black wide-leg jeans reads as deliberately unfussy. The black belt with a gold buckle defines the waist and echoes the small gold hoops and delicate bracelet. A tan suede shoulder bag adds warmth to the otherwise grounded palette. Button the cardigan’s top two buttons and leave the rest open to create a shape that doesn’t turn tent-like. This is a reliable move for a first date that feels casual but not careless—think trivia night, a brewery stop, or a walk-and-park date. It’s the kind of outfit you already own pieces for, which makes it a smart choice when the goal is to feel like yourself, just on a good day.

The Mini Skirt Strategy

A mini skirt is a date-night power move, but it’s all about the tension between coverage and exposure. These six pairings get the balance right.

Houndstooth Meets Pleats

A brown-and-black houndstooth cropped jacket layered over a crisp white button-down makes a strong first impression. The black pleated mini skirt adds movement, while opaque tights and white scrunched socks with black horsebit loafers keep the look grounded and walkable. A black quilted chain-strap bag and gold accessories pull it into date night territory without sacrificing the preppy charm. Make sure the jacket’s shoulder seams sit exactly at your shoulder bone; a boxy cropped cut only works when the fit is precise. This is an outfit for a date that calls for a little wit—a gallery walk, a bookshop meet, or a cocktail at a spot with vintage decor. It’s smart without being stiff.

Lace-Touch Plaid Mini

A white lace button-front cami tucked into a brown-and-cream plaid mini skirt feels romantic but not saccharine. The lace trim hints at softness; the plaid keeps it from drifting too precious. A beige monogram tote and layered gold necklaces add personality without clutter. If your bag carries a logo, let that be the only branded piece—piling on logos can make an outfit look like a billboard. This works for a summer evening date where you want to feel feminine but not fragile. It’s a good choice for a rooftop bar or a patio dinner where the setting does half the aesthetic work. The skirt’s short cut stays balanced by the modest, buttoned-up top.

The Sweater-and-Skirt Rule

A chocolate-brown oversized knit layered over a white collared shirt creates a cozy frame for a black mini skirt. Sheer black tights and brown knee-high heeled boots elongate the leg, making the short hem feel more intentional. An oversized sweater can add unwanted volume—do a half-tuck into the skirt’s waistband to restore your shape. A black shoulder bag keeps the accessories streamlined. This look thrives on crisp fall days when the date might start with coffee and end at a wine bar. The shirt collar peeking out adds that preppy polish that signals effort without shouting. It’s essentially a three-piece formula: big sweater, tiny skirt, tall boots—reliable and very now.

The Ribbed Crop and Plaid

A white ribbed long-sleeve henley crop top paired with a gray plaid pleated mini skirt feels more current than a classic button-down. Black sheer tights and knee-high boots bring a sleek, slightly sultry finish, while a red shoulder bag delivers a pop of color. A crop top on a date works when the hem meets the skirt’s waistband without exposing skin; any gap shifts the look from flirty to clubwear. Gold layered necklaces and a bracelet warm the cool palette. This is a date outfit for someone who likes preppy pieces but wants to rough them up a little. It suits a cocktail bar with an industrial edge or a concert where you need to feel mobile but polished.

Off-the-Shoulder Pleats

An off-the-shoulder ribbed crop top in a dark neutral lets the collarbones do the talking. A navy pleated mini skirt adds movement, while brown knee-high buckle boots ground the outfit with an earthy finish. Off-the-shoulder sleeves can ride up; a strip of fashion tape at the inner shoulder seam prevents constant tugging. Statement earrings and a brown shoulder bag complete the romantic yet robust look. This outfit straddles the line between softness and structure, making it a smart pick for a date at a low-lit restaurant or a jazz lounge. The exposed shoulders signal openness, but the boots keep you feeling protected. For more on reading the signals your clothes send, see the psychology behind date night outfit choices.

A Dress That Means Business

When you want the outfit to do the heavy lifting, reach for a dress with architectural lines, rich fabrics, and a fit that needs no apology. These six dresses mean business—in the best way.

