Studies show that, on average, women spend 45 minutes a day deciding what to wear.
We all know this time is fraught with stress and anxiety, even just for work, never mind a date; there, we can just bump those stress numbers up exponentially!
Well, be anxious no more. After making a study of daily dressing over a number of years, I have developed a system of essentials that eliminates this anxiety-producing exercise. I have done so because I have found that we women often tend to shop somewhat impulsively—so we end up with a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear.
I work with my clients to eliminate all of this and the way we approach it is by creating and filling a list of essentials from which we can draw and that we use in many capacities.
Ten dating essentials every woman needs to own
Note that these pieces can be perfect for anything from casual, to work to cocktail.
1. Jeans for that casual sexy date…
Jeans are a staple of American life. For our purposes here we will be pairing them with a sexy top of some sort. Remember, whatever the current trend, your jeans must be flattering. A style is only good if it looks good on you.
Flare jeans are a “go-to” for everyone as they are flattering on every body type—I promise! Their curves are sexy, flattering, and an all-around winner. Just ask any man—or woman for that matter!
Wide-leg jeans come and go, and they are wonderful as they flatter the backside by, oddly enough, making it look smaller. Ankle-length straight-leg jeans, the current hot trend, are yummy but be sure you know how to wear them, so you look fabulous. If you are narrow in the hips, these are great. If you have a wide backside, be honest when checking yourself out. Remember, we are working to attract, not repel… so be sure. If you feel a shorter top isn’t your best look, then find one that covers the hips. Mid-thigh is the best as it really slenderizes and lengthens.
2. Sexy, not trashy, tops.
The halter top is an incredibly flattering look. When selecting a halter top you want to make sure you have one that goes up to at least the base of your neck. From a design perspective, there is a lot going on when we’re talking about a plunging neckline and an open back, so remember, a higher neckline is just plain chic with this style of top.
Halters are the most flattering to your arms (and this cutaway look extends to the sleeveless cutaway or racer back look in any top). When you think “sexy top,” think in terms of what I mentioned above. There’s something to be said for leaving a little something to the imagination. And, as an added bonus, when a sexy top isn’t too revealing, it can be worn for work and for a cocktail look.
3. Pointy toe pumps or boots
Why this style? There’s just no denying they are sexy! The pointy-toe silhouette gives the illusion of lengthening and slenderizing. These shoes work miracles on your legs when worn with a skirt or dress! Naturally, this shoe style can also be worn for all types of occasions, making them much more desirable. I’m all for versatility!
4. Black strappy sandals
This style is a must for every dating wardrobe. Black strappy sandals are sexy and feminine; what’s not to love? The ankle strap silhouette with a single strap across the front of the foot is the most flattering style for both your foot and your leg. And you can easily find this style everywhere.
5. Black designer dress pants
Again, this staple will have multiple uses, from dates to business attire and even business cocktail. This is a show-stopper when paired with the halter top or another sexy top. Take note that with this piece, you want to go the designer route because the fabric, drape, and cut are gorgeous and will look incredible on you. Trust me, the difference between designer and lesser quality dress pants is massively visible.
6. The Little Black Dress (LBD)
The Little Black Dress is another sensational piece and oh-so-versatile. Beware of going too short, too skimpy, or too tight as you want this piece to be both timeless and so chic that people will pause to observe how fabulous you look. Think Angelina Jolie when it comes to this piece.
7. The cashmere wrap
This is the perfect third-piece accessory. It will keep you warm in a chilly restaurant or theatre and finish your look beautifully. I recommend owning black and also winter white as staples. You’ll also want to own them in both a winter and summer weight. They are indispensable in both function and polishing your look.
8. The little black evening bag
Your evening bag should not be satin if you want it to be versatile. Satin is strictly for use in black tie situations. A small bag in leather can be used for casual evenings out and cocktail.
Remember you do not want to use your day bag for evening. It will be too big and inappropriate for the setting, which will diminish your chic—after all, what we’re all about here. Be sure you have your small evening or “going out” bag in black. And after you have that staple in your wardrobe, you can branch out to other neutral colors and eventually bolder colors if you are a color person.
9. Skirts… from pencil to flirty.
The length of the skirt will depend on the shape of your legs, and I’ll say once more that you want to go for sexy with sophistication. Skirts that are too short and/or too tight are simply trashy looking.
Skirts are a fabulous option for an evening out and can also be super comfy with your casual looks, so be sure to include one or two in your wardrobe.
10. Sexy, chic earrings, bangles, cuff, and a big-faced watch…
These accessories are all the finishers you want. Remember, less is more, so don’t overdo it. You don’t want to look like your jewelry is wearing you. Simple but spectacular is what we are looking for here.
Here is your list; be sure to check where you stand with it. If you don’t own all the pieces that we mention in this article, then make a list and acquire them. Remember, black is the key to easy dressing in ultimate chic when choosing your pieces.
Be sure to take the time to choose well, and you will have your pieces forever. Then, when that date comes along, you are prepared with confidence. And confidence is a winner every time.
