Dinner Out
A wrap dress in a rich colour, plum, emerald or deep blue, is hard to beat: it defines the waist and moves with you. Add a statement earring and a comfortable block heel.
Style for curvy first dates
Plus Size Date Night Outfits That Feel Like You
What to wear for dinner, drinks, coffee or a walk, and how to feel great in it.
The Best Outfit Is One You Have Already Worn and Loved
The best plus size date night outfit is one you already own, have worn at least once, and feel fantastic in. A first date is not the moment to test a new dress, new shoes or new underwear. Choose something that fits you now, flatters the parts of you that you love, and lets you sit, walk and laugh without thinking about it. Then match it to the venue.
Dress for the date
Outfit Ideas for Every Kind of First Date
Match the effort to the place, then add one thing you love.
Drinks in a Bar
Well-fitting dark jeans, a silky or satin top and a tailored blazer. Smart, relaxed and easy to sit in, even on a bench.
Daytime Coffee
A midi skirt or soft trousers with a knit top or a pretty blouse, and trainers or ballet flats. Polished without trying too hard.
A Walk or Day Out
Leggings or jeans, a long top or tunic, a good coat and proper walking shoes. Anti-chafe shorts under a dress make a summer stroll far more pleasant.
Fit Is Everything
Sizes vary wildly between shops, so ignore the number on the label and go by how it fits. Clothes that are too tight pull and dig; clothes that are too big hide you and make you look shapeless. The sweet spot skims your body and sits comfortably at the waist. If a dress fits your hips but gapes at the bust, a tailor can take it in for very little, and it will feel made for you.
Do a sitting test at home. Sit on a dining chair for five minutes in the outfit. If anything rides up, digs in or needs constant tugging, change it. You want to forget about your clothes the moment you sit down opposite someone.
Colour, Prints and the Old Rules
The old rules said plus size women should wear black, avoid horizontal stripes and never show their arms. You can ignore all of them. Wear the colour that makes your skin glow and people tell you you look well in. Bold prints are joyful on a curvy figure. If you love your arms, show them; if you would rather not, a sheer sleeve or a light cardigan works. Confidence reads from across a room in a way no slimming trick does.
The Finishing Touches
- Underwear that fits. A well-fitted bra changes how every top sits. Many lingerie shops offer free fittings.
- Shoes you can walk in. A block heel, a wedge or smart flats. You may end up walking further than planned.
- A bag with room. Phone, keys, lipstick, a plaster, and a little cash for your own way home.
- One signature piece. A scarf, a necklace or a lipstick colour that people remember.
For where to go, see our first date ideas for curvy singles, and for everything else about the date itself, read dating as a plus size woman.
Outfit Questions
What Should a Plus Size Woman Wear on a First Date?
Something you already love and feel comfortable in, matched to the venue: a wrap dress for dinner, jeans and a nice top for drinks, softer layers for a daytime coffee.
Should I Wear Heels?
Only if you can walk comfortably in them for ten minutes. Block heels, wedges and smart flats all look great.
Is Black the Most Flattering Colour?
Not necessarily. The most flattering colour is the one that suits your skin and makes you feel good. Rich jewel tones are a lovely alternative.