The Shirt-Dress Hybrid

A white button-up layered under a black fitted mini dress creates a crisp contrast that feels intentional and modern. Black lace tights and burgundy pointed-toe heels add depth to the monochrome base, while a burgundy shoulder bag ties the color story together. Lace tights snag easily—before you leave, run your palms over any rings to check for rough edges. A layered necklace and small earrings frame the face without competing, and a hair bow accessory adds a playful finishing note. This outfit works for a dinner date where the ambiance is romantic and the lighting low. It reads as thoughtful, not overdressed. For similar looks, explore black dress outfit ideas that build on the mini dress base.

Sleek Mini, Serious Impact

A black sleeveless high-neck mini dress cuts a clean, sculptural line from shoulder to hem. Sheer black tights and knee-high pointed-toe boots extend the leg, creating a sleek column effect. Gold hoop earrings and a matching bracelet bring warmth without breaking the monochrome spell. A high neckline can make the torso look boxy; a racerback or strapless bra that pulls the shoulders back helps maintain an open posture. A black quilted clutch keeps essentials close and avoids strap lines. This is an outfit for a date where you want to feel untouchable—think upscale lounge, private member’s bar, or a restaurant with a velvet rope vibe. It’s confident, minimal, and requires no fiddling.

The Slit That Works

A black halter-neck midi dress with a dramatic thigh-high slit is a power play. The halter frames the shoulders while the slit reveals just enough leg—without being loud. Clear heeled sandals visually lengthen the lower half, and a black quilted top-handle bag adds a ladylike counterweight. For a halter neck, tie it so the knot sits flat at the back of your neck; a bulky knot can look messy and feel uncomfortable against a chair. Layered gold necklaces and small hoops keep the look refined. This outfit is built for an evening where the venue itself is part of the experience—a rooftop cocktail lounge, a gala-style dinner. It’s glamorous but not fragile, and the slit makes sitting and walking surprisingly easy.

The Ruched Bodycon

A black ruched bodycon mini dress works because the fabric does the shaping for you. The all-over ruching skims curves without clinging in the wrong places. A silver chain-strap mini bag adds a cool metallic note next to a gold choker and bracelet, intentionally mixing metals. Ruching is most flattering when it gathers at the narrowest part of your waist; try on a size up and down to find the ideal placement. Gold heeled sandals bring warmth to the look and keep the leg line clean. This outfit suits a date at a dimly lit wine bar or a speakeasy where the furniture is velvet and the music is low. It’s sexy in a quiet, unbothered way—exactly the energy you want to project.

The Blazer Dress Edit

A black oversized blazer cinched at the waist with a leather belt doubles as a dress when the hem hits upper thigh. Black lace tights and pointed-toe heels sharpen the shape, while a structured top-handle bag keeps the look grown-up. An oversized blazer can overwhelm a smaller frame; the belt must sit at the true waist, and the sleeves should hit just above the wrist bone. Gold hoop earrings and silver ear cuffs add a subtle punky contrast. This outfit commands attention without a bare midriff or plunging neckline—it’s covered up but far from demure. It’s a solid pick for a dinner date where the evening might include a gallery or a later cocktail. For more blazer inspiration, see blazer outfits that take the power piece beyond the office.

The Long-Sleeve Mini

A black long-sleeve mini dress is a reliable first-date uniform for a reason. The high coverage up top combined with the short hem keeps the tension just right. Sheer black tights and pointed-toe stiletto pumps stretch the line from hip to toe. When wearing tights with a mini dress, a quick swipe of anti-static spray inside the skirt prevents it from creeping up as you walk. A structured top-handle bag in matching black reinforces the monochrome commitment, while tiny stud earrings and a single ring keep the jewelry to a whisper. This outfit suits a low-key dinner, a theatre date, or any evening where the city lights are the backdrop. It’s unfussy, flattering, and doesn’t require constant adjustment—a win by any measure.

The Conversation Piece

Sometimes a first date demands a look that starts a dialogue before you even speak. These five outfits use color, print, or shape to break the ice—without shouting.

