How to Dress to Impress for a Lunch Date

How to Dress to Impress for a Lunch Date
Written By
MB
Mimi Bullock
Published: Apr 30, 2013
Updated: Jul 18, 2019
2 minute read
Couple having a lunch in a restaurant
Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images

Looking for an impressive outfit for a lunch date and beyond? Whether lunching during a work break or meeting on a leisurely day off, the objective is the same -- present an honest style statement with your comfort in mind. Struggling with uncomfortable underwear or a coping with a constrictive dress skirt can keep your mind off the important things, like getting to know your date. For a lunch date, you should look attractive without appearing overtly sexy.

Suggestions for Women

Wear a fun dress like a sheath or shift dress. Unlike a skirt, you don't have to worry about a dress hiking up or resting unevenly on your hips. A basic dress plus a few pieces of jewelry or a flattering belt looks trendy and impressive. A knee-length dress is appropriate for a casual or dressy lunch.

Choose jewelry suitable for daytime like a cuff bracelet or small dangling earrings. Don't wear too much jewelry. Avoid wearing club attire like large hoop or chandelier style earrings or a dozen clinking bracelets. For a lunch date, dressy casual is a good guideline to follow.

Pair your dress with a fitted jacket or shrug. Removing your jacket once he arrives is an impressive power move that suggests you're in to him.

Wear comfortable shoes like cute flats or a wedge with a low heel. Pay attention to your toe nails if you wear peek-a-boo shoes. Small details count. Finish your outfit with a light spritz of perfume. Do not go overboard with the scent though; many people have allergies.

Suggestions for Men

Select a pair of flat-front dress pants for the date. Stick with dark colors like navy blue, black or gray. Khaki pants also make a good choice for a daytime date.

Advertisement

Wear a V-neck shirt tucked into your pants. V-necks elongate the neck and make men look taller, more masculine. Choose a color that complements your slacks, like black, heather gray or light blue. If you prefer, wear a neat polo shirt with tan khakis.

Slide a thin black belt around your waist. Avoid over-tightening your belt. You want to be comfortable for your lunch date. If wearing brown pants, wear a leather belt.

Select shoes to match your shirt/pants combination. Loafers, boat shoes or even dress shoes are appropriate for a lunch date. Unless you are dining beach side, avoid wearing sandals or flip flops to your date. Finish your outfit with a single spray of your signature cologne.

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images

Sponsored
Our Everyday Life Logo

Explore our everyday life, the best source for food and drink tips, health and general wellness, healthy relationships and much more.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.