We've all been on one. The date-you-aren't-sure-is-actually-a-date. You've texted like 40 times in the last two days and you feel like you know him intimately. But you still haven't actually even snogged. And now you're hanging out this Saturday, but... is it a hang out, or a hook up?
It's tough. And it's so easy to make the wrong call. 'I bet he's not into me so I will just wear my boyfriend jeans and Converse', you think. Then he takes you to some totally suave upside down, back-to-front, reverse lit bar where the cocktails are served in ancient pieces of lava and you feel like a total nerd for getting it wrong. Or, on the flip side, you dress up like the proverbial dog's dinner, all bodycon boobs and trembly stilettos. Then he takes you to a gig and spends all his time flirting with the girl he just met, whilst you miserably fail to stop the drunk dickhead next to you spilling his tinny all over your boobs.
Let us save you from that pain and misery. Strike it from all angles, folks. Look kinda smart, kinda relaxed, kinda cool, kinda sexy. It's not easy alchemy; but we've done it for you.
Go for the sweater and jeans; but add some killer boots
There's never an occasion for which Vintage Levi 550's, £45 Urban Outfitters are not befitting. Even for super smart soirees, you can just add a backless camisole and strappy sandals. On this occasion, opt for a super-fluffy knit, but razz things up with some outrageously swish boots. These Susanna Studded Leather Ankle Boots, £895 Chloe at Matches Fashion are the stuff of booty dreams. If it turns out not to be a date, you're safe in this supercool but understated outfit.
Think silky; think sporty
Pluck the highlights of the sports luxe trend, with this look. This silky Maison Scotch bomber jacket, with its faint metallic overtones, nicely compliments a bias cut liquid silver Midi Pencil Skirt, £24.06 Front Row Shop. Silver midi skirts are gonna be huge - just ask Jourdan Dunn. Keep it easy breezy covergirl with some fail-safe NBs - we like these 420 Runner Suede Trainers, £60 New Balance at Urban Outfitters for a bit of variety over the classic hues. If it's a date, then you've got the sass covered with your skirt. If it's not, you can fist pump him like a bro in your bomber.
3.Bi-colour Satin Bomber Jacket, £475 Marc by Marc Jacobs at Matches Fashion
Offset some raunchy leather with an oversized shirt
Bored of black leather trousers? What about red. Some serious va va voom in there. Even Thierry Henry will want to take you on a date when he sees these Leather Panel Stretch Leggings, £247.50 Joseph at FarFetch. Leather trousers are expensive, but they're worth it. That said, there's no doubt red leather trousers might insinuate that you're feeling the romanzzz, so tone it down with an oversized vintage tartan shirt. Every girl should own one of these; just ask Margaret Zhang. Plus you're maybe-date will totally notice that you are wearing another man's shirt. We don't like to play games, but.... OK, sometimes we do.
With thanks to Lydia Graham at Models 1
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.