The Red Halter Dress

A vivid red halter mini dress with a draped plunging neckline is a statement you don’t second-guess. The monochrome red strappy sandals extend the column, and gold accessories warm the intensity. For a deep plunge, skip the bra entirely and use body tape or a silicone backless bra—visible straps will undercut the dress’s architecture. A gold bangle and delicate chain necklace provide just the right amount of shine without competing. This outfit is for a first date that’s more occasion than casual meet—a celebratory dinner, a rooftop under the stars, a night where you want to feel extraordinary. It’s not subtle, and it doesn’t need to be. Sometimes confidence means wearing the dress that would make anyone else nervous.

Pale Yellow, Big Impact

A pale yellow halter mini dress under string lights feels like a date-night dream. The halter neck and soft flare keep it sweet but not saccharine. A black shoulder bag with a gold chain introduces contrast, and a delicate gold necklace mirrors the bag’s hardware. Light colors broadcast every drop of water—carry a small microfiber cloth for condensation from glasses, and consider a stain wipe just in case. Small stud earrings and a thin bracelet finish the look without overcomplicating it. This dress suits a patio dinner, a garden party date, or any summer evening where you want to feel light and approachable. It communicates softness and openness, which can be a strategic choice for a first meeting.

The Leopard Mini Statement

A strapless leopard-print mini dress is not for blending in. The bodycon cut and animal print demand confidence, but when worn with black sheer tights and large gold hoops, it reads more glamorous than loud. A strapless dress must fit snugly through the ribs to stay up; if you’re constantly hoisting, swap for a halter or add a hidden grip strip at the top edge. A gold wristwatch and bracelet add polish without distracting from the print. This outfit works for a night out where the date starts at a cocktail bar and might go dancing. It’s a high-energy look, so pair it with a date activity that matches that tempo. Animal print has staying power; this version keeps it modern by keeping everything else quiet.

The Wide-Leg Tuxedo Effect

A black turtleneck paired with high-waisted wide-leg trousers in matching black creates an unbroken line from neck to floor. The white belt with a silver buckle snaps the silhouette into focus, giving a crisp waist definition. Black pointed-toe heels and a structured handbag keep it severe in the best way. Wide-leg trousers need to graze the floor when you’re wearing your chosen heels; any shorter and they look accidental, any longer and they’ll fray. A silver watch and ring add minimal shine. This is the kind of outfit that works for a formal or semi-formal first date—an upscale restaurant, a concert hall, a museum gala. It’s a masterclass in monochrome and tailoring, and it tells your date you can hold your own. For more all-black inspiration, see all black outfit strategies that avoid looking funereal.

Why Your First Date Night Outfit Speaks Before You Do

Your First Date Night Outfit starts talking the second you walk through the door. Before you say your name, your clothes have already sent a dozen tiny signals. Here’s exactly what they’re whispering—and how to make sure it’s the right message.

Necklines and sleeve lengths: A V-neck reads as open and engaged; a crew neck feels friendly but guarded. A turtleneck, even a thin cashmere one, can unconsciously signal distance—useful if you’re nervous, less so if you want to seem warm. Three-quarter sleeves hit a sweet spot: they expose just enough wrist to look intentional without trying too hard.

The statement piece paradox: One bold item—a sculptural earring, a hot-pink blazer, a metallic kitten heel—projects confidence. Two or more and you cross into costume territory. The conventional advice says “express yourself.” I’d argue restraint communicates more self-possession, because it shows you don’t need the room’s full attention to feel secure in your skin.

Fabric psychology: Soft, touchable materials like cashmere, silk charmeuse, or brushed cotton invite approachability. Stiff fabrics—heavy raw denim, shiny patent leather, unlined tweed—create a subtle barrier. If you want to feel like you’re inside a hug, reach for something that moves with you, not against you.

Sparing exposure points: A flash of ankle, a bare wrist, or the delicate hollow of your collarbone signals just the right amount of vulnerability. Showing these small zones, especially when the rest of your silhouette stays relatively covered, avoids the overexposed feeling that can make you cross your arms all night.

Color signals beyond clichés: Skip the tired “wear red for passion” script. Muted blush pink lowers the tension in the room without broadcasting an agenda. Deep forest green reads as self-sufficient and steady. Navy is the calm reliability of a well-tailored blazer. If you’re unsure, a single rich neutral plus one intentional texture does more for you than a high-voltage hue you’re not fully at ease in.

