Do’s and Don’ts on First Dates: Grooming/Attire

By: Richard Maloof

Ok guys, here we go! I am going to write a few articles on some Do’s and Don’ts on first dates, from grooming/attire to conversations. I am not claiming to be a dating expert because I have had my share of bad experiences, but that’s what it’s all about! If every first date were great there would be no need for services like Match.com or eharmony! I think that there are some basic things you can do to improve the chances that there might be a connection. I know men are very visual and its all about that at first, but don’t be fooled to think she isn’t checking you out! Your great sense of humor and personality mean nothing to her if she cannot get past the way you look.

Don’t: Get a haircut that day!

I think that it is admirable that you want to look your best for the big date but it can be disastrous. We have all had that one haircut that just has gone in a bad direction, even from your regular stylist. You ask them just to trim it up a little for the big date and their artistic side decides to come out. A bad haircut with not enough time to style through it can leave you seriously self-conscious.

Do: Own your style!

If you are a cool pair of jeans and chucks wearing guy, own that style! I see so many guys time after time who try to dress outside their style space and look so awkward doing it. If I see one more guy in dark jeans, blazer and un-tucked dress shirt, I am going to vomit! I call this the Nordstrom #1, so cliché!

Don’t:  Shave before you go!

This is along the same lines as the haircut and it always goes down the same way! Music is playing and your feeling a little jazzed about the date hoping she looks like her photos! You lather up and re-enact the scene from Top Gun when Tom Cruise is looking in the mirror after Goose dies. You are in your boxer briefs, you better not have his tighty whities on, and you make that cool look in the mirror. You gel up and start to shave and then it happens, a nerve spasm mis-guided twist of the razor. You wait for a second, please don’t be cut, and then the blood creeps out of what appears to be two parallel slices. Why razor cuts take forever to stop is a mystery to me and nothing looks better then dried facial blood on a first date … not!

Do: Strip!

It’s 2012 and there are so many products available for your grill! No matter what economic status that you fall into, you can afford a white strip. Teeth are a deal breaker and I am not saying that you have to have a perfect smile but keep them white. If your goal is to kiss her goodnight, rest assured that she is checking out what she is going to be putting her lips close to.

Don’t: Be Short!

I know there are some of you out there that will argue with me but please listen to this. Don’t wear shorts on a first date! If I had confidence in every guy’s ability to buy shorts that are dressy enough to wear on a first date, I might reconsider this. But most guys buy shorts that are comfortable and on sale, not appropriate for a first date.

Do: Trim!

The final DETAILED touch is to trim! It always fascinates me when I see a guy on a date and he dialed in his shirt, jeans and shoes, but didn’t finish himself off. Before you get dressed, do the once over trim session completing your “First Date” look. Eyebrows; check for random rogue black hairs pointing forward in full salute mode. Nose; inspect the nostrils for any long hairs exposed to the world ready to be introduced. Fingernails; check to make sure you aren’t rockin’ what appears to be a dollar store set of lee press-ons because nothing is a bigger turn off then unkempt fingernails!

If you follow these basic first date grooming/attire Do’s and Don’ts you will end up with a 10, and if you don’t, you will be home by 10!