summertime date night outfit ideas

When it comes to dressing for a date, I usually like to keep it simple. While I love sporting fashion forward pieces throughout the week and when I’m out with friends, men generally don’t get or appreciate cool new trends like corset-belted tops, mule flats, etc. If you are familiar with Man Repeller, you already get the idea – there’s definitely an art to dressing for men vs dressing for women. Of course, what you wear really shouldn’t matter and to each her own, but when I’m going out with someone new for the first few times, I don’t like to wear anything too “out there”. This means opting for simple, flattering silhouettes that show off my shape.

I typically try to avoid boxy dresses and tops, and if I’m going to wear pants they’ve got to be skinny as to show off my legs. If it’s a day date or drinks after work, I’ll opt for a casual dress that is fitted at the waist and wear it with cute flat sandals. For a dinner date, I’ll grab a slimming pair of skinny jeans, a cute top like this one and my go-to nude heels. Shop more of my favorite date-appropriate pieces below!

DATE NIGHT TOPS:

• You really can’t go wrong with an off-the-shoulder top like this one. I just picked it up for myself!
• This lace-detailed cami is under $100 and perfect for summer.
• Dress up your jeans with this shiny satin top from Ramy Brook. So pretty!
• This tie-front top is polished and put together, but you definitely won’t look like you’re trying too hard.
• This skinny stripe one-shoulder top is under $100 and another excellent summer staple.
• This lace + silk tank is a wardrobe staple you’ll wear year round with jackets, but it’s a sexy little silhouette on its own for a night out!
• I love the ease of this cotton and linen blend peplum top. Plus, it’s under $40!
• Wear this ruffled white top with white jeans for a clean, crisp look.

CUTE & CASUAL FIRST DATE DRESSES:

• This little dress I featured last night on Instagram is a great day date (or date night) option! It’s under $100 too.
• Flirty and dainty meet in this adorable gingham getup.
• I love the casual look of this short-sleeved Tularosa dress. The belt is great for cinching in your waist!
• Can’t forget an off-the-shoulder option like this one or this one! Or this one!
• This effortless LBD is ideal for a super hot day, don’t you think? Also love this simple style.
• This J.O.A. dress is under $100 and features the most flattering cut!
• For a maxi dress, try this one or this one.

{ photos by Courtnee Murphy Photography }