Reading the Room: Decoding Unspoken Dress Codes for Modern Date Venues

Scout without asking: Open the venue’s Instagram geotag or latest Google Maps interior photos. You’ll see what actual patrons are wearing, not what the website’s “dress code” page claims. Menu price points are also a shortcut: entrees over $35 signal a jacket won’t look out of place; $18 burgers mean smart casual is the ceiling, not the floor.

The shoe test: Before you decide on heels or flats, study the floor in those photos. Polished concrete means stilettos will click like a metronome; cobblestone or uneven brick guarantees a wobbly walk. Marble or smooth tile lets a slim heel glide. Choose a sole that matches the surface, not just the outfit—your gait will be more relaxed, and that confidence reads before any hemline.

What the drink menu tells you: A list heavy on natural wines, house-infused syrups, and single-origin spirits says refined bar outfit—think a silk camisole and tailored trousers, not jeans and a going-out top. A place known for domestic pitchers and pub trivia wants you in dark-wash denim and an easy knit, with zero pressure to look polished.

The activity translation: The same outfit shifts meaning by location. A satin midi skirt reads cocktail-lounge chic indoors; at a mini-golf course, it reads confused. A crisp white button-down with wide-leg trousers looks intentional at a rooftop bar; at a walk-in-the-park-then-dinner scenario, swap to a soft sweater over the trousers so you don’t look like you’re heading to a board meeting. If the date involves movement, test your range in the mirror before you commit.

Smart casual decoded: Most guides overcomplicate it. One rule: structured on bottom, soft on top—or the reverse. Tailored trousers plus a fluid silk shell. Relaxed wide-leg pants plus a fitted knit. That tension between structure and ease hits the note every time. For more on walking that line, see the dress code said smart casual without the guesswork.

The Real Reason You Keep Changing Outfits Before a Date (It’s Not the Clothes)

Displacement activity in disguise: The frantic outfit-change loop—third top, fourth pair of pants—is often date anxiety parading as a wardrobe problem. Recognizing this separates actual fit fails from nervous energy. When you notice yourself spiraling, pause and ask: “Is this about the silhouette, or am I just feeling jumpy?” The honest answer redirects the energy where it belongs.

The comfort costume: You instinctively reach for the piece you wore during your last confident moment—a certain pair of heels, that one jacket—even when it makes zero sense for tonight’s venue. Instead of fighting the instinct, borrow just one element. If the jacket is too heavy for a wine bar, wear the earrings you had on that day. The sensory memory does the work; the outfit doesn’t need to be a full replica.

The 3-try rule: Give yourself exactly three full outfit attempts. After the third mirror check, the problem is emotional, not sartorial. The fourth change won’t solve it; it’ll just deepen the fatigue. Pick the best of the three and anchor yourself elsewhere—perfume, music, a quick breathing count.

The first outfit is often the one: You rejected it while your eye was still fresh. After ten-plus mirror confrontations, over-analysis distorts your judgment. If you’re stuck in a loop, go back to attempt number one and see if it suddenly looks calmer and more like you. It usually does.

Resetting confidence, not the hanger: A pre-date anchoring ritual that has zero to do with clothes. Press your bare feet into the floor for ten seconds and exhale slowly. Spritz a scent you associate with ease, not performance. These micro-actions ground you in your body, so the outfit you’re already wearing can actually do its job.

The Hidden Sabotage: Tiny Details Undermining Your Date Night Look

The bra that betrays you: Popular first-date silhouettes—halter, off-shoulder, low cowl back—require a specific under-layer. Standard bras ruin the line, and adhesive cups can gap. A convertible strapless with a low-back converter, or a well-structured bodysuit with built-in support, solves the problem silently. Test with your actual top: raise your arms, lean forward, check the side view.

Lint, hair, and that one deodorant smudge: Dark fabrics magnify every speck. If your black dress or navy trousers are a magnet, a quick swipe with the inside of a dryer sheet—kept in your bag—removes lint and static faster than any roller. For deodorant marks, the inside of the same garment rubbed gently against the spot works instantly.

