First dates are nerve wracking at the best of times, but even more so if it's your first post-divorce date. Throw in the worry of what to wear on a first date in your 60s, and it can take all your might not to cancel the date altogether and declare yourself single forever.
But before you make up an excuse as to why you can't go on a date, consider this; it's your chance to start over, to be your most authentic, unapologetic self. Dating in your 60s is less about following the rules and more about showing off who you are; after all, it's not about perfection but a connection.
- The wrap dress: Sosandar Metallic Spot Wrap Dress, £75 / $165
- The linen blazer: NRBY Linen Blazer, £199
- The silk cami: Boden Ara Silk Lace Cami, £89 / $130
- The jeans: M&S Autograph Lyocell Blend Flared Jeans, £55 / $90.99
- The bag: Melie Bianco Larissa Woven Faux-Leather Shoulder Bag, £88 / $150
Dressing for a first date in your 60s is less about following the rules and more about feeling confident in your own skin. The goal isn't to look younger, but to feel your best self. A great first-date outfit should strike the perfect balance between polished and relaxed. Think well-fitting pieces that feel effortless rather than overdone, something you feel comfortable in but also reflects your own personal style.
© GettyIt’s also worth considering the setting of the date. A casual coffee catch-up calls for something more laidback, like quiet luxury, while dinner at a restaurant might invite a slightly more glam look.
Fashion and fitness influencer Fiona Lambert knows a thing about dressing for the best version of yourself. Having recently divorced, the 63-year-old says she "rediscovered myself as a single woman" and put her findings into two books, Invincible Not Invisible and S. A. S. Sixty and Single: Your Survival Guide to Dating.
Fiona's advice on what to wear on a date in your 60s? "Your clothes say a lot about your personality, so wear something that feels like you, but slightly elevated. You would like to think your date had made an effort to look nice for you, so your outfit should reflect the same."
Fiona's shared her failsafe outfit ideas for a first date post-divorce
- A wrap dress: A wrap dress is a no-fail classic. Flattering, feminine, and comfortable
- Dark jeans & a linen blazer: Dark jeans and a blazer with a silk camisole? Effortless. You can always push the sleeves up on the blazer (held with a band as a secret styling trick) to look more relaxed. I am favouring a slightly flared wide leg jean, with a nod to the seventies- think Bianca Jagger.
- Have fun with accessories: Add something with a bit of sparkle or colour that reflects your personality and that should be sparkling - earrings, shoes, or a fun clutch.
- Simple equals effortless: Most importantly, don’t wear something you have to fuss with. If you’re constantly tugging at it or adjusting, it’s not the one. You want to be able to be in the moment and focus on him, not your hemline.
© InstagramFiona's key pieces for your first date outfit in your 60s
1. The Wrap Dress
Forever flattering, a wrap dress will suit any first-date venue - whether it's a coffee shop, gastropub or cocktails. Choose alternative prints to florals, like polka dot or animal print for a fresh look, or stick to neutrals and let your accessories do the talking.
Sosandar Metallic Spot Wrap Dress
© SosandarGo for polka dots in alternative colours, like metallics or brights.
Aspiga Ella EcoVero™ Wrap Dress
© AspigaThis soft, jersey wrap dress features a ruffled neckline and flirty floral design.
Roman Textured Wrap Dress
© RomanA great comfortable staple, this classic dress is fitted for added sexiness, with a flattering wrap detail and tactile texture.
2. The Blazer
This piece will not only be ideal with jeans, but can be worn as an overcoat over your date-night dress. Go for linen in the summer months.
NRBY Freddie Pure Linen Jacket
© NRBYThis is a great relaxed blazer, made from linen to keep you cool.
Boden Stamford Linen Blazer
© BodenTry pastel shades for a more summery look.
Karen Millen Linen Single Breasted Blazer
© Karen MillenContrast buttons add a point of difference to a simple blazer and jeans ensemble.
3. The Silk Cami To Wear Under Blazer
Layering a silk cami under a blazer is a sexy, yet chic way to do smart casual. Look for camisoles with lace trims or stick to a plain silk cami for added comfort.
Boden Ara Silk Blend Lace Cami
© BodenThe lace trim on this camisole gives an expensive air.
Phase Eight Silk Camisole
© Phase EightWider straps can hide a bra strap, and might make a more comfortable fit.
4. The Nice Top
If a silk cami and blazer isn't quite the look for you, try a sexy top - it could be fitted, with peekaboo detailing or flowing to add an air of mystery.
H&M Scarf Collar Blouse
© H&MThe feminine frills add a playful touch.
Phase Eight Cowl Neck Top
© Phase EightA cowl neck is exra sexy too.
5. The Jeans
Dark denim always looks chic, and a pair with a subtle flare elongates the leg - add the blazer and cami and it's your go-to outfit, sorted.
M&S Lyocell Blend High Waisted Flared Jeans
© M&SA high waist is flattering and the lyocell blend gives it a little stretch.
SPANXshape™ Authentic 360 Easy Flare Jeans
© SpanxThe Spanx flares have just the right amount of stretch and structure, with the brand's 360-degree panel for tummy and waist shaping.
Reiss Sakura Patch-Pocket Flared Jeans in Dark Blue
© ReissThe Reiss flared jeans have a smart front crease and look great with a top tucked in.
6. The Accessories
Fiona suggests showing off your personality with a fun accessory. That could be an embellished bag or an unusual shape, colourful earrings or fun jewellery.
Melie Bianco Larissa Woven Faux-Leather Shoulder Bag
© SuppliedThis cute bag comes in many colours, and is giving Bottega Veneta vibes.
Accessorize Wooden Handle Bag
© AccessorizeEmbellishment and beading instantly elevate any outfit, even if casual.
Carrie Elizabeth Coral Earrings
© Carrie ElizabethThese detailed earrings are fun and fashionable.
7. The Shoes
Go for shoes that make you feel sexy, be it a high heel, a sexy peekaboo flash or fancy flats.
Next Polkadot Forever Comfort® Square Toe Slingback Block Heels
© NextThese heels have comfort inners so you'll be able to wear them all night long.
Sole Bliss Soft Ballet Flats
© Sole BlissThese lean into a polished style as they look designer - but are made to be comfortable, too. These are the ones to wear with jeans and blazer, so chic!