“New” can be a liability: Shoes that bite, a stiff zipper that announces itself every time you move, tags you forgot to remove—these tiny discomforts distract both of you. The leather jacket you just bought might look perfect but if it creaks like a door hinge, you’ll spend the evening bracing. Wear any brand-new piece around the house for a hour first, and bring a backup pair of invisible socks if heels are fresh out of the box.

The clutch that can’t clutch: A miniature bag that won’t hold your phone plus a lip balm becomes a hand-occupying liability at a bar or while walking. I’d argue a slim crossbody or a sleek wristlet serves you better than any statement clutch, because it frees your hands for natural gestures—and you’re not awkwardly pinching it under your arm to order a drink. If you love the mini bag, test that it holds just the essentials and doesn’t kill the outfit by making you fumble.

Road test at home: Seams that chafe, a zipper that bites your hip when you sit, a tag that scratches your neck—these comfort micro-failures pull you out of the moment. Wear the full outfit for twenty minutes inside, sit in it, reach for a glass, cross your legs. If anything digs, fix it now. You’ll be present when it counts.

Your First Date Night Outfit Might Be Perfect, But Is Your Bag?

Downsize to a nimble bag, not your daily carry-all: A crossbody or wristlet supports fast transitions from bar to table to walking without armfuls of stuff.

A bag that makes you dig for your lip balm mid-sentence steals presence. Exterior phone slots and a snap-shut interior pocket are the real luxe. If your everyday bag is a tote that swallows your whole arm, it’s time to swap—you’ll avoid the fumbling that turns into the bag that kills the outfit.

Emergency fashion fixes that earn their pouch space: A tiny safety pin, clear nail polish, and double-sided tape handle a broken strap, a run, or a gaping neckline faster than an apology.

The nail polish stops a stocking run with one dot at the tear; let it dry before you leave the bathroom. Double-sided tape lives in every stylist’s kit—use it to anchor a wrap dress or a button-down that won’t obey.

Freshness over gum, always: Chewing gum on a date signals distraction and reads like you’re marking time. Pack mints or a mini tongue scraper and a tiny mouthwash concentrate instead.

A quick mint after coffee feels quiet; unwrapping a stick of gum mid-conversation does the opposite. The tongue scraper is the underrated hero—coffee breath vanishes in seconds, no loud crinkle required.

Comfort rescues that keep the night going: Blister plaster strips, foldable ballet flats, and a discreet foot-spray wipe stop a hobble before it starts.

Apply the plaster at the first hot spot, not after the blister blooms. Foldable flats only belong if they scrunch into a palm-sized pouch; anything bigger is a second bag you’ll resent carrying. A quick foot-spray wipe in the bathroom resets the whole mood.

Leave the phone charger at home: A battery pack adds bulk and invites you to check notifications when you should be present. A fully charged phone before you walk out the door is plenty.

When the low-battery panic hits, remember: no one remembers a date where you were glued to a charging cord. Light bag, light mind, full attention.

FAQ

What if I spill something on my First Date Night Outfit during dinner?

Dab the spot with cold water immediately—no frantic rubbing. If the stain is obvious, return to the table and say something light like “Well, that napkin lost the battle.” A genuine, minor mishap humanizes you; your ease matters far more than the spot.

Is it weird to wear the same First Date Night Outfit on a second date with someone else?

Not at all. Dates blur together, and no one else will remember what you wore last week. If the outfit makes you feel crisp and confident, it’s a secret weapon, not a wardrobe liability.

How do I wear a tight dress without worrying about visible panty lines ruining the look?

Grab laser-cut, seamless underwear in a shade close to your skin tone, or a thong with bonded edges that leave zero trace. If you’re still uneasy, a lightweight slip or a shorter, sheer-hem dress with a built-in smooth unitard erases the problem entirely.

Is it okay to take off my heels if my feet hurt mid-date?

Yes—with a little humor. Acknowledge the switch with something like “I love these, but my feet have filed a formal complaint,” then swap into compact flats or go barefoot if the setting allows. Comfort should never be the reason the evening ends early.

Can I wear a hat on a first date?

Baseball caps indoors read as disengaged; wide-brimmed hats block eye contact and intimacy. If it’s a weather-appropriate felt hat and the venue is casual-chic, wear it—but take it off the moment you sit down so your face stays open and your date can actually